Six Makerere University students joined peers from 18 countries in Istanbul, Turkey, for the inaugural For Youth, By Youth Conference, a global forum on conscious leadership and solidarity convened by the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities from 17–18 November 2025.
The students were part of a 75-member cohort drawn from leading universities across the world for the first-ever youth-led conference, organised in partnership with paNhari and Sabancı University and supported by the Mastercard Foundation.
During the conference, participants held panel discussions, made presentations and drafted the For Youth, By Youth Movement Charter and the Talloires Declaration, the first international declaration authored entirely by students.
Makerere’s delegation included Naomi Ayebale, Sandrah Naikambo, Kirabo Joel, Helena Nuwagaba, Harriet Tyobo Yake and Harunah Damba, alongside two sign-language interpreters, who described the experience as a turning point in their leadership journeys.
Ayebale, a Clinical Psychology student who spoke on the panel Struggles for Justice and Peace in Our World, said the conference created a space “where every voice truly mattered,” and underscored the responsibility young people carry in shaping solutions.
Other delegates described the event as an inspiring platform that strengthened their resolve to drive change in their communities, while highlighting the value of global collaboration among youth leaders.
The conference also spotlighted Makerere University’s earlier role in nurturing the movement, which was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic by 36 Next Generation Leaders from 18 countries, including Makerere’s Harunah Damba and Patrovas Okidi, who organised community engagements to identify youth-led priorities.
In recognition of the university’s support, the founders presented a plaque to Makerere Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in December 2023.
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