Our story has garnered international attention for its impactful initiatives:

The Tablet (Nov 29, 2024) Featured the Laudato Youth Initiative and our unique African perspective on the climate crisis.

Titled: The Laudato Youth Initiative brings a new African-engrained perspective

The international response to the climate crisis needs to bridge the gap between Cop summits and the experience of those who face its consequences. It must ignite hope for a climate-resilient generation – Br. Adolf Mugume (Mentor LYI) Read the article here (https://www.thetablet.co.uk/inspire/stewards-of-the-future/).

• John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre (Dec 4, 2024): Highlighted our collaboration with local youth to promote environmental awareness through nature walks. Read more (https://jp2jpc.org/jpiijpc-and-laudato-youth-initiative-promote-environmental-awareness/).
• Jubilee Radio (Jan 20, 2025): We pioneered sharing the good news of the Jubilee Year, the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si, and shared our Theme “Pilgrims of Green Hope,” but also discussed the connection between the Jubilee Year and sustainable living, addressing environmental issues exacerbated by human activities.

While the jubilee year is one of the opportunities for us to renew our commitment and care for creation, human activities are exacerbating climate change. The destruction of wetlands and poor drainage channeling contributes a lot to flooding in most parts of the Country, while poor garbage disposal is also on the rise. When it rains, many urban dwellers release their waste into runoff water (especially in plastic bags). Much of it ends up blocking the already overwhelmed channels. The persistent droughts are a result of tampering with biodiversity and other toxic human activities. Listen here (https://youtu.be/S0j7R-k6nyM?si=iQ4_r6jM0Chaj6LQ).

• Laudato Si’ Action Platform (March 20, 2024): The Laudato Si’ Action Platform is an initiative of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, which was established by Motu Proprio by Pope Francis in 2016. Reflected on how the Laudato Youth Initiative is responding to Laudato Si with tangible solutions across Uganda. Featured a story titled: How a Ugandan Catholic Youth-Led Initiative is Responding to Laudato Si. Across Uganda, young people are leading the charge in climate action, blending faith with tangible solutions. From schools and universities to dioceses, these youth are pioneering sustainability projects that extend beyond borders, now reaching Kenya and Tanzania. At the heart of this effort is the Laudato Youth Initiative (LYI), a dynamic force housed at the John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. Though operating from a modest one-room office, LYI coordinates a vast network of passionate young leaders committed to ecological transformation. They Reported “True Change comes from within the community,” – Said Br. Adolf By involving local churches, leaders, and families, we ensure our initiatives are more than just temporary interventions – they become part of the Community’s way of life. Read the full article (https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/how-a-ugandan-catholic-youth-led-initiative-is-responding-to-laudato-si/).
• Vatican News (March 30, 2025): Vatican Radio Hosted the Laudato Youth Initiative Mentor to Reflect on the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si.
• Laudato Si is the first papal encyclical dedicated entirely to environmental care. It calls for an “integral ecology” that respects human dignity and the natural world. The encyclical connects environmental issues to economic inequality, social injustice, and spiritual emptiness, calling for a global response that involves political reform, ethical reflection, and lifestyle transformation. In his message, our mentor highlighted how this papal document significantly influenced the UN Climate Summit (COP21) in Paris in 2015, shaping global conversations leading up to the summit. Global faith leaders, including Catholic bishops and interfaith networks, advocated for strong climate action at COP21, using the document as a foundation for their efforts. The Laudato Youth Initiative has also reflected on the outcomes of COP summits, with last year’s Cop 29 reflection in the Tablet Magazine publishing a story titled “Stewards of the Future” Highlighting its message clearly that the international response to the climate crisis needs to bridge the gap between Cop summits and the experience of those who face its consequences. It must ignite hope for a climate-resilient generation.