December 11, 2024 (Entebbe, Uganda): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), through its Land Governance Unit and in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development of the Republic of Uganda, successfully concluded a landmark three-day meeting with the IGAD Land Governance Youth Steering Committee.
The meeting aimed to bolster knowledge management capacities in land governance programming and amplify youth engagement at local, national, and regional levels. This initiative aligns with IGAD’s commitment to inclusivity, participatory governance, and the empowerment of young people in managing land and resources within the region.
Key outcomes of the meeting included:
- Development of a Comprehensive Youth-Led Organisations Database
Participants, guided by IGAD’s Communication Unit and the Steering Committee’s Sub-committee on Communication, created a robust database of youth-led and youth-focused organisations involved in land governance across the IGAD region. This database will be hosted on IGAD’s communication platforms, serving as a centralised tool for sharing updates and engaging audiences during a planned three-month digital media campaign. - Creation of a Content Calendar for the Upcoming Youth Conference
Using a Hackathon approach and with support from IGAD’s Secretariat Communication team, participants developed a strategic content calendar for the IGAD Youth Conference, set for August. The calendar outlines target audiences, platforms, content types (such as banners and text), and key messaging to ensure streamlined communication and engagement.
These outcomes will feed into a broader knowledge management system designed to:
- Raise Awareness about youth-led solutions and advocacy in land governance through country-specific digital media campaigns.
- Facilitate Cross-Regional Learning by connecting youth involved in land-related initiatives.
- Centralise Resources and Information to support evidence-based decision-making and advocacy.
- Promote Youth Engagement by showcasing the work of youth-led organisations and enhancing access to resources and partnerships.
- Create an Online Repository of policies, frameworks, and resources on youth and land governance.
Speaking at the event’s closing session, Mr. Mubarak Mabuya, IGAD’s Chief of Staff, representing the Executive Secretary, underscored the importance of empowering youth in shaping the future of land governance.
“Land is more than an asset; it embodies economic opportunity, cultural identity, and environmental resilience. By empowering youth through knowledge management and digital platforms, we are cultivating leaders who will transform challenges into opportunities, unlocking their potential for progress,” said Mr. Mabuya.
He further emphasised IGAD’s dedication to collaboration across borders, disciplines, and generations, stating, “Youth will remain at the forefront of IGAD’s land governance initiatives, ensuring a future that is equitable, sustainable, and prosperous for all.”
Representing the Government of Uganda, Ms. Naome Kabanda, Director of Land Management at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, officiated the event’s closure. She urged youth to sustain their commitment to building a strong foundation for engagement in land governance across the IGAD region.
“Together, we can create a region where youth are not only heard but empowered as leaders and stakeholders in land governance. The challenge now lies in translating the outcomes of this meeting into impactful actions,” Ms. Kabanda remarked.
The initiatives launched during this meeting will involve a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- The IGAD Youth Steering Committee, tasked with designing and implementing the digital media campaign and overseeing the campaign strategy and database management.
- Member State Ministries of Land, collaborating to map youth-led organisations and support youth engagement at national levels.
This milestone event signifies IGAD’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive governance and empowering the region’s youth to lead in addressing critical land and resource challenges.
