The International University of East Africa hosted Youth Fest 2024 on the theme, “The Role of Young People in Advancing Technology, Sustainable Energy & Global Business,” on 4th and 5th October 2024.
During this festival, the budding innovators of the day were congregated with world experts and key industry players to discuss the important role that young people can play in shaping up the future of technology, energy, and global business.
Youth Fest 2024 turned out to be an extremely interactive platform where participants came up with their innovations, critical discussions, and sought opportunities even in nuclear energy, healthcare, and global business. The event consisted of panel discussions, exhibitions, and keynote speeches focusing on sustainable development and the empowerment of young people.
The Vice-Chancellor of IUEA, Prof. Emeka Akaezuwa, gave a keynote address relating progress in technology and sustainability in energy to move Africa forward. He emphasized just how much nuclear energy is becoming key in powering the continent and with shared responsibility for the protection of the environment for generations to come:
“The two things that are needed to animate our systems are technology and energy. Nuclear energy for Africa is starting to become a key topic under discussion. Equally important is the ecology discussion: We live on planet Earth, and it must be safeguarded for future generations.”
The festival also welcomed international speakers, such as Ilona Iliasova, the Director of the Department of Intercultural Communications at BRICS Alliance Strategies, who underlined an international educative perspective and the transformative potentiality of young people. She emphasized the unity of participants, exchange of innovation, and culture to create real positive change.
Another significant contribution came from Aleksei Semenov, Head of Business Development for Rosatom Central and South Africa, on the economy of the investment in nuclear energy. He said that for every shilling invested in nuclear energy, eight shillings come back into the economy to drive innovation and open up job avenues for the youth. Semenov further reiterated that at Rosatom, in competitions and initiatives in the field of nuclear energy, support for young innovators is mainly welcomed.
The importance of Uganda-Russia collaboration was emphasized by Judith Obino Okumu, the Private Secretary to the President in charge of Political Affairs. She hailed the partnership for opening fresh horizons to Ugandan youth in nuclear energy, among other chief sectors:
“This friendship between Uganda, Russia, and Rosatom brings many good things, and gives Uganda a platform to play in the nuclear energy world.”
Day Two: A Cultural Celebration in Jinja
The second day of Youth Fest 2024 went cultural as people headed to Jinja, Uganda’s Tourism City, for a release of this vibrant celebration of the rich heritage of Uganda. The biggest youth party this year labeled an event showcasing the peculiar culture, music, and tourism of Uganda and underlined the fact that, in this world of globalization, cultures needed interchanging.
While Youth Fest 2024 will be showcasing the potential of youthful Ugandans, the contribution of innovation, technology, and cultural exchange has become key ingredients toward shaping the future of Africa. It is a call to action that the next generation should promote the cause of sustainable energy, technology, and business both regionally and on global platforms.
