UNICEF Young Advocates
Highlighting voices of youth
As part of UNICEF’s commitment to child and youth participation, they share their perspectives, provide feedback, and take part in advocacy efforts that uphold the rights and well-being of children and youth. They help ensure that UNICEF’s programmes, communication, and advocacy in the country are informed by the voices and lived experiences of young people. Our young advocates help drive positive and lasting change for every child as they contribute to strategic discussions and champion the issues that matter to them.
UNICEF will announce officially our engagement with UNICEF Young Advocates after a period of collaboration to learn if UNICEF mission and values aligns well with the individual’s advocacy and ensuring a good fit. The young advocate will then sign an agreement to serve a two-year term with defined workplans to advance our shared goals. They can take part in internal meetings to advise UNICEF or public-facing events to engage their peers, communities, other like-minded groups and/or decision makers.
UNICEF also works with other youth leaders on an informal, event-based or project-based approach.
Fatima Darwissa Mansul
At just 17 years old, Fatima Darwissa T. Mansul or “Dar” from Cotabato City, Bangsamoro Region in Autonomous Muslim Mindanao, has already carved a path as an inspiring leader and advocate. As a student, she consistently excels academically, while actively taking on roles as a campus leader and journalist. Her passion for writing and public speaking shines through her participation in school speech competitions.
Beyond the classroom, Dar is a force for positive change in her community. She dedicates her free time volunteering with a non-governmental organization, driving initiatives for children, youth and the environment. Her dedication to uplifting marginalized groups reflects her deep commitment to fostering equity and opportunity for all Bangsamoro children.
As a motivated child rights advocate, Dar’s leadership also extends to regional platforms, where she serves as a child representative on the Bangsamoro Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children. In this role, she advocates for the rights of children, ensuring their best interests are prioritized in decision-making processes.
Joshua Villalobos
Joshua is the Secretary-General of a youth-led movement called Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment (NICE) based in Negros Occidental, Philippines. Because of his work for environmental justice and its impact on protecting children’s rights, UNICEF supported him to be the youth representative at the 2023 global climate negotiations (COP 28) in Dubai, and he was nominated in 2019 for Amnesty International's Ignite Awards for Outstanding Young Human Rights Defender.
He addressed education leaders at the 3rd National Climate Change Conference and co-chaired the University Student Government’s Environment Committee, leading the successful push for the University to become the first in the Philippines to declare a climate emergency and spell out their commitment to climate mitigation and adaptation.
Currently, he campaigns for just energy transition, climate action, climate education, human rights, and the inclusion of children and youth in decision-making tables. He believes that when young people are given space and capacities, they can be effective builders of a better world.