Rural Smiles Foundation is proud to announce that we have officially been selected as the Western Uganda Regional Host Organization for the Youth Climate Council (YCC) Uganda. This milestone marks an important step in strengthening youth-led climate action, regional collaboration, and inclusive climate governance in Western Uganda. The selection follows a competitive application and interview process that brought together youth-led and youth-serving organisations from across the country committed to advancing climate resilience and sustainable development.

As the Western Uganda regional host, Rural Smiles Foundation will contribute to supporting youth participation in climate action, strengthening regional coordination, promoting climate awareness, and fostering collaboration between young people, local communities, civil society, and government actors. The Youth Climate Council Uganda serves as a platform aimed at amplifying youth voices in climate governance and creating opportunities for meaningful youth engagement in environmental sustainability and climate policy processes.

For Rural Smiles Foundation, this opportunity aligns closely with our broader mission of sustainably empowering rural communities through community-centered and rights-based approaches. Over the years, our organization has increasingly integrated climate resilience, renewable energy, environmental health, and youth participation into our programming and advocacy efforts.

Our ongoing and recent initiatives  including renewable energy support for rural health facilities, youth engagement programs, community resilience activities, and civic participation initiatives have demonstrated the important link between climate action, public health, governance, and sustainable livelihoods. We are also honored to contribute to this role as a member of the Youth Democracy Cohort (YDC), where we continue to engage in strengthening youth participation, democratic governance, and inclusive civic engagement across different sectors.

Through this regional hosting role, Rural Smiles Foundation aims to:

• Strengthen youth-led climate action and participation in Western Uganda
• Promote locally driven climate resilience and environmental sustainability initiatives
• Foster partnerships between youth groups, civil society organizations, local governments, and development actors
• Support climate awareness, advocacy, and policy engagement at community and regional levels
• Encourage innovative and inclusive approaches to climate action among young people

We recognize that climate change continues to disproportionately affect rural and vulnerable communities through impacts on health, agriculture, livelihoods, water access, and environmental sustainability. Young people therefore have a critical role to play not only in raising awareness, but also in shaping practical and sustainable community solutions.

Rural Smiles Foundation appreciates the confidence and trust placed in us by the Youth Climate Council Uganda. We look forward to collaborating with fellow regional host organizations, youth leaders, partners, and stakeholders to advance impactful and inclusive climate action across Uganda.

We also thank all young people, community leaders, partners, and supporters who continue to believe in and support our work. Together, we can build more resilient, informed, and sustainable communities for present and future generations. For partnerships and collaboration regarding climate action and youth engagement in Western Uganda, reach out to us.