International Youth Day: we must listen when the youth push for renewable energy

Every 12th August, we get an opportunity to ponder what International Youth Day means and whether we’ve made youth issues part of global conversations or acknowledged how young people can contribute to building a better world, as the UN General Assembly envisioned when this day was established in 1999.

There could be no better moment to heed this call in East Africa, especially in Uganda and Tanzania. The ongoing discussions about the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project have shown sharp divisions between generations, with many young people opposing it vehemently.

These youth concerns are not without basis. With fossil fuels peaking by around 2030, projects such as EACOP risk becoming stranded assets, leaving future generations with economic and environmental burdens. These youngsters are not just against the pipeline; they support renewable energy as a sustainable way forward.

Regrettably, the authorities' reaction has been far less fruitful. There have been interruptions in peaceful demonstrations and arrests of youthful activists. While many protesters have been released rather quickly following international condemnation of these arrests, what remains is that these arrests should never have taken place.

Therefore, on this International Youth Day, both Uganda’s and Tanzania’s governments must truly live up to their purpose as democratically elected governements that value their constituents. Time has come to prioritize youth participation in serious conversations about EACOP and regional energy discussions, because ultimately, their lives will be affected most.

Real engagement does not only mean tokenism where young people are present for ceremonial purposes but rather active listening regarding their concerns and involving them when making renewable energy proposals among others. And ensuring their voices count in the decision-making processes. If today’s youth refuse EACOP, then let policymakers pay attention to their thoughts.

This theme of International Youth Day reminds us that the youth represent more than just the leaders of tomorrow; they can in fact become our partners today. Their voices, actions, and initiatives must be integrated into the mainstream discourse with due regard.

So, as we celebrate this day, let us move beyond talk. Let’s create spaces for real dialogue where young people are allowed to speak their minds without any fear of retribution. Let us explore what they offer as an alternative and genuinely consider their vision for a sustainable future.

Youth take care of tomorrow. Therefore, let’s start trusting them now so that they can direct it.