From voices to action

Zanzibar, Tanzania – In the historic setting of Zanzibar, the 2026 Tanzania International Model United Nations (TIMUN) brought together a new generation of leaders determined not just to debate the future—but to shape it.

For nearly three decades, TIMUN has served as one of the Tanzania’s most influential youth diplomacy platforms, equipping young people with the skills to engage in global issues, negotiate solutions, and drive sustainable change.

Held in Zanzibar from 18–20 May under the theme “Reframing Youth Participation in a Digital Era: Power, Responsibility and Sustainability,” the conference placed young people firmly at the center of conversations on innovation, inclusion, and development, reinforcing a shared understanding that youth are not merely beneficiaries of progress, but active drivers of transformation.

The conference brought together over 200 young delegates from Tanzania and across Africa and discussions focused on critical issues including climate change, inequality, governance, and digital transformation—firmly positioning young people as drivers of innovation and development.

UNICEF leveraged the conference by amplifying children and young people’s recommendations for Tanzania’s Development Vision (TDV) 2050. These priorities were drawn directly from consultations with young people across the country to ensure their voices shape national priorities.

Key recommendations presented from children and young people, were access to quality education, clean water, healthcare, digital skills, child protection, and meaningful participation in decision-making. The message was clear: Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 must reflect the aspirations of its youngest citizens.

Delegates strongly echoed these priorities. “Quality education is a priority for all children in our countries,” said Daya Pierre, a delegate from Cameroon. “Governments must allocate sufficient resources and ensure qualified teachers to meet the needs of the 21st century.”

Beyond formal sessions, UNICEF’s interactive exhibition created a vibrant space for engagement, drawing delegates and policymakers to experience firsthand how youth-led innovation and UNICEF-supported programmes are transforming lives. Through immersive interactions, young people connect ideas to real-world impact.

A key highlight was the demonstration of U-Report, UNICEF’s digital platform enabling young people to share their opinions and influence decision-making in real time. Delegates also explored the OKY App, which promotes menstrual health education and challenges stigma, equipping adolescent girls with critical information.

Young innovators showcased their solutions, illustrating the creativity and leadership of Tanzania’s young population. “The exhibition created a good environment for interaction between youth and leaders from different backgrounds,” said youth advocate Nasra Khatib Abdallah.

For Amina Miraji, a U-Reporter from Zanzibar, TIMUN was transformative. “It strengthened my confidence in public speaking and advocacy,” she shared. “It reminded me that young people have the ability and responsibility to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

The conference was officiated by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Hon. Ngwaru Maghembe, highlighted the central role of youth as active innovators and drivers of change.

In her opening remarks, YUNA Chairperson Suzane Sylvester emphasized a growing shift in youth engagement: “Young people are no longer asking to be consulted as beneficiaries of development, they are ready to co-create solutions as equal partners.”

Overall, TIMUN 2026 reinforced a shared understanding: meaningful development must be shaped with, and not just for, young people. When given space, trust, and opportunity, young people do more than participate; they lead, innovate, and influence outcomes.

As the conference concluded, one message stood out clearly: young people are not waiting for the future, they are already building it.

And through platforms like TIMUN, UNICEF continues to ensure their voices are heard, valued, and translated into action.