Leading change for every child
UNICEF appoints new Youth Advocates for World Children's Day
When young voices rise, communities listen.
UNICEF Youth Advocates are proving that age is no barrier to
leadership and impact.
It is our mantra: adolescent and youth voices matter!
UNICEF Belize believes that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are agents of change today. Every child has the right to be heard, to learn about their identity, and to shape decisions that affect their lives. Through our youth engagement programmes, we empower adolescents to speak up on issues like education, mental health, climate resilience, and equality because their ideas and energy are vital for building a better Belize.
This World Children’s Day, we are proud to introduce two new youth advocates who will join our cause and use their voices to speak on behalf of their peers. This programme is important because it gives young people the tools, confidence, and platforms to influence decisions that shape their lives. UNICEF believes that children and adolescents are not just beneficiaries, they are partners and leaders in creating solutions for education, health, climate resilience, and equality. By empowering youth to advocate for their rights and those of others, we help build a generation that is informed, engaged, and ready to lead Belize toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Meet the new Youth Advocates – The Visionary Pair
Favor-Joy Naa-Ayorkor Hammond
Champion for Empowerment and Wellbeing
At just 16, Favor-Joy is a passionate advocate for children’s empowerment and environmental protection. As a U-Report Ambassador and executive of her school’s Peer Helpers Association, she leads initiatives promoting mental health and positive choices. She founded her school’s social media club and launched campaigns like “Powda to Powda” to encourage drug-free living. Favor-Joy has represented Belizean youth on national and global platforms, including the SDG Youth Summit, and continues to champion every child’s right to dream and thrive.
Asher Torres
Voice for Equality and Resilience
From Belize City, Asher is committed to advancing children’s rights through education, gender equality, and climate resilience. He served in the National Children’s Parliament and works with the Belize City Council’s Public Relations Department. Asher has been a strong voice on panels addressing gender-based violence and mental health and even reported on youth issues during UNICEF’s World Children’s Day media takeover. His message is clear: “Every young person deserves to be heard, supported, and safe.”
Youths as changemakers and co-creators
These appointments are not just ceremonial, they reflect UNICEF’s mission: to create spaces where young people can lead, influence, and inspire change. By investing in youth leadership, we strengthen Belize’s future because when children and adolescents are empowered, they become the next generation of decision-makers who will shape a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable society.
We can all help to elevate youth voices across all sectors of society
Join us in celebrating Belize’s youth advocates and supporting programmes that amplify their voices. Together, we can reimagine a future where every child grows up safe, educated, and empowered.
