Child and Youth Advisory Board in Greece

Anna-Maria has a special interest in gender violence, climate change and childhood obesity. She believes in the power of young people and the change they can bring about by expressing their views and being active in their communities. In her school, Anna-Μaria was part of a team who presented the Special Theory of Relativity with simplified mathematics. She’s a member of Math Vision Lab, a team focusing on understanding mathematics and the way they shape our lives. She is also a debater and part of her school’s debate club. Through her participation in the CYAB, Anna-Maria wishes to change the life of every child for the better, by defending their rights and raising awareness in her region. 

Theodora is very interested in addressing climate change and its impact on the planet and young people. She is active in raising awareness among the young generation about the importance of sustainable development and environmental responsibility, while promoting meaningful youth participation in decision-making. In 2024, Theodora won the 1st prize for submitting the best climate advocacy plan in a competition organized by UNICEF Greece and she participated in the COP29 in Azerbaijan as a youth delegate with the Greek delegation. She has also been involved in social entrepreneurship initiatives focusing on environmental sustainability, disaster risk reduction and reduction of food waste. Through her participation in the CYAB, Theodora is interested in taking action to defend human rights, especially in war-torn areas, and engaging in activities for the promotion of mental health for adolescents and youth.   

Fioralb loves nature, literature and politics. As a former scout, he has a strong commitment to climate, environment and sustainability, as well as a deep interest in advocating for inclusive education and mental health. Coming from a family with a migrant background and having experienced the migration crisis on his island, he firmly believes in the value of inclusion and the right to non-discrimination for every child. Through his participation in the CYAB, Fioralb wishes to be the voice of his generation, contributing his ideas and creativity to make this world a better place for the youth of today and tomorrow.  

Nikos studies Applied Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the National Technical University of Athens. He has a special interest in promoting active youth participation in decision making on issues such as justice, education and health. In 2024, he participated in UNICEF’s 1st UPSHIFT Bootcamp, with his team winning the 2nd prize for the design of a social innovation project for water sustainability. He also participated in the 9th “Our Ocean Conference” Youth Leadership Summit, as well as the 1st Youth Consultation organized by UNICEF in the framework of the National Action for Addressing Childhood Obesity. Through his participation in the CYAB, Nikos would like to contribute to the expression of young people’s ideas and their participation in impactful decisions.  

Cecilia has a strong interest in ensuring equal access to education and social inclusion for all children, irrespective of their background or circumstances. Her involvement in nine Model United Nations (MUN) Conferences has instilled in her a thorough understanding of global issues, particularly those disproportionately affecting children, such as access to education, healthcare and protection against exploitation. She has also worked as an intern in medical practices, gaining hands-on exposure to the field of medicine and deepening her knowledge in healthcare. Furthermore, she brings experience in public speaking and debating, as well as volunteering and fundraising for non-profit initiatives. Through her participation in the CYAB, Cecilia wishes to promote equal access to education and to ensure that young people’s voices are heard in decisions that affect their lives.  

George is a member of the local youth council in his municipality. He brings in his experience as a participant in programmes and activities that promote education, mental health, as well as the empowerment of vulnerable populations. He has a strong interest in climate change and its impact on youth, as well as in improving nutrition and health in areas affected by poverty and inequalities. Through his participation in the CYAB, George wishes to contribute to the development of young people into active and responsible citizens.   

Giannis is an active U-Reporter, member of his school radio team “European School Radio” and has participated with distinctions in national and international literature competitions. He has a sharp interest in social issues, such as mental health, education, climate change and upholding human rights. Through his participation in initiatives supported by UNICEF, such as the Teens Athens Democracy Forum 2023, he had the opportunity to showcase his interest in various issues that concern modern societies and affect youth engagement. Having witnessed the effects of water scarcity on his island, Giannis has contributed towards the production of a UNICEF documentary showing how children on a Greek island are living with the harsh realities of water scarcity, a crisis worsened by over-tourism and rising temperatures in the summer. Through his participation in the CYAB, Giannis wishes to ensure that youth voices are heard and considered by decision-makers.  

Marios is a strong advocate for climate action and youth participation in decision and policymaking. He started his journey within a climate change youth action group against pollution in his community. This led to his appointment as European Climate Pact Ambassador by the European Commission. Since 2022, he has been an active U-Reporter and has participated in several UNICEF initiatives, including the ETF-UNICEF research on career guidance and the Place4Hope summer academy. On top of this, he has participated in numerous youth and climate change conferences, including the 9th "Our Ocean Conference" Youth Leadership Summit. As a youth delegate, he represented the UNICEF Greece Country Office in the COP29 Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. Through his participation in the CYAB, Marios wishes to ensure the participation of young people in decision making processes, especially when it comes to the critical issue of climate change.  

Dimitra is interested in volunteering, robotics, chess and arts. She’s learning French, Korean and sign language and has a strong commitment to the rights of children with disabilities and refugee and migrant children. She brings in experience in various youth engagement initiatives such as the European Youth Parliament simulation programme. She also takes action for social issues affecting her community, through her participation in volunteer groups, such as the blood donation group on her island, and the "Let's do it Greece" initiative cleaning-up the beaches across the island. Through her participation in the CYAB, Dimitra wishes to fight for the rights of those who do not have the opportunity to do so and to give a voice to the marginalized.  

Maria Ioanna has participated in four Model United Nations Conferences, as well as in City Council and European Parliament simulation programmes, and is a member of the European Youth Parliament. In 2023, she participated in the Teens’ Athens Democracy Forum co-organized by UNICEF and the Democracy and Culture Foundation, while she has engaged in youth entrepreneurship initiatives focusing on promoting healthy eating habits and inclusivity for children. Maria Ioanna is particularly interested and active in issues related to women’s rights, inclusion of migrants and refugees, internet safety and climate change. Through her participation in the CYAB, she wishes to contribute to the implementation of meaningful actions for the protection of every child in need, and to empower young people to become active participants in civic and political life.   

Thanos is an active U-Reporter and climate activist with a special interest in climate change and disaster risk reduction (DRR). He is a firm believer that education and collaboration are imperative in order to minimize the negative consequences of natural disasters, that especially affect people from vulnerable backgrounds. As a youth delegate nominated by the UNICEF Greece Country Office, Thanos presented the #RoadtoResilience Call to Action for Europe and Central Asia’s (ECA) Children and Youth at the Inter-ministerial Roundtable of the ECA Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Montenegro, in November 2024. In 2024, Thanos also served as a member of the Greek Youth Parliament and was elected president of his school council. Through his participation in the CYAB, Thanos wishes to exchange ideas with the rest of the team on topics that concern young people today. 

Maria likes to dance, practice martial arts and horseback riding, play the piano and learn foreign languages. She has a strong interest in the rights of children with disabilities, issues around young people’s mental health, climate change and the rights of refugees and migrants. Through her participation in the CYAB, Maria would like to enhance her knowledge on issues affecting children and youth and to work with the other CYAB members to make choices and take action that will have a tangible impact. She also wishes to exchange ideas and to actively contribute to UNICEF’s efforts to promote children’s rights.    

Eirini is involved in robotics and sports and likes to cook. In her free time, she participates in youth activities of the NGO ‘Faros tou Kosmou’ and, more specifically, in their summer camp programme. She is a volunteer at the Roma-led NGO "REVMA" and always tries to join local cultural and sports activities. She is particularly interested in issues related to gender inequality, the prevention of violence against children and women and the fight against racism and social exclusion of vulnerable groups. Through her participation in the CYAB, Eirini wishes to learn more about the social problems that concern her and all young people today, to think about solutions and make proposals, together with the other members of the group, and to make new friends.   

Demba has a special interest in topics such as inclusive education, mental health, migration and equality. As a refugee from Gambia, he has experienced many extremely stressful events because of political or religious oppression, war, migration and resettlement. As a result, his life experience and his desire to make his voice heard, together with his peers, is an invaluable contribution to UNICEF Greece Country Office’s Child and Youth Advisory Board (CYAB). Through his participation in the CYAB, Demba wishes to help strengthen UNICEF efforts to improve the health, education and well-being of children.

Maria, coming from a family with a mixed ethnic background, has a deep understanding of the issues facing migrants and refugees and is highly sensitized on the importance of inclusion and respect for diversity. She is involved in her family business, working with agriculture and livestock. Through her participation in the CYAB, Maria would like to raise awareness among her community on the destructive impact of conflict on the lives of children and youth, and exchange views with young people from diverse backgrounds to better understand their needs. 

Tasos loves music, singing, playing the piano and cooking. He is an active member of a choir and serves as the president of his school council. He has a strong interest in the topic of youth employability and supporting young people to access the job market as well as advocating for the inclusion and equal opportunities for children and youth with disabilities. Through his participation in the CYAB, Tasos wishes to exchange opinions and ideas with the other members on all topics that affect them and other teenagers, within and outside the school community.  

Katerina is a Panhellenic chess champion and has won 3rd place with the National Youth Team at the Chess Olympiad. Her experience as U-Reporter has given her the opportunity to learn more about herself through the FunDoo tool, become familiar with Chatbots and study the results of surveys and polls for topics such as AI and digital learning. She has served as a member of the Greek Youth Parliament and she has also participated in the European Parliament Ambassadors Schools Programme (EPAS), the Erasmus project “My Future in a Water Drop” and was part of the Human Rights Team in her school. She is particularly interested in human rights and child rights, education, mental health and environmental sustainability. Through her participation in the CYAB, Katerina would like to contribute to creating a better world through ongoing dialogue and cooperation.   

Emy has a special interest in arts, theatre, volunteering, and the prevention of violence against children. In 2024, she participated in the European Parliament Ambassador School Programme, as well as the 2nd UPSHIFT Bootcamp organized by UNICEF, where she worked with her peers to co-design a social innovation project for disaster risk reduction (DRR) in her community. Through her participation in the CYAB, Emy aims to raise awareness among young people about the importance of individual dignity and how they can confront bullying when it affects them.  

Electra has a strong interest in raising awareness about parental loss and bereavement, as well as promoting safe and healthy digital habits among children and teens. After receiving support herself from Merimna, a Greek organization aiding bereaved children, she became a volunteer and fundraiser for them. She created an Instagram page, @foreverhere.2025, dedicated to themes of loss and legacy turning grief into creation. As a 15-year-old 10th grader at Athens College , Electra is an active athlete track &field (SAKA), a member of her school’s entrepreneurship club and english magazine and participates in the Home Project, supporting refugees through educational initiatives .She is a French speaker, a piano player and loves photography. She possesses knowledge in debate and rhetoric, enhancing her ability to advocate effectively. Through her participation in the CYAB, Electra aims at raising awareness on issues related to children who have lost family members early in their lives or due to unforeseen events like COVID-19 or war, and addressing the effects of screens on children and teens, including safe play, social media awareness, and combating cyberbullying.

Chrysoula studies Law at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and is particularly interested in defending human rights. She is an active U-Reporter, showcasing strong interest in issues such as childhood obesity, mental health and inclusive education. Having participated in Rosetta Life’s Place4Hope Summer Academy as a youth changemaker, she brings experience in climate advocacy and activism for climate justice and environmental responsibility. She also takes action on social issues affecting her community through her participation in volunteer groups, such as The Smile of the Child, and in initiatives, such as the clean-up of the Aretsou beach in Thessaloniki. As an active member of the European Law Students’ Association and a ROLE (Rule Of Law Education)-certified professional, she is dedicated to fostering legal literacy and rule-of-law awareness among school students. Through her participation in the CYAB, Chrysoula wishes to represent her community and empower the voices and the meaningful participation of children and youth in decision making processes, so that they become active agents of change.

Zoe is studying in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of West Attica. She has a strong interest in the protection of children’s rights, education, mental health, sports, environmental sustainability, and innovation, as well as in promoting the meaningful participation of young people in decision-making. At the same time, she actively participates in international conferences, mock European institutions, initiatives on children’s rights, and youth participation and volunteerism activities. She has delivered a keynote address at an international academic conference on children’s rights and was recognized in the international public speaking competition “Learning to Be Heard – Global Public Speaking Challenge.” Through her participation in the Children and Youth Advisory Group, Zoe aims to strengthen the involvement of children and young people in decisions that affect them, believing that when young people have the space to express themselves, take the initiative, and participate actively, they can make a meaningful contribution to creating a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society.

Myrto is interested in human rights  and believes in the power of the younger generation to express their views and help create a more just and inclusive world, with a particular focus on girls’ rights and their equal access to education. She has participated in European and educational youth initiatives through her school’s “European Parliament Ambassador Schools” program, as well as in activities that promote democracy and civic engagement. In 2024, she gave a speech on Greece’s participation in the European elections and delivered a related presentation as part of an educational event at the University of the Aegean; she has also written an article on the history of the European Union for the newspaper “Rodiaki.” At the same time, she has a particular interest in dialogue, public speaking, and understanding global issues, having participated in simulations of international organizations and received two awards at the Rhodes Model United Nations. Through her participation in UNICEF Greece’s Children and Youth Advisory Group and her work with CYAB, she seeks to amplify the voices of children and young people. She has contributed to information and awareness-raising initiatives, such as promoting U-Report and organizing actions on important social issues. She is currently a law student and envisions combining her knowledge with social service, advocating for the rights of those in need of support. At the same time, she loves literature, painting, and creative expression, while continuing to seek out new opportunities for learning and engagement.

Anastasia is actively involved in community affairs and has a particular interest in public discourse, dialogue, and advocating for the rights of children and young people. She is a member of her school’s debate team, participating in Greek and English debates, and has taken part in Model United Nations (MUN) and major youth conferences. She enjoys learning foreign languages and traveling, getting to know new people, cultures, and different perspectives. She is a U-Reporter and has also given presentations at her school, taking the lead on initiatives that encourage dialogue and the exchange of views. In 2022 and 2023, she was selected to represent UNICEF at the Teens Athens Democracy Forum, the parallel conference of the Democracy Forum. Through the Children and Youth Advisory Group, she aims to leverage her experience in advocacy and dialogue so that young people can play a meaningful role in shaping the decisions that affect their lives and their future.

Vivian is studying Business Administration and Management and is known for her strong interest in protecting children’s mental health, the rights of women and girls, and addressing the environmental crisis. She focuses particularly on the challenges faced by girls and local communities in Greece’s border and island regions, firmly believing that equality and sustainable development must reach every corner of the country.

She has extensive experience as a U-Reporter, having represented the voice of youth at conferences such as the Teens Athens Democracy Forum, with a focus on green development, girls’ rights, and democracy. At the same time, she has volunteered with the environmental organization “Archipelagos” and has field experience as a trained school mediator on issues of mental health and bullying.

Through her social activism, Vivian has a deep love for the arts, particularly theater, which she uses as a means of expression, raising awareness, and fostering creative dialogue on the social and environmental issues that concern her. Her vision is to use CYAB to transform the challenges of island life into a driving force, helping to shape inclusive policies that ensure a sustainable and just world for every child.

Gregory is deeply passionate about advocating for human rights and advancing education. As a student at the Department of Primary Education at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), he believes in the power of education as the most effective tool for cultivating an inclusive and equal society. Having served as an alternate member of the Youth Parliament, he takes an active interest in public affairs and youth representation, while having developed a global perspective, environmental awareness, and social empathy through his participation in the "European Parliament Ambassador School" program and the Erasmus projects "My Future in a Water Drop" and "XPLORE", which focused on career guidance, particularly for vulnerable social groups. Additionally, his involvement in basketball has taught him the values of teamwork, discipline, and collaboration.

Through his participation in the Children and Youth Advisory Group, Gregory aims to combine his pedagogical background with social action, promoting an education accessible to every child without discrimination, in which rights, freedom of expression, and active youth participation are at the very center.

Myrto is 16 years old, a freshman in high school, and lives in Kalamata.

She is very interested in volunteering and environmental protection. She loves learning about ecology and finding practical ways to protect our planet. She’s also very passionate about sports and plays volleyball in her free time.

She has participated in many student MUN conferences, through which she became aware of human rights and diplomacy. As an alternate member of UNICEF’s Children and Youth Advisory Group, she aims to turn theory into practice by finding ways to implement all the ideas and proposals discussed within the Group, thereby actively helping children, young people, and the environment.