Youth leaders,
Muslim leaders,
Representatives of Civil Society Organizations,
My friend Ahmed Hadji, who organized this event,
Ladies and gentlemen,
All protocols observed,I am delighted to be here today to celebrate the launch of the first Generation Change chapter in Uganda. Two years ago, Secretary Clinton launched Generation Change as a way to invest in future generations by creating long-term and positive relationships with the best and brightest now. We have identified you to participate in Generation Change because you are change-makers, self-starting team players, proven social entrepreneurs, and natural ambassadors to speak on behalf of Uganda. We hope that this two-day training marks the beginning of an enduring relationship with the U.S. Mission in Uganda. You truly are the future of Uganda and we want to give you the opportunity to shape that future and to become, individually and collectively, the embodiment of the change you hope to create for your nation.

As we worked to launch this initiative I was particularly pleased to learn that the Secretary’s Special Representative to Muslim Communities specifically requested that Uganda be included among the twenty Generation Change chapters to be established this year. It shows that Washington recognizes the important work that all of you are doing – in Kampala in Uganda, and in our increasingly inter-connected world. It also tells me that Washington has paid attention to our work with our Ugandan Youth Advisors, several of whom are here with us today.

We greatly value our partnership with you and appreciate your feedback on the issues that matter most to young Ugandans. This Generation Change chapter complements our Youth Advisors to Washington program and enhances our growing youth outreach efforts. We hope that we will see a multiplier effect as we as we partner with you to pursue common goals and I believe that our shared vision for the youth of this nation will be further enriched as you share it more broadly through your own networks and connections. Together, I believe, we can touch the lives of an entire generation of Ugandan youth and we must strive to do so if we really seek to encourage their constructive and productive engagement in shaping a positive future for Uganda.

The fact is that half the citizens of your country are under the age of 15. Almost 80 percent of the population is under the age of 30. You have the numbers and you have the energy to be agents of positive change in this country. You also have the responsibility because if you don’t do it, who will? It will be up to you to define a vision of the future and that vision, whatever it may be, will shape the nation — for better or for worse.

Your role as future leaders will not be easy; it never is. You will inherit challenges as well as opportunities. The question is, what will you do with both? Your nation will look to you for the answer.

And this isn’t true just in Uganda. As Secretary Clinton just noted on International Youth Day, around the world, “[t]here are more than three billion people under the age of 30. Young people represent a growing class who are yearning to have their voices heard. But in too many places around the world, the needs and concerns of young women and men continue to be marginalized. Countries are failing to provide young people with the chance to realize even their most basic aspirations. Their political will has too often been suppressed. Yet they are inextricably tied to the problems we all face, from security issues and the economy to changes in governments and society.”

Young people are at the heart of many of today’s great strategic challenges, from rebuilding the global economy to combating violent extremism to building sustainable democracies. Secretary Clinton has fought for years to put women’s empowerment on the international agenda. It’s time to put youth empowerment there too.

We are particularly proud of Generation Change’s emphasis on inter-faith dialogue. Generation Change seeks to empower young change-makers in Muslim communities and their peers around the world to collaborate on community-based service projects, build bridges between people of different backgrounds and faiths, and counter narratives that contribute to conflict and violent extremism. Muslim leaders in this country, like their counterparts in the United States, are at the forefront of promoting human rights, inter-faith dialogue, and respect for diversity. These principles and values, which unite Muslims and non-Muslims alike, are central themes in our common pursuit of justice, progress, tolerance, and respect for the dignity of all human beings.

I know that working together we can develop fruitful interfaith cooperation and dialogue to improve the lives of all Ugandans – young and old. We hope that by working together, we can help provide you with the skills, resources, and networks you need to be agents of change in your communities.

You come from diverse backgrounds—from health-related organizations such as the Haven Anti-Aids Foundation and the Young Healthy Advocates Uganda; media organizations such as the Youth Media Mentoring Initiative and Early Life Radio; inter-faith groups such as the United Religious Initiative, the Uganda Interfaith Youth Network, and the Somali Youth Action for Change. Most strikingly, however, no matter your institutional or organizational roots, you have all been a force of good in your communities.

Now we hope that you will build upon what you have done in your communities to also benefit the future of the nation as a whole. As a first step, relish the diversity that you bring to this Generation Change chapter for in your divergent views and different perspectives we will find the rich competition of ideas that can be the catalyst for change. At the same time, however, I urge you to also look beyond your diversity and recognize that there is more that unites you as young Ugandans concerned for your nation’s future than divides you. We believe that no matter your faith, no matter your tribe, no matter your language or your politics, if you look beyond the constraining optics of traditional definitions of identity, you may find new pathways to the future opening before you.

Ultimately, it is young change makers like yourselves who truly bear the burden—and enjoy the opportunity—of taking Uganda toward the future you envision. We applaud your many talents and can’t wait to see what Generation Change will be in your hands.

By the end of today, you will have had trainings in collaboration, networking, and presentation skills; activities devoted to team-building and public service organization; and practice defining your own goals and mission statement. But this two-day training is truly just the beginning. The support you will receive from the Generation Change chapter, including small grants by which to pursue your own projects as a team, will empower you to make real change and to inspire others to join in your cause.

I ask that you share your energy and vision with us. Even those of us of another generation are using the tools of yours as we seek to build bridges and stay in touch. Facebook, Twitter, webchats, and more, are part of our repertoire and we will use them to broaden our engagement and partnership with you. I hope all of you will join the conversation on my Facebook page (Scott H. DeLisi) and on the Embassy’s (U.S. Mission Uganda).

We look forward to seeing you all again at the TEDx conference on December 14th and to watching what you do with this opportunity you’ve been given. Thank you all for being here today and for accepting the challenge to create positive change for Uganda’s youth through Generation Change. I am confident that together we can realize the promise of the future you hope to build.

Thank you.

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