Denise Ayebare

The Office of the President of Uganda is the central institution responsible for executing presidential duties and shaping national policies

• Developed and led strategic initiatives to engage youth in climate action, including 6 national forums and awareness campaigns that amplify their voices and encourage active participation in climate policy development
• Advised on the integration of youth perspectives into national climate strategies and action plans resulting in the COP28 & COP29 position papers, ensuring that climate policies address the needs and priorities of younger generations

• Spearheaded negotiations at international forums including Stochkolm+50, COP27, and COP28, COP29 advocating for bold climate action and representing the interests of youth and marginalized communities
• Championed gender-inclusive policies and initiatives within climate negotiations, ensuring that the voices and concerns of all individuals are considered in the development of climate strategies
• Played a pivotal role as a representative of refugees within the YOUNGO Adaptation group, advocating for the inclusion of marginalized communities in climate adaptation and resilience-building efforts
• Delivered keynote addresses at prominent conferences such as the Doha Youth Forum, Uganda Water Week, and Asian Sustainability Conference, advocating for climate justice and the inclusion of marginalized groups in climate discourse

BetterLife International is a youth-led non-governmental organization dedicated to creating a brighter future for everyone. Based in Uganda with operations in South Sudan, Tanzania, and Ghana we work closely with children, youth, refugees, and internally displaced people to bring about climate action and we have empowered over 40,000 people.

• Oversaw operations, financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability of the organization.
• Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.

Green Africa Youth Organization Uganda focuses on empowering youth to lead and engage in environmental sustainability and conservation efforts

• Managed and coordinated 35 volunteer initiatives, recruiting and training 5000 young volunteers for various environmental campaigns, ensuring their effective participation and contribution to organizational goals
• Monitored and reported on program outcomes, utilizing feedback and performance metrics to refine program strategies and enhance the overall impact of youth engagement efforts

The IGAD Youth Envoy Office is dedicated to enhancing the involvement of youth in regional policy-making and advocacy, with a focus on addressing critical issues such as climate change in the Horn and East of Africa

• Provided expert legal advice and analysis on climate change legislation and policy, assisting in the development of strategies and initiatives that address climate impacts and promote environmental justice
• Developed and implemented legal frameworks and policies that support climate action and environmental sustainability, ensuring alignment with regional and international climate agreements and standards

Company Overview: The National Youth Council (NYC) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament (National Youth Council Act Cap 319) as an umbrella organization of all Youth in Uganda and is mandated to organize, mobilize and engage youth in development activities as well as protect them from any kind of manipulation

• Organized and led national climate action campaigns and events, including youth conferences and seminars, to galvanize support for climate initiatives and drive policy change at both local and national levels
• Monitored and evaluated the effectiveness of youth engagement in climate projects, gathering feedback and insights to continually improve strategies and address emerging climate challenges
• Designed and implemented youth-centered climate action programs that engage young people in environmental advocacy, sustainability practices, and climate resilience projects across Uganda

The National Youth Parliament is a unique platform that aims to create a platform for young people to actively participate in policy-making and decision-making processes

• Designed and implemented online, face-to-face, and blended professional training courses for the Policy and Analysis Programe across all the 4 regions of Uganda in 113 districts.
• Moved a motion in the parliament urging the Government of Uganda to prioritize climate action and mitigation
• Partnered with other organizations for the Local Conference of the Youth and formed climate change campaigns around the country

Cherish Aid Foundation is a youth-led non-profit organization that engages young people to fight against climate change through sensitization, school outreaches and influencing of policies in favor of solving climate change problems

• Coordinated the installation of 48 biogas plants in Western Uganda to increase access to environmental friendly means
• Coordinated tree planting activities in 124 districts of Uganda through engaging town councils and district local governments
• Ensured sensitization of different local communities to be empowered with climate education and awareness