Emmanuel Eseme named as UNICEF Cameroon's newest ambassador

Yaoundé, 4 November 2026. On the athletics track, Emmanuel Alobwede Eseme learnt to push his limits. Today, the Cameroonian champion is embarking on a new race, where victory is no longer measured in seconds, but in the opportunities offered to children.

The sprinter was officially appointed as UNICEF’s National Ambassador for Cameroon on Wednesday 4 November, during a ceremony held at the organisation’s office in Yaoundé. In this new role, he intends to use the power of sport and his influence among young people to promote every child's rights, particularly the right to education, health, protection and participation.

This appointment recognises not only his sporting achievements, but also the values embodied by his journey: discipline, perseverance, determination and pushing oneself to new heights. These values make him an inspiring role model for children and young people, and are fully in line with UNICEF’s vision of enabling every child to realise their full potential.

By winning the 100 metres at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in a remarkable 9.83 seconds, Emmanuel Eseme has carved out a place for himself among the greats of African athletics. Beyond the track, his journey is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, self-belief and determination.

An insight into the realities of children’s lives

Prior to his official appointment, Emmanuel Eseme spent time working closely with the teams and communities supported by UNICEF. This experience gave him a more practical insight into the organisation’s programmes, the challenges faced by children and the initiatives being implemented to improve their living conditions.

From Douala to Buea, via Limbe, he met with children, young people and community leaders, amongst others. In Limbe, he spoke with pupils about their dreams, aspirations and the importance of believing in their own abilities. He also took part in activities to raise awareness of hygiene and environmental protection, including a beach clean-up with young U-Reporters.

In the Far North, his time spent there also led him to discover child protection initiatives, notably through the opening of child-friendly spaces. These spaces provide children with safe environments where they can play, learn, express themselves and receive appropriate support.

“I agreed to become a UNICEF National Ambassador because I believe wholeheartedly in every child’s potential and in every child’s right to have the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background or history. My career as a sportsman has taught me that discipline, perseverance and determination can help us overcome obstacles. To all the children of Cameroon, I would like to say: believe in your dreams, equip yourselves to make them come true, and never let difficulties convince you that you are not capable. I wish to use my voice and my experience to champion their rights and help offer them better prospects.”

Using sport as a means of promoting children’s rights

By becoming a UNICEF National Ambassador, Emmanuel Eseme is committed to using his profile, experience and influence to champion children’s rights. In particular, he will help to raise public awareness and mobilise communities, partners and decision-makers around the issues affecting children in Cameroon.

Her work will focus in particular on promoting education, health, wellbeing, child protection and environmental conservation. Particular attention will also be paid to developing life skills among young people, including self-confidence, leadership, perseverance and participation.

“Emmanuel Eseme brings much more than his sporting fame to UNICEF. His journey, characterised by discipline, perseverance and determination, makes him an inspiring voice for children and young people. By becoming a UNICEF National Ambassador, he is putting his influence and experience at the service of a vital cause: ensuring that every child’s rights are respected. We need committed and influential voices like his to champion children’s causes, raise awareness within communities and mobilise decision-makers and partners around children’s rights and well-being.”

A new race for every child

For UNICEF, the appointment of Emmanuel Eseme as one of its National Ambassadors represents an opportunity to strengthen advocacy for children’s rights by drawing on a figure whose life story resonates particularly strongly with young people.

By accepting this role, Emmanuel Eseme joins a global movement of prominent figures who are using their voices and influence to support children. His commitment will be guided by a shared ambition: to ensure that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, can grow up healthy, learn, be protected and fulfil their dreams.

From the starting line to local communities, his next challenge is now a collective one: to help build a future in which no child is left behind.