Leading the Charge on Global Advocacy

    Following the success of Voice Africa's Future (VAF), the Step Up Youth Initiative team recognized the need to amplify the key issues identified by Ugandan youth: poverty, inequality, and climate change. These priorities resonated with a global movement called Action/2015. Action/2015 was a massive global coalition of over 2,200 organizations and networks, united in their pursuit of significant progress on these critical issues in 2015. Francis Maberi, the Ugandan VAF team leader, played a pivotal role as co-chair of Action/2015's global youth team along side Anna Roguski.
    Throughout 2015, Action/2015 engaged in strategic mobilizations to pressure world leaders at crucial decision-making moments. Here's a closer look at some key moments

    Mobilizing Millions for Action​

    Throughout 2015, Action/2015 engaged in strategic mobilizations to pressure world leaders at crucial decision-making moments. Here’s a closer look at some key moments:

    • January 15th: A Call to Action Erupts Globally

      • The campaign launched in 60 countries, with 32 high-profile figures like Malala Yousafzai and Desmond Tutu urging strong action from world leaders through an open letter.
      • Rallies, marches, and stunts took place around the world, demanding leaders take action on poverty, inequality, and climate change.

    March 8th: Women's Voices for a Sustainable Future

    • Campaigners worldwide highlighted the importance of ambitious goals for women’s rights and development in the upcoming UN summits.
    • Events were held in places like Bangladesh and Egypt, urging world leaders to deliver agreements that fulfill women’s rights.

    April 18th: Earth Day : Uniting Millions for Change

    • Action/2015 joined the Global Citizen Earth Day event, uniting a quarter-million global citizens in Washington D.C. and millions more online.
    • The event aimed to pressure world leaders for solutions ahead of the annual spring meeting of the World Bank.

    • May: A Month of Thematic Action

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Over 22 million people participated in 14 days of action focused on poverty, inequality, and climate change.

      • Key highlights included World Vision’s Global Week of Action, a massive texting campaign in Mali, celebrity endorsements, and HelpAge International’s All Ages Action Day.

    8th: United Against Poverty, Financing for Development – Closing the Gap

    ction/2015 joined the “United Against Poverty” concert in Germany, featuring musicians, activists, and celebrities like Usher and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

    • The event aimed to urge G7 leaders to step up their commitments in the fight against
    • In conjunction with the Financing for Development meeting in Ethiopia, Action/2015 campaigners from 90 countries called on their governments to:
      • Address tax injustice
      • Prioritize the poorest
      • Keep promises on aid and public spending commitments
    • poverty, inequality, and climate change.

     

     

     

    Action/2015 joined the “United Against Poverty” concert in Germany, featuring musicians, activists, and celebrities like Usher and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

    • The event aimed to urge G7 leaders to step up their commitments in the fight against
    • In conjunction with the Financing for Development meeting in Ethiopia, Action/2015 campaigners from 90 countries called on their governments to:
      • Address tax injustice
      • Prioritize the poorest
      • Keep promises on aid and public spending commitments
    • poverty, inequality, and climate change.

    August 12th: International Youth Day – #YouthPower

     

     

     

     

     

    Action/2015 coordinated one of the largest global youth mobilizations in history for International Youth Day, with the hashtag #YouthPower.

    • Over 115,000 young people participated in events across 80 countries, advocating for action on critical issues.

    September 24th: A Global Show of Support for the SDGs

     

     

     

     

    On the eve of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adoption, over 250,000 people took to the streets in 105 countries.

    • Iconic locations like London’s Millennium Bridge and New York City’s UN headquarters witnessed powerful displays of public support for the SDGs.
    • This action highlighted the interconnectedness of poverty, inequality, and climate change, emphasizing that addressing these issues is crucial for sustainable development.

    A Legacy of Continued Action and Leadership

     

    While Action/2015’s official campaign concluded in 2015, the movement’s spirit and goals continue to inspire action today. Step Up Youth Initiative is proud to be an active member of both Action for Sustainable Development and the UN SDG Action Campaign.

    Through these organizations, Step Up Youth Initiative plays a leading role in mobilizing young people around the world. We organize annual events like the Global People’s Assembly, providing a platform for youth to discuss pressing issues, share perspectives, and demand accountability for the implementation of the SDGs from their governments.

    Building a More Just and Sustainable Future

    Step Up Youth Initiative remains committed to the fight against poverty, inequality, and climate change. By building on the momentum generated by Action/2015 and actively participating in Action for Sustainable Development, Global Call to Action Againist poverty and the UN SDG Action Campaign, we empower young people to advocate for a more just, sustainable, and equitable world.

    Join the Movement

    Inspired by the story of Step Up Youth Initiative's leadership in Action/2015 and our ongoing efforts? Tet us connect and together, we can delider solutions towards a better future by building a world where young people have a voice and can contribute to solving the world's most pressing challenges.
    Lets Join Hands