Samarkand, Uzbekistan | H.E. Doreen Ruth Amule, Head of Uganda’s Delegation and Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Paris Chapter, has positioned Uganda as a global leader on youth empowerment, refugee inclusion, and innovation during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference held on 4th November 2025.
In her address, Amule highlighted Uganda’s efforts to equip young people with skills for the 21st century, citing the introduction of a competence-based curriculum in secondary schools and various initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
She emphasized that Uganda’s youth population, which constitutes about 73% of the nation, is at the core of the country’s development agenda.
Amule also spotlighted Uganda’s commitment to refugee inclusion and higher education access, noting that over 1.8 million refugees reside in the country.
Through the UNESCO Qualifications Passport programme, 49 refugees have been awarded passports to pursue higher education, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for marginalized communities.
On innovation, Amule showcased Uganda’s strides in digital transformation, science, and technology, including plans to develop a national digital repository and initiatives to enhance responsible media reporting.
She further highlighted the growth of Uganda’s creative sector, particularly the film industry, supported by regional collaboration under the International Funds for Cultural Diversity Project (IFCDP).
Amule also drew attention to Uganda’s environmental and cultural achievements, including the designation of Mt. Elgon as a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve with Kenya, and ongoing preparations for World Heritage nominations, including Lake Victoria, Mt. Moroto, Mt. Napak, and the Transnational Geometric Rock Art Sites.
She expressed gratitude to Japan and Norway for supporting the restoration of the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site destroyed by fire in 2010.
Speaking on behalf of NAM, Amule reaffirmed the importance of global solidarity, multilateral cooperation, and equitable support for Africa and Small Island Developing States, while advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict and emphasizing the role of mother-language education and lifelong learning.
Through her address, Amule positioned Uganda as a proactive and inclusive leader on the global stage, advancing education, youth empowerment, refugee inclusion, innovation, and cultural preservation.
