Uganda’s green economy agenda received a major boost as top corporate leaders, government officials, UN agencies, development partners, and youth innovators convened at the 2nd CEOs’ Breakfast Meeting & High-Level Dialogue on Green Economy, SDGs, and Sustainability at Next Media Park.
The event brought national attention to the urgent need to accelerate climate resilience, sustainability, and multi-sector green investment.The high-level gathering was presided over by H.E. Amb. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s Ambassador to Tanzania, representing the Prime Minister. Joining him were several dignitaries, including the EU Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Jan Sadek, the IOM Chief of Mission, UNDP Resident Representative, and heads of government agencies such as SPP-Ministry of Finance, URA, UCC, NEMA, UTB, NWSC, NFA, ERA, UEDCL, and others.
Corporate leaders from MTN Uganda, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, TowerCo of Africa, Roofings Group, Pride Bank, and many others also participated.
Organized by the Green Economy & Sustainability Secretariat, Youth Go Green, the Office of the Prime Minister–SDG Secretariat, and Next Media Services, the event serves as a major build-up to the 7th SDG Run.
Delivering the keynote address, H.E. Jan Sadek, Ambassador of the European Union to Uganda, emphasized that global markets are shifting toward sustainability — and Uganda stands to benefit if the private sector takes bold leadership.
“The world is changing fast — and in Uganda’s favour. Companies that pivot early to sustainability are becoming industry leaders. There is money to be made in sustainability, and leadership to be claimed.”
He pointed to Uganda’s rising eco-entrepreneurship, such as e-mobility, solar cold-chain solutions, climate-smart agriculture, and eco-tourism innovations, the EU is supporting.
He stressed that Uganda’s natural endowment offers an enormous competitive advantage:“Uganda’s greatest green assets are your forests, wetlands, extraordinary biodiversity — and above all, your youthful population. These are economic assets if protected and restored.”
The Ambassador reaffirmed the EU’s commitment through Global Gateway, including action in green finance, value-chain digitisation, renewable energy, and forest restoration.
Government Calls for Multi-Stakeholder Responsibility and Action
Representing the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Amb. Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye highlighted Uganda’s strong policy frameworks, including NDP IV, the National Climate Finance Strategy, and the Climate Change Act.
“Uganda’s development trajectory faces significant challenges from climate change and environmental degradation. The decisions taken by the CEOs here will shape a sustainable and prosperous Uganda for generations.”
He urged the private sector to lead in nature-based solutions, renewable energy, green manufacturing, sustainable tourism, and climate-smart infrastructure.
The Ambassador also emphasized Parish-level tree nurseries to tackle the climate crisis through youth inclusion in such interventions.
“Young people are central to the green economy transition. Their innovation and creativity will drive Uganda’s transformation.”
UN Leaders Call for Private-Sector Mobilization and Green Financing
The IOM Chief of Mission, H.E. Sunasi Tejan Savage, emphasized the link between migration, climate risks, and green jobs: “A just green economy can reduce climate displacement and create sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities.”
UN speakers are committed to supporting data systems, governance reforms, and private-sector sustainability standards.
