AAYC Delegation Engages Special Envoy Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda on Fundraising Efforts
In a strategic move to advance the construction of the Afro Arab Youth Council (AAYC) International Headquarters, the Secretary General of AAYC, Hon. Dr. Abbas Agaba, led a delegation of AAYC staff to meet with former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda.
The meeting, which took place in Kampala, aimed to provide a detailed update on the fundraising efforts for the landmark project in Nakawuka. Dr. Rugunda, who was appointed by President Yoweri Museveni in January as the Special Envoy for the initiative, expressed his commitment to ensuring the success of the campaign.
During the engagement, the Secretary General elaborated on the critical components of the headquarters, underscoring its significance in strengthening collaboration between African and Arab youth. He detailed the major structures to be constructed, including a modern office block that will serve as the nerve center of AAYC’s operations, an international sports stadium intended to host regional and continental tournaments, and a world-class hotel designed to international standards to accommodate dignitaries and visiting delegates.
Furthermore, the project will feature a University of Science and Technology, dedicated to advancing education and research among African and Arab youth, and an African and Arab Cultural Heritage Center, which will celebrate and preserve the deep-rooted historical ties between the two regions.
The Secretary General also provided an in-depth briefing on the mobilization of global support for the project. He highlighted the letters sent by the President to various AAYC member states, reminding them of their commitment to financially supporting the headquarters’ construction. Additionally, he informed Dr. Rugunda about planned diplomatic excursions to key partner countries such as Morocco and Nigeria, where AAYC aims to secure further pledges and strategic collaborations to bolster fundraising efforts.
To facilitate Dr. Rugunda’s role as Special Envoy, the Secretary General officially handed over all relevant documentation, ensuring that he has access to comprehensive details regarding the progress of the fundraising, commitments received, and the overall strategic plan for mobilizing additional resources. Dr. Rugunda commended the AAYC leadership for their proactive approach and reaffirmed his dedication to engaging with key stakeholders to garner further financial and technical support.
Dr. Rugunda shared his experience in working with youth movements and expressed his deep appreciation for their energy and commitment to development. He acknowledged the challenges facing the youth, including human rights concerns, democracy, and poverty, emphasizing that these are complex issues that require collective effort.
He encouraged Afro-Arab youth to take an active role in addressing these challenges by fostering unity among themselves and strengthening the ties between their nations. He praised the AAYC for creating a platform that empowers young people to take charge of their future and drive meaningful change.
He further urged the youth to position themselves as catalysts for transformation in their communities and beyond. He emphasized that the responsibility of shaping a better future does not rest solely on individuals but on a collective effort from young people who must come together for a common cause. He commended the delegation for their resilience and thanked the Secretary General for his leadership, reaffirming his belief that the youth hold the power to create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the Afro-Arab world.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the discussion on the upcoming AAYC Congress, scheduled for May 2025. This highly anticipated event will serve as the official launch platform for the fundraising campaign, bringing together high-profile leaders, diplomats, and youth representatives from across Africa and the Arab world. The Congress will be instrumental in rallying financial and technical backing, ensuring that the ambitious project remains on course for timely implementation and completion.
The construction of the AAYC International Headquarters is expected to be a transformative initiative, creating a vibrant hub for youth empowerment, economic development, and cross-continental cooperation. Through this project, AAYC continues to reaffirm its commitment to fostering peace, development, and meaningful partnerships between African and Arab youth.
With momentum building, the AAYC remains steadfast in its pursuit of making this vision a reality. Stakeholders and well-wishers are encouraged to stay engaged and support the initiative as it takes shape, setting the foundation for a legacy that will serve future generations of African and Arab youth.