The second edition of the BTBT Youth Summit 2025 was successfully held in Terego District at Leju Town Council, drawing youths from different parts of the district to engage in discussions on issues affecting young people. The summit was held under the theme “Youth Leading Sustainability.”
The event attracted a large and diverse group of young participants who raised concerns ranging from entrepreneurship and leadership to climate change, gender equality, and personal development.
The summit continues to build on the foundation laid by the first-ever BTBT Youth Summit, which took place on December 13, 2024, at Edenz Hotel in Arua City, organized by BTBT Media in partnership with Waka Photography.
The 2024 summit was widely praised as a successful launch for BTBT Media’s youth empowerment initiatives in the West Nile region. BTBT Media is a community-based organization that brings together creative young people from diverse backgrounds, focusing on talent development, brand promotion, and community transformation.
Guest of Honour’s Address
The Female Youth Councilor, who served as the Guest of Honour, delivered a powerful keynote address urging young people to take responsibility for their future and actively participate in development initiatives within their communities. She emphasized that youth leadership is not about age alone, but about mindset, discipline, and commitment to positive change. In her speech, she encouraged young people—especially young women—to confidently take up leadership spaces, saying that sustainable development cannot be achieved without the meaningful involvement of youths. She further urged youths to utilize government programs, community platforms, and skills development opportunities to improve their livelihoods and reduce dependency. She also called on young people to embrace innovation, environmental protection, and unity, noting that sustainability starts with small, consistent actions at the community level. Her remarks strongly aligned with the summit’s theme and inspired participants to view themselves as agents of change.
Panel Discussions and Inspirational Stories
The summit featured experienced panelists who shared personal journeys and practical lessons. Lennia Lisa Terisa, Executive Director of Nguvu Ya Maisha Foundation and former Miss West Nile, emphasized the importance of passion, self-belief, and determination. She noted that without believing in herself, she would not have achieved her current success.
Christine Chandia Adiga, Programs Officer at Restless Development, highlighted the growing impact of climate change on young people, particularly girls and women. She explained that climate challenges continue to disrupt livelihoods and education, calling for stronger youth-led climate action.
Francis Alemiga, Director of YESDEC International, shared his entrepreneurial journey, which began with only UGX 36,000, urging youths to avoid distractions and focus on productive activities that improve their lives.
Conclusion
The BTBT Youth Summit 2025 reaffirmed the vital role of young people in driving sustainable development in Terego District and beyond. Through the keynote address by the Female Youth Councillor, engaging panel discussions, and real-life success stories, the summit provided a platform for inspiration, learning, and youth empowerment. As BTBT Media continues to organize such engagements, the summit stands out as a strong catalyst for nurturing responsible, innovative, and sustainability-driven youth leaders across the West Nile region.
