Empowering Youth
UNICEF at the Heart of International Youth Day Celebrations in Tanzania
The United Nations in Tanzania today joined the world to commemorate the International Youth Day, together with young changemakers to celebrate innovation, resilience, and action toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), organized in collaboration with the Prime Minister's Office – Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities (PMO-LYED), UN agencies and CSOs and was graced by Honorable Ridhiwani Kikwete, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office and the UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Susan Ngongi Namondo.
Held in Dodoma, the commemoration brought together policy makers, youth-led enterprises, and showcased climate solutions, tech innovations, and social ventures that are transforming communities across the country.
This year’s global theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” highlighted the power of grassroots youth initiatives in driving sustainable development. recognizing that real change often begins at the community level, where young people are solving local challenges with creativity, courage, and commitment. “Local youth actions are the heartbeat of the SDGs. They reflect the energy and innovation needed to build inclusive, resilient societies,” emphasized Dr. Majaliwa Gerald Marwa, UNFPA’s Assistant Representative, on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator.
UN’s exhibition booth was a vibrant hub of creativity and impact, featuring young people who are driving solutions in their communities. Nasrin Yisambi (23) from Rujewa, Mbarali, showed reusable menstrual products and soap made by adolescent girls in a WASH-led social enterprise supported by UNICEF. “We are not just making products; we are building futures,” Nasrin shared.
Arafa Hamad Bakari (25) from Zanzibar demonstrated compost production from organic waste, while Mudrick Mohammed Iddi (23), a student at SUZA University, unveiled his robotic dustbin prototype, both as part of UNICEF support.
“My innovation is about keeping our environment clean and inspiring others to think green,” Mudrick said.
Grace Nyengo (23) from Njombe exhibited processed legume-based foods, a result of UNICEF-supported training.
“Now I can produce nutritious food and teach others. This is how we fight malnutrition,” Grace explained.
Agnes Nicholas, Miriam William, and Sauli Mapango represented the Integrated Programme for Out-of-School Adolescents (IPOSA), shared how access to alternative education has transformed their lives.
UNICEF also joined a high-level panel with other UN agencies and showcased impactful youth-driven initiatives, highlighting the UN’s overarching contributions to the SDGs. Dr. Ayoub Kafyulilo, UNICEF Tanzania’s Education Specialist, highlighted how UNICEF’s programming empowers young people through quality education, climate-resilient WASH solutions, and community-based nutrition programmes.
“When young people are given the tools, knowledge, and platforms to lead, they become powerful agents of change. UNICEF is proud to walk alongside them,” said Dr. Kafyulilo.
IPOSA, implemented through Education for Adolescent Girls (EAGL) programme, with funding support from Canada, is an innovative model designed to provide alternative learning pathways for adolescent girls and boys who had missed out on formal education. Through the programme, adolescent girls and boys gain foundational literacy and numeracy, life skills, and vocational training to equip them for livelihoods and active socio-economic participation.
Peter Yusuph Mvire (25) from IPOSA Rujewa Centre says the skills have helped them to establish a group of 16 young boys and girls who are producing cleaning soaps, reusable pads, chilli sauces, and batik ( a beautiful and intricate textile art form that involves decorating fabric using wax and dye).
“IPOSA has transformed our lives. When I failed to continue with secondary education, I thought my dreams were over. Thanks to IPOSA, now I am an entrepreneur and I am looking forward to owning my soap manufacturing factory in the future,” said Peter confidently.
“Today’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today. The UN is committed to supporting their journey toward a more sustainable and inclusive future”, added Dr. Majaliwa Gerald Marwa.
International Youth Day commemorated annually on August 12, was established by the United Nations in 1999 to recognize the vital role young people play in shaping our societies. The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities facing youth worldwide, while promoting their active engagement in social, economic, and political life. The day also amplifies youth voices, fosters intergenerational dialogue, and encourages governments, organizations, and communities to invest in young people as key drivers of sustainable development.
