I wanted to share my remarks from yesterdays launch of the youth leadership camp run by the Ugandan Muslim Youth Development Forum. Ive pasted them below, but you can also find these and other remarks on our website: kampala.usembassy.gov/remarks.html. I am delighted to be here today to celebrate the launch of the Youth Leadership Camp, run by the Ugandan Muslim Youth Development Forum. I have been working with Ahmed Hadji, the founder, since 2012, when he launched the National Muslim Leadership Institute. Ahmed is a key partner at the U.S. Mission and I am honored to be here with him today. Ahmed’s commitment to his community and to Muslim youth runs deep and I particularly respect that his engagement with you, and with, us is founded in values that matter – values that reflect his faith but also transcend it – values that reflect our shared belief in the fundamental dignity and worth of all human life and values that emphasize the importance of developing the potential of the youth of Uganda. Ahmed’s goal with this camp is to inform, equip, motivate, and re-energize Muslim youth to participate actively in developing their countries in ways that reflect those values. We at U.S. Mission Uganda agree that this is a top priority, and that is why we are so pleased to be able to support projects like this. In too many places around the world, the needs and concerns of young people continue to be marginalized, yet you are the future of this ever-changing world. Every time I speak with Ugandan youth, I talk about our shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous, healthy, democratic Uganda. Why do I repeat this mantra? Because its what all of us hope will be the future of this beautiful country and region. Its what the Uganda Muslim Youth Development Forum, the U.S. Mission Uganda, and so many others are working so hard to turn into a reality. From a regional perspective, Im very happy to see Somali youth in the audience, bridging the gap between Ugandan and Somali Muslims. My colleagues at U.S. Mission Uganda have been working closely with members of the Somali community in Uganda to hear directly about their goals for peace in Somalia. They have made it very clear to us that Al-Shabaab does not represent Somali youth. Let me repeat that: Al-Shabaab does NOT represent Somali youth. I know that all of you here want to see an end to terrorism and the development of peaceful societies in every single country in East Africa, including, and especially, in Somalia. The United States shares that ambition. We believe that every person has the right to live without fear. We believe that people have the right to live lives of dignity and productivity and that people deserve access to justice, to education, to health services and more. And that is why members of the American military helps train Ugandan soldiers for participation in the African Union Mission in Somalia and it is why the U.S. Government actively supports AMISOM politically, financially and the fight against Al-Shabaab’s tyranny. As Americans, we believe that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share similar aspirations - to live in peace and security, to get an education, to work with dignity, and to love our families, our communities, and our God. Muslim leaders in this country, like their counterparts in the United States, are at the forefront of promoting human rights, inter-faith dialogue, and respect for diversity. These principles and values, which unite Muslims and non-Muslims alike, are central themes in our common pursuit of justice, progress, tolerance, and respect for the dignity of all human beings. And I applaud those Muslim leaders who have joined colleagues of all faiths in decrying senseless violence and acts of terror against innocent people, knowing that these acts are in essence a denial of the values of our faiths rather than a defense of them. Last June, we had the pleasure of hosting American Imam Mohammad Bashar Arafat. I know that some of you were able to hear him speak, either on the radio or in person. His message was one of a peaceful Islam, an Islam of inclusion for men and women, and openness to interfaith dialogue. Im grateful that he was able to come to Uganda and engage with the diverse community here and to share with you an understanding of the role of Islam and Muslims in the United States. Sometimes, people dont realize the role that Muslim Americans play in our society. America has seven million Muslims and over 1,500 mosques throughout the country. My colleagues and I at the U.S. Mission represent ALL Americans, including American Muslims. We remain committed to our long-standing partnership with Ugandan Muslims, but we need your to play your role responsibly as well. As African youth, you represent the overwhelming majority of the population of your countries and in the coming years you will inherit immense challenges as well as abundant opportunities. In Uganda, you represent over 80 percent of the population. Four out of every five people in Uganda are under the age of 30, and one half of the people of Uganda are under the age of 15! In short, you ARE the country. You ARE the continent. You have both the potential and the responsibility to drive positive change in your communities. The question is: Will you take your responsibility seriously? And what will you do with your potential--each of you as individuals, and also collectively as a group? Your role as future leaders will not be easy; it never is. But it is up to you to define a vision for the future. Ultimately, it is young change-makers like yourselves who truly bear the burden - and enjoy the opportunity - of taking your countries toward the future you envision. After witnessing so much drive, talent, and dedication among the youth living in Uganda during my two and a half years here, I have no doubt that you can be successful. President Obama often speaks about the basic principles that bind people of different faiths together: a yearning for peace, justice, and equality. We hope that through this leadership camp, you will develop the skills, ideas, and tools to help build your society together and advance peace and respect for human dignity, at a time when people around the world continue to suffer from senseless violence. An important resource of this camp is the network and friendships you are building this week. Among you are role models from all walks of life. In the coming days, months, and years you will have the chance to work together, support one another, and drawing on your diverse skills, shape the future of nation. Look around you. You are all here for the same reason. You all have unique gifts, but similar goals. Work together to make your dreams reality. Together, you are the change-makers. Together you are the future. I hope this camp motivates you to find and create your own opportunities and, most importantly, I hope that you will come to appreciate the importance of being active citizens and leaders. Do not wait for donors, governments, or anyone else to come and chart your future for you. Know that the future is yours to shape. Lead the way now. You are here this week, you’ll be exposed to a wonderful diversity of views. Listen, learn, and expand your horizons but remember that active citizens do more than just talk and think – they plan. Develop ideas, define strategies, and then make them work in your communities. Lead the way now. And, in the days ahead as you return home and you live and work with people from other faiths, ethnic groups, and ways of life, focus on what you have in common. Work to understand and appreciate your differences. Help create a positive culture that sets the stage for achieving the shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous, healthy, democratic Uganda that I talk about so often. Lead the way now. And if you are active citizens, if you are willing to take on the challenge of leadership, know that you will continue to have the support of the United States because our futures are intertwined. Uganda’s success is the worlds success. Somalia’s success is the world’s success. Lead the way now. This week is an important beginning and I am honored to be able to launch this Inaugural Youth Leadership Camp. Go forth and succeed and have a great camp! Thank you.
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 05:48:38 +0000
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