UNICEF Youth Advocates

Advocate for digital rights

Abril is a human rights activist focused on digital rights. She is a Political Science student and former UNICEF Youth Foresight Fellow. Abril leads the digital rights commission of Amnesty International Argentina's youth group and is a member of the Digital Rights Champions group in Amnesty International's Rights Click program. Abril leads the digital rights commission youth group of Amnesty International Argentina and is member of the Digital Rights Champions Click program.

Believing that all children deserve equal access to the digital world, she initiated a foresight project with UNICEF on the digital future of children and youth in Argentina. Abril has participated in numerous high-level events, including the 52nd UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva and the United Nations Summit of the Future Action Days in New York.

Climate advocate

Nicki is a climate activist advocating for climate and social justice in Argentina. She is one of the co-founders of Jóvenes por el Clima Argentina, an active member of the international Fridays for Future movement and was appointed a UNICEF Argentina Youth Advocate in 2020. Nicki has been advocating for the inclusion of young people’s voices in decision making processes, especially those from MAPA countries (Most Affected Peoples and Areas). She helped declare Argentina in a state of climate emergency and bring about the climate change law. 

Climate, gender equality and children's rights advocate

Ashley focuses on social development issues related to health, the environment, children, and women’s rights. She began her youth activist journey at the age of 16 when the Barbados Schools against Non-Communicable Diseases was established.

In 2020, Ashley founded HEY (Healthy and Environmentally-Friendly Youth), a global climate change and health campaign seeking to build bridges between youth in the Caribbean and around the world.

Schools against Non-Communicable Diseases and the HEY Campaign have both become major projects under the Ashley Lashley Foundation.

“Let no obstacle be greater than the cause.”

Climate and children's rights advocate

15-year-old Maria from Barbados was inspired to act after witnessing littering. She started writing about it. She created the award-winning short film Little Thoughts on Big Matters, focusing on reducing, reusing, recycling, and repurposing. Maria also runs a YouTube channel and Instagram page, Thoughts Squad by Maria, where she shares educational and thought-provoking content. Through her online presence, she aims to combat climate change and inspire others with her messages. 

Child protection and tech advocate

Alaine, from Belize, is in her final year of high school with gold medals in national and international coding and math competitions. She has collaborated with researchers at the University of Miami on brainwave data. Alaine is driving positive change in her community by offering peer support and has developed SafeScape, an app supporting adolescent survivors of sexual assault and abuse. As a young girl in ICT, she supports UNICEF’s digital literacy agenda and advocates for children affected by sexual violence. 

Climate action advocate

Maslin is a youth advocate with UNICEF Belize. She was a member of the National Children’s Parliament in 2021-2022 advocating for a legislation to criminalize the recruitment of children in illegal activities. Continuing her activism, the following year she was the recipient of the Youth Minister’s Award (Leadership) 2022-2023. Maslin will add her voice to support UNICEF’s education agenda promoting literacy and numeracy. Having lived in the hurricane and flood-prone area of southern Belize she will also support climate education for children.

Climate Advocate

An avid surfer from an early age, Catarina witnessed firsthand the environmental changes such as water pollution and the degradation of coral reefs in her native Brazil. Catarina has roots in the indigenous community Pataxó Hãhãhãe in South of Bahia, but lives in Salvador. When she was just 12, she submitted a petition to the UN, highlighting the failures of various countries in addressing climate change, and has since played a pivotal role in influencing local policies, such as the creation and protection of forests. She was part of the UNICEF delegation in COP29.

Youth advocate

Erick is a young activist born and raised in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Erick founded the ArterAção Collective to promote democratizing access to culture, education, and health. In three years, the collective has reached approximately 500 young people through community-based workshops, and social actions in underserved communities, schools, and public squares.

Advocate for Inclusion

João is a Physical Education student and has stood out nationally for his work in the inclusion and deconstruction of stigmas related to Down Syndrome. Digital influencer and activist, he uses his social networks to inspire thousands of people with messages of empathy, strength, and representation. João was a member of the UNICEF Youth Council for two years.

Climate advocate

Maria Eduarda, aged 20, hails from Bonito in Pernambuco, Brazil. She is a dedicated activist mobilizing youth to address the global climate emergency. Since 2017, Maria has been an active member of UNICEF's Adolescent Citizenship Group, where she leads efforts to raise climate awareness. Her commitment to environmental advocacy was highlighted by her role in the UNICEF delegation at COP27. Maria’s work inspires and empowers young people to engage in climate action.

Climate advocate

Tainara is a high-school student at a public school in the Amazonas state, Brazil, located in the Indigenous Community. Tainara is indigenous to the Omagua Kambeba people and is part of the Youth Communicators Network of the Indigenous Women's Network of the State of Amazonas (Makira E'ta). She is a climate activist and was part of UNICEF Brazil's delegation of adolescents and youth at COP27.

Climate advocate

Clara, 17, is a prominent UNICEF Canada Youth Advocate and recognized as a Top 25 Environmentalist Under 25 by The Starfish Canada. As the Technology Focal Point for the Science-Policy Interface of the UN Major Group for Children & Youth, she has represented young people at numerous UN events, including speaking at the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Clara is an Observer Constituency Representative for Technology Executive Committee Activity Groups of the UN Framework on Climate Change, and a member of the Global Coordination Team of YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the UNFCC. 

Climate advocate

Francisco is a 15-year-old activist and defender of the right to a healthy environment and has dedicated himself to education for years through the group “Guardians for Life”. Thanks to his presence on social media and engagement with a virtual environmental activism programme and a network of schools, Francisco amplifies his fight for climate action, children’s rights, climate justice and human rights. 

Advocate for peace and child protection

Samarre, born and raised in Haiti, epitomizes resilience and leadership. At just 15 years old, while attending school in Port-au-Prince, she and her peers were trapped for days during violent clashes, an ordeal that honed her leadership skills and advocacy for children's rights. Her actions during this crisis led to her appointment as UNICEF Haiti's Youth Advocate on World Children's Day 2023. Samarre now passionately advocates for peace and the protection of children’s rights, emphasizing the need for a safer environment for Haiti’s youth. Her story is a testament to the impact young individuals can have in leading change and inspiring their communities.

Child rights advocate

Priyanka is strongly passionate about promoting the rights of children and has single-handedly organized several national advocacy campaigns on issues such as child sexual abuse and the environment. One of her most noticeable actions was when she met the Commissioner of Police to sensitize him and other senior officers about the plight of abused children in her country. This resulted in her designing and sharing advocacy material aimed at sensitizing police officers on the issue.

Her passion for child rights advocacy started at age 10 when she began working on projects aimed at encouraging and inspiring other young people to use their creativity and ingenuity to make meaningful changes in the world. She designed a plan for a Zero Waste Lunch Kit and started a Zero Waste Living blog.

In 2018, she was among the first cohort of adolescents in Trinidad and Tobago to become a National Child Rights Ambassador, a programme started by the Office of the Prime Minister and supported by UNICEF, to raise the profile of children’s rights in the country.

Advocate for education 

Mercedes is a prominent young activist in the Paraguayan education sector. She is 18 years old and currently in her third year of high school in a rural area. In addition to attending school, Mercedes is a leader and spokesperson for the National Union of Student Centers in Paraguay, having been elected by her peers. She is also a member of the UNICEF Advisory Council for Adolescents and Youth.
In 2022 she formed part of the board that led the collection of 16,000 signatures to promote the provision of textbooks for high school students. As a result, the State provided two textbooks free of charge in public schools.

Children's rights advocate

Aryan is a committed advocate for children’s rights, focusing on education, mental health, and climate action. Over the past five years, he has supported UNICEF USA’s mission by engaging with 16 congressional offices to advance key legislation like the MINDS Act and the Keeping Girls in School Act. A sophomore in astrophysics, Aryan blends his scientific passion with humanitarian efforts. He founded Physics2Astrophysics, offering free learning opportunities to over 40 high school students. As a Science Outreach Fellow at Princeton University, Aryan teaches in underprivileged communities, driven by his belief that investing in children is essential for a better future. 

Activist, author and STEM promoter

Gitanjali is a student-innovator who believes in using empathy to advocate for a people-centered approach to invention and problem-solving.

Gitanjali was named America's Top Young Scientist of 2017 by the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, for a patent-pending device to detect lead in water faster than any other current techniques. In 2019, she was recognized as a Forbes 30 under 30 for science, is a TED speaker and in 2020 was named TIME Magazine’s first-ever Kid of the Year. She has been working with UNICEF on an anti-cyberbullying service based on artificial intelligence called Kindly.

Some of Gitanjali's hobbies include playing the piano, Indian classical dancing and singing, swimming, fencing and baking.

Advocate for education 

Sophia has made a significant impact on youth advocacy. Serving on the National Youth Council, she represented them at the UNICEF Gala in NYC and trained the first cohort of youth advocates as a Champion Trainer. Working with UNICEF USA’s CPO, Michael Klompus, she analyzed DEI data trends. Sophia also spoke at the "Are We On Mute" webinar, discussing youth civic engagement from Harris Poll data. As a New York State Youth Council representative, she lobbied for mandatory financial literacy classes. Her advocacy for Muslim girls’ rights, highlighted twice in the New York Times, drives her fight against educational inequities. 

Advocate for inclusive education

Cathy is a secondary school student and is the current President of the Student Representative Council in Botswana. She was born with Osteogenesis imperfecta, an uncurable brittle bone disease that makes it difficult to walk without support. As a young person living with a disability, she is passionate about advocating for children with disabilities, the right to education and child protection issues. In 2021, she co-hosted the inaugural conference for children and young people forum (CY21). During her interaction with the President of Botswana, she advocated for inclusive education that caters to students with disabilities.

Children's rights advocate

Lova started advocating with UNICEF in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, by making videos to raise awareness called "One minute with Lova". Even before teaming up with UNICEF Madagascar, she caught the nation's attention with a rooftop video that highlighted important COVID-19 safety measures. This video made its way to the country's president and was shown on national TV. After this success, she continued to create videos about children's rights. Since then, she has become a well-known figure in Madagascar and a popular influencer on Facebook. 

Now, as a UNICEF Youth Advocate, she successfully fulfills her role by advocating for children's rights in Madagascar. She participated in COP28 to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change on children and she is one of five members of the Children Nature Fellowship, a program dedicated to fostering leadership skills in children and adolescents engaged in environmental activism.

Advocate for health and immunization 

Fiderana (Fy) is a social media influencer from Madagascar. She was appointed a young champion by UNICEF. With over 400,000 followers on Facebook, Fy connects with her audience through humor and creative short sketches. 

In July 2024, she became a Youth Advocate for UNICEF Madagascar, joining efforts to amplify the importance of vaccination, particularly to end polio. Fy leverages her unique style to create engaging content that encourages parents vaccinate their children, making complex health messages accessible and relatable to her followers. 

She participated in UNGA79 and Summit of the Future high-level events to advocate for polio eradication and vaccination for every child.

Advocate for Inclusion 

Gilardy is an activist for the rights of people with albinism. He spoke at a TEDx talk for children, held at Antananarivo City Hall on 20 November 2020 to mark UNICEF's World Children's Day. Entitled "Moving Mountains", this event gave Gilardy the opportunity to share his own story as a person with albinism, and to call for the protection of the rights of people affected by this condition.

Gilardy contributed to various communication and advocacy initiatives of UNICEF Madagascar, including participating UNICEF's 75th anniversary, a music video dedicated to children's rights with UNICEF Madagascar's national ambassador, Mirado, and in the celebration of Albinism Awareness Day in 2022. More recently, he appeared before UNICEF's Executive Board to advocate on behalf of children with albinism.

Advocate for children's rights

Elizabeth is a youth advocate from Malawi passionate about driving change in climate action, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and adolescent mental health. She is a member of the 2024/25 cohort of UNICEF's Global Girls Leaders Advisory Group (GGLAG), where she contributes her voice and insights to advancing key global initiatives for young people.

Advocate for children's rights

Janet is a passionate advocate dedicated to empowering children and youth through child-led advocacy. Her work focuses on critical issues such as climate action, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and life skills development. Janet has played a pivotal role in UNICEF's Kanka campaign, which aims to end child marriages and support girls in returning to school, showcasing her commitment to creating opportunities for a brighter and more equitable future.

Children's rights advocate

Abel is an active youth advocate from Mozambique. From an early age, he showed leadership and started to join children and youth movements and programs such as the Children's Parliament in his Province, promoting children's rights. Abel was elected as the President of the Children's Parliament and has been the voice of children in his Province since then. He was able to create solidarity movements to support children and give a voice to the most disadvantaged.

Climate advocate

Andreia, from northern Mozambique, is a dynamic advocate for children's voices and media literacy. Since the age of 11, she has hosted "Roda Viva," a popular children’s television program on Mozambique’s largest network. Her passion for communication and improving her community drives her efforts to educate and empower other children through media. Andreia believes in the power of information to foster a better world and has dedicated herself to sharing important messages with her peers. Her work exemplifies a commitment to child empowerment and media influence. 

Children's rights advocate

Erica is part of Mozambique TV in her city, she presents a Child-to-Child program since July 2022. In 2021 she was part of Mozambique Radio presenting another programme to children. When she walks around her city, she sees many children on the street who have nowhere to go, she tries to change that by participating in various campaigns to explain the rights of children. Her dream is to become a journalist to reach more people and raise their awareness.

Children's rights advocate

Derrick, is a youth advocate with aspirations to become a successful young lawyer. Beyond academics, Derrick passionately advocates for children's rights as the presenter of "Roda Viva" on TV, displaying a commitment to activism. Beyond traditional media, he has embraced the digital realm, running his own YouTube channel. Derrick is familiar with the rights of children and recognizes the challenges they face in realizing and enjoying these fundamental rights. Proficient in English, Derrick maintains friendships with individuals from various parts of the world, cultivating a global perspective from the comfort of his home.

Children's rights advocate

Gleds is a youth advocate who has since a very young age dreamed to be a doctor. She wanted to help people. Today she is medicine and she is very happy. Gleds has supported various causes, being part of different projects focused on disability, she was president of the children's council in her province, and she is part of an association of young leaders. She advocates for child rights and for ending early child marriage.

Advocate for education

Hiris lives in Nampula and is in the final year of her law degree. She has participated in various projects such as the Children's Parliament and the Girl Move Project. The Right to Education is what fascinates her most, and she considers advocating for the rights of the child with UNICEF is her biggest call. The Girl Move Project changed her life as was able to mentor 30 girls. The main objective of this project is to encourage not to drop out of school and to accompany girls who are in the last year of primary school to enter secondary school.

Advocate for education 

Mariamo, a youth advocate who aspires to bring about positive change. In a bustling home with her father, stepmother, and nine siblings, Mariamo envisions a future focused on education and empowerment. She actively engages in issues related to education and nutrition, aiming to contribute to children's well-being. With excellent communication skills and a confident demeanor, Mariamo influences her peers in cultural activities and literature. Her critical analysis extends to issues like early marriages, cultural factors, child labor, and referral mechanisms involving parents and local authorities. Mariamo is a beacon of resilience, determination, and advocacy, poised to make a lasting impact on her community and beyond.

Climate advocate

Simao is from one of the areas of Mozambique most affected by Cyclone IDAI in 2019. His experience with Cyclone IDAI sparked his passion for climate change education. He aims to make a difference by informing his community about the environmental impacts and promoting positive change. As a young producer for Radio Mozambique, he is dedicated to sharing life-changing information. “Every time I go to our farm outside the city, I notice practices that are harmful to the environment. I have raised my voice to explain to the population how harmful this is for the environment," says Simao. 

Children's rights advocate

Mesthya began her advocacy journey at 13 as a presenter and reporter on Mozambique Television's youth program "Roda Viva," advocating for children's rights. Passionate about learning through human interaction, she enjoys reading books addressing issue of racism and discrimination. Mesthya envisions an ideal world characterized by education, security, health, and respect for all. As a young albino, she inspires others with her self-esteem, motivating fellow individuals with albinism. Dedicated to preventing racism, HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, and early marriages, she actively contributes to positive change.

Children's rights advocate

Weiss used to be presenter and reporter of the children's programme on the Mozambique Television (TVM) and member of the Children's Parliament at Maputo City level. Weiss joined UNICEF in September 2019 when he was 15 as a Youth Advocate to support spreading the word about children's rights in the environment he interacts with, as part of his desire to contribute to changing the world.

Children's rights and immunization advocate

Suale is a testament to resilience and commitment to positive change. Despite facing displacement and victimization, Suale completed Grade 12, emphasizing his dedication to education. He advocates for polio eradication, his commitment to advocating for child rights. Is outstanding. Suale leads a local group for essential skills and vocational guidance, fostering self-development for the greater good. He envisions a world characterized by respect, love, solidarity, and devoid of discrimination.

Children's rights advocate

Yura lives in northern Mozambique and is a member of the children's parliament. In the children's parliament she has a space to express children's concerns on various subjects. She delivers sessions in her community on child marriage. Yura does many activities including radio talks, training around early marriage and children's rights.

Children's rights advocate

Yumina, is a youth advocate who embodies a remarkable blend of charisma, positivity, and a dedicated commitment to making a positive impact on the world. As the host of "Roda Viva" on Mozambique TV, she amplifies youth voices, addressing critical issues. In her leisure time, Yumina finds inspiration in books, envisioning a world where every individual's rights, especially children's, are acknowledged, respected, and protected.

Baraka is passionate about making education more accessible for every child. Excelling in the Apps and Girls Coding and Entrepreneurship program since 2022, he created the APossible app. This platform addresses student challenges by providing learning materials, expert counseling, and fostering academic competition. APossible, which involves more than 20 psychology experts, has already supported over 100 students. Baraka’s initiative showcases his technical skills and commitment to improving education and wellbeing, inspiring his peers to excel.

Innovator, child rights and youth activist

Emmanuel is a dedicated youth advocate pursuing a degree in Business Administration and Management. Passionate about innovation, peace-building, and education advocacy, he envisions a youth-led sustainable future. Emmanuel contributed to the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Children and was nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize in 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he developed a handwashing machine, earning recognition as a pandemic hero by the UN and UNICEF. Appointed as a UNICEF Tanzania Youth Advocate in WASH and Innovation, he has addressed issues at the UN General Assembly and other international platforms. Emmanuel led the “Say No to Sexual Harassment” campaign, reaching over 2,100 participants across 11 countries.

In 2023, he interned at the UN, managed UN Swahili social media, and became a finalist for the Global Student Prize. He won the Davis Peace Prize in 2024, using the funds to establish a Peace Library in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, aimed at promoting peace and cultural cohesion. As the founder of The Changemakers Foundation and Tanzania Youth Workshop, Emmanuel has trained thousands in leadership, innovation, and advocacy.

Child rights advocate and young leader

Godlisten has vast experience in advocating for children, adolescents and youth issues at various regional and local platforms in the country. In 2021, Godlisten was the vice president of Junior Council of the United Republic of Tanzania and a Chairperson of Mwanza Young Reporters Network under the Mwanza Youth and Children Network. As a youth advocate , he was among the young champions who presented the Children’s and Young People’s Agenda to Tanzania’s Prime Minister during the world children’s day event in 2021. 

In the future, Godlisten aspires to be a leader and champion for children’s rights as he is passionate about advocating for improving quality education, protecting children from violence and children’s rights. Outside school, he participates in competitions and ward junior council members where he regularly engages political leaders and community leaders advocating for children’s issues.

Climate advocate

Madina is an environmental advocate, she is the founder of the Madina Climatic Organization, which promotes environmental conservation in Tanzania through education, empowerment, and sustainability. Her program, Madina Forest Conservation, focuses on protecting Tanzanian forests and connecting communities with nature. 

As a UNICEF Youth Advocate, she participated in initiatives to gather youth perspectives on climate change, which were presented to the Tanzanian government. Additionally, she played a key role in preparing a climate toolkit for children and youth, in collaboration with local organizations and UN agencies. Madina has also advocated for climate action at major events, including the Africa Climate Summit 2023 and the UN General Assembly in New York. In 2022, she championed girl-led climate action and presented demands for greater inclusion of girls and young women in policymaking to the President's climate advisor at COP 28 in Dubai. Her work includes reforestation, circular economy programs, and climate education, driven by her belief that involving youth in policymaking is crucial for sustainable development.

Sexual reproductive health and child rights advocate

Nabiha volunteers to combat many issues and challenges that face youth, such as HIV/AIDS and sexual reproductive health and rights. She also works with various organizations toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Nabiha is a Convention of Rights of the Children champion and during consultations with members of parliament in 2019, used her voice to address challenges in education for children and adolescents in Tanzania. 

Climate advocate 

Nasra is a high school student, committed to environmental advocacy. Growing up by the ocean, she witnessed the impacts of climate change on her community, inspiring her mission to protect blue economy. In response, she started her school’s environment clubs, leading projects like reusing plastic bottles for tree planting, addressing waste management and promoting reforestation.

Nasra actively participates in Roots and Shoots and Eco programmes, championing sustainability and conservation. In 2023, she contributed to UNICEF’s report, “Children for Climate Action: Voices from Tanzania,” and was featured in the Marafiki wa Mazingira (Friends of Nature) series, which highlights young climate change superheroes in Tanzania. She represented the children and young people of Tanzania at COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Her work with UNICEF and her leadership in environmental clubs highlight her dedication to climate action and her efforts to inspire her peers to protect the planet. You can see Super Nasra's story here. 

Advocate for children's participation

Raphael is a dynamic advocate for children and young people’s participation in governance and policymaking. As President of the Junior Council of the United Republic of Tanzania and a representative in various child parliaments, Raphael has been a powerful voice for young people since 2018. He represents Tanzania in the East Africa Child Parliament, the Africa Child Forum, and the SADC Child Parliament, participating in regional discussions and decision-making processes. 
 

Advocate for children's rights

Vasta, is a member of UNICEF Tanzania's Integrated Programme for Out-of-School Adolescents (IPOSA) in the Songwe region and a champion for children’s rights.  She is a survivor of child marriage as at the age of 15, her parents wanted to marry her off to an older man in the village. Fortunately, she escaped and fled to live with her aunt in another town. With that experience, her passion now is to advocate to end child marriage and teenage pregnancy. In Songwe, 44.5% of adolescents are facing the problem of child marriage and school dropout. Vasta advocates with her fellow adolescents to stand on their goals regardless of their challenges. She collaborates with local administrative authorities to raise awareness on child marriage. 

Health, climate change and children’s rights advocate

Yolanda is an award-winning advocate championing sexual reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, climate change, and children’s rights. In 2022, other children selected her to represent the voices of Zambian children in a dialogue with the President at the World Children’s Day commemoration in Lusaka. A UNICEF Zambia Changemaker and Youth Reporter, Yolanda has mobilized over 100 young activists and established a climate knowledge hub at home. Inspired by her grandmother, she leads outreaches, campaigns, and workshops in schools, orphanages, and communities. As a member of the UNICEF Youth Health Taskforce, she contributes to immunization communications and advocacy.

Climate change and environmental issues advocate

Nkosi has been a climate change and environmental issues advocate since he was 10 years old when he actively participated in his school’s environmental club. Since 2015, he has been engaged with UNICEF and Greenline Africa, advocating for climate action in many fora and events and being a voice of young people on climate change in Zimbabwe and Africa.

Over the years Nkosi’s passion for climate change issues, which stem from the continued environmental degradation he has witnessed in his hometown, has motivated him to participate in important climate change initiatives around the world. He travelled to the COP25 Climate Summit in Spain in 2019, where he joined children and young people from around the world calling on world leaders to urgently address the climate and biodiversity challenges facing the world.

In February 2020, Nkosi participated in the sixth session of the African Regional Summit on Sustainable Development in Victoria Falls, making a passionate opening speech in the presence of world leaders including the United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Revan is fiercely passionate about protecting the environment and fighting climate change. She was driven to take action after learning about the shocking impacts of water scarcity and climate change in Libya. She is a member of the Libyan Scouts and Guides movement and the Amalona Organization for Media and Comprehensive Development. She loves volunteering and persuading everyone around her about the need to adopt lifestyle choices that respect, preserve and protect the planet. Revan was a panelist at UNICEF’s Say It Louder campaign and the youngest member of the UNICEF delegation in COP27 in 2022.

Child Rights Advocate 

Hamza is a passionate advocate for children’s rights and a dedicated supporter of UNICEF’s mission. He gained widespread recognition at the age of 10 by winning in 2018 the second edition of The Voice Kids competition in the Arab region, showcasing his extraordinary singing talent.
As a youth advocate, Hamza has participated in impactful advocacy campaigns with UNICEF Morocco. He uses his positive influence to inspire children and engages with them to champion their rights and well-being. His commitment to making a difference reflects his belief in a brighter future for every child. Hamza continues to share his passion for music and advocacy .He believes that art could be a powerful channel to create a positive change for children.

Children's Rights Advocate

Meryem is a dedicated UNICEF Morocco advocate for children’s rights, focusing on education and literacy. She gained international acclaim at 9 by winning the Arabic Reading Challenge in 2018, outshining thousands from the Arab world. Her commitment to education stems from personal experience and the belief that every child deserves access to quality education. Meryem has spoken at major educational forums and UNICEF campaigns. She actively encourages young people to read and learn, inspiring a generation to value learning. She is a member of the Arab Parliament for the Child and the Moroccan Parliament.

Disabilities, education and women’s empowerment advocate

As a young person who is deaf, Enas is passionate about raising awareness and advocating for the rights of deaf people, people with disabilities and special needs, the rights to education, and women’s empowerment.

As a UNICEF Youth Advocate, Enas will reflect the needs of people with disabilities and their participation towards positive development. In 2019, Enas and her friends participated in the Generation Unlimit Challenge, supported by UNICEF. Their project focused on creating cultural centers for teaching sign language covering social, cultural, medical and educational topics, to spread sign language for both the deaf and non-deaf. Enas’s team was among the top 10 and succeeded in raising awareness for people who are deaf.

"I’ll support, raise awareness and encourage people with disabilities to speak up and participate, know their rights, demand them, and help each other realize their rights," said Enas. "It’s Important to hear voices of youth, especially with disabilities because they’re the future".

Advocate for education, child rights and youth

Makhtoum is passionate about equal access to quality education for all children and young people. From South Darfur in the western part of Sudan, Makhtoum believes investment in education is strategic for any country that wishes to progress.

While growing up in a camp for internally displaced people, he continued to raise awareness on education, child rights, improvement in health services and investments in young people. He taught himself English, Turkish and is currently learning French and Spanish. His dream is to become a doctor to ensure the healthcare system advances with equitable access to good healthcare.

As a UNICEF Youth Advocate, Makhtoum will use his voice to inspire other young people to strive towards their goals, learn and reimagine a brighter future. "Education can take us from the darkness to light," said Makhtoum. "I’m over the moon to be a Youth Advocate. When I was born, I faced countless problems, but I didn’t stop dreaming for big things. Nothing will change unless you change."

Innovator, environmental activist

Monzir is an environmental activist and innovator. The 17-year-old founded Future Generations with a group of like-minded and passionate youth, with the collective goal of positively changing their country and future.

Monzir and his team are from internally displaced and conflict-affected communities. However, his vision for what he and others like him can accomplish, knows no bounds. His interests include the environment, education, youth empowerment, and inventing things. One such product Future Generations built is a solar-powered car – an idea born out of the negative impact of pollution and constant challenges in getting to school.

"As a youth advocate, I’ll take the responsibility to support youth and advocate for their rights," said Monzir. "My goal is to change our practices to ensure a healthier environment and new innovations that next generations can benefit from. Youth have the right to speak up, be leaders, participate and find solutions for the issues they’re facing in their lives."

Peace Advocate

Areej champions children's rights in collaboration with UNICEF Yemen. Since 2019, she's advocated for the rights of children in Yemen; access to water, education, peace, and protection. Areej actively engages with children, contributes to and participates in UNICEF events, and creates impactful videos. She’s also joined virtual meetings with UNICEF goodwill ambassadors. Her mission is to ensure every child experiences peace and quality education.

Humanitarian, Education and Health Advocate

Since 2019, Bashar works as a radio show presenter that raises awareness about topics of interest to children’s health, such as vaccination, with support from UNICEF. He also works as a field volunteer with local organizations to distribute humanitarian aid. As a UNICEF young advocate, he focuses on advocating for health and, education.

Peace and Children's Rights Advocate

Mariam advocates for children's rights to have access to proper facilities, education and to empower them to be able to build their country in the future. Mariam believes the key to face the world is in resilience. Mariam participated in a creative writing workshop by UNICEF & a local NGO in 2019 and takes parts in UNICEF initiatives such as Poems for Peace, and other activities.

Peace and Children's Rights Advocate 

Wesam is an 18-year-old youth advocate from Yemen. He was among the children supported by UNICEF in Yemen through the Prosthetics Center in Aden. Wesam actively contributes to advocating for children's rights, particularly for those who have fallen victim to violence. Having been a victim of the conflict in Yemen himself, Wesam stepped on a landmine at the age of 11, resulting in the loss of his arm, leg, and eyesight. Currently enrolled in college, Wesam actively participates in UNICEF activities to champion child rights. He also has a nice voice and always sings to raise awareness.

Advocate for Health

Viviane is a Beninese doctor dedicated to women's health and female leadership in the health sector. She researches the emigration of Beninese doctors to find solutions for retaining health professionals. Through ELLES, a mobile app she founded, she empowers girls and women to manage their health and connect with professionals. Viviane raises awareness about cervical cancer prevention and is a UNICEF champion, participating in the first global conference on eliminating cervical cancer.

As the first female president of the Cotonou Medical Students’ Association, she improved facilities and established partnerships for a specialized health library. She has spoken at the World Health Assembly, advocating for women's inclusion in decision-making. At 24, she aims to specialize in health economics to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

Advocate for nutrition

Fatimata, from northern Burkina Faso’s Sahel region, is dedicated to combating child malnutrition as a U-Reporter. She actively mobilizes her network to provide essential nutritional support to vulnerable children, despite challenges from insecurity, displacement, and climate change in the region. Fatimata’s work exemplifies the power of youth to inspire positive change, with a focus on building a healthier future for the next generation.

Climate advocate

Hanaa is a dedicated climate advocate from Burkina Faso, one of the countries most impacted by climate change, with four in five children facing severe water scarcity. Hanaa's environmental interest began at age nine with a family vegetable garden, sparking her broader commitment to climate action. Since 2021, she has partnered with UNICEF, delivering the children’s speech for World Children’s Day and participating in the International Day of the Girl Child. In 2023, she represented Burkina Faso’s youth at COP28 in Dubai, advocating for stronger climate adaptation measures. Hanaa is determined to raise awareness and inspire action to protect children’s future.

Advocate for girls' rights

Olivia is a third-year humanitarian action student and a dedicated U-Reporter since 2019, actively driving social change. A national roller sport champion, she combines her passions for sports and humanitarian work to inspire others. Olivia has broken gender stereotypes in sports, encouraging girls to participate, and has improved menstrual hygiene awareness by training 200 young girls in schools and associations to manage their periods with dignity. As a leader within U-Report Clubs, Olivia motivates young people to believe in themselves and pursue positive change. Her commitment reflects the power of youth engagement in creating a better world.

Advocate for Inclusion

Rahinatou is a visually impaired first-year socio-anthropology student and a champion in sports. Since starting her athletic career in 2018 with the 100-meter sprint, she has won multiple national titles. In 2022, she represented Burkina Faso at the World Para-Athletics in Morocco, winning a bronze medal, and later, two gold medals at the IX Francophonie Games in 2023. In April 2024, she secured a gold and silver medal in Morocco, qualifying for the Paris Paralympic Games in August 2024. Rahinatou is also an advocate for disability rights, serving as an information officer for ABPAM and AEEH and as a member of Plan International Burkina Faso’s Youth Advisory Council, working to promote children's rights locally and internationally.

Sawadogo, known as HDV (Hero of Victims), is a slam artist and Modern Literature student. Since 2019, HDV has used his talent to address themes like education, gender, children’s rights, and social issues. He has won numerous slam competitions, including Burkina Faso’s National Week of Arts and Culture and the National Slam Poetry Championship, and was the 2022 vice-champion of the West African Slam Poetry Cup. HDV collaborates with organizations such as NDI Burkina, EngenderHealth Burkina, UNDP, and UNICEF, using his voice to advocate for social change and inspire his community.

Digital Education Advocate

As a young blogger, she has trained over 400 young girls and women in the field of digital and female leadership.

Child rights advocate

After completing her training in Life Skills for Peace (CVC), she became the main facilitator of the Human Rights Education and Citizenship club at her school and motivated the creation of a board game on Life Skills for Peace.

Since August 2021, Aurélia has been the president of the National Federation of Children's Communal Councils of Côte d'Ivoire (FENACCE-CI), which comprises 25 Children's Communal Councils and involves 5000 adolescents aged 10-17.

Today, as the vice-coordinator of the national platform of children's organizations in Côte d'Ivoire, she is committed to protecting children's rights.

Social inclusion advocate

For a long time, Mathieu was a victim of mockery, which led him to withdraw into himself. In his solitude, he discovered rap as a means of expression. 
Today, through his socially conscious lyrics, he amplifies the voices of stigmatized individuals.

Child rights advocate

Nama is a youth reporter and promoter of the awareness project "1 Month, 1 Village in Côte d'Ivoire," which involves visiting a different village each month to identify challenges and disseminate information through local radios.
Finally, his ultimate ambition is to establish UNICEF youth reporter sites in every city and municipality in Côte d'Ivoire, collaborating with local radios to broadcast this program and raise awareness among the population.

Environment Advocate

Committed to protecting our planet through the NGO Green Ivory, he uses his communication skills to serve the environment. He was responsible for the digital communication of the Green Trails program in Côte d'Ivoire.

Child Rights and Climate Advocate

17-year-old Emmanuel from DRC advocates for child rights amidst global climate challenges. He featured in the documentary Young People and Climate Change, reaching 26.5 million viewers across eight African countries. Emmanuel also contributed to a pivotal report on environmental and climate issues. His remarkable dedication and commitment to these causes has inspired countless youth and children over the years.

Watch a video of Emmanuel. 

Environmental and child rights activist

Ketsia spoke out on global climate issues by participating in the documentary Young people and climate change, which reached around 26,540,000 people in eight African countries. She also contributed to a report featuring concerns around environmental and climate challenges.

“In a world where the voice of young people doesn’t count sometimes, I wish to represent the Congolese youth,” she says. “I also wish to raise awareness and motivate young people to participate and to take their responsibilities. They must become superheroes to make things change, and notably to join the fight against climate change, for our future.""

In her role as a UNICEF Youth Advocate, Ketsia continues to support UNICEF's work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to advance the rights of the child, promote youth participation in decision-making and ensure that the voices of the youngest are heard, especially on climate and environmental issues.

Education Advocate

Amberly is a 12-year old youth advocate who has a profound passion for education, literature, and the sciences. Since 2022, Amberly has collaborated with UNICEF on various advocacy efforts, notably contributing to initiatives such as the Day of the African Child. She believes that we can combat climate change through the dissemination of educational materials to empower individuals to drive positive change in their communities.

Amberly perceives it as her duty to uplift and advocate for children, firmly believing that every child is a blessing to their parents, and it is unjust for any to endure disadvantage.

Environmental Advocate

Etia is a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation, viewing it crucial for the well-being of humanity. She has led a project for the National Dialogue aimed at heightening children's awareness of environmental protection, emphasizing the collective responsibility we all share in achieving this crucial objective. she disseminates informative, educational, and thought-provoking content, inspiring her audience to engage actively in environmental stewardship. Beyond her passion for environmental activism, Etia finds joy in diverse interests such as drawing, dancing, singing, and nurturing animals.

Child Rights Advocate

Kessy is a 17-year-old youth advocate whose journey through the world of poetry began in childhood, steeped in her vibrant culture. Her verses echo with the urgent rhythms of advocacy, particularly for child rights. Themes of parenting, education, and racism, drawn from her own experiences and surroundings, find voice in her impassioned performances.
Directing her words to young girls, Kessy offers a potent message: "Resist the allure of passing trends; let your individuality shine. You are inherently original, deserving to break free from the beauty standards imposed by the world"

Advocate for Girls' Education

Hawa was born in the Forest Region of Guinea, where she spent much of her childhood living between her paternal and maternal families. Due to the instability in her early life, she was unable to access a regular education. However, at the age of 8, driven by fierce determination and dreams of a better future, she left her native village and moved to Conakry. In 2015, Hawa Jude had the opportunity to attend school for the first time, marking a significant turning point in her life. There, she discovered a passion for reading, writing, and particularly communication. 

By a fortunate turn of events, she met the program director of Djigui FM, who offered her the chance to host a children's radio show called "Royaume des Enfants" (Children's Kingdom). This experience fueled her advocacy for children's rights, with education becoming her primary focus. Her training in print journalism further opened new perspectives and strengthened her resolve to continue this cause. 

Today, Hawa serves as the Secretary for Information and Press Relations for the Guinean Children's Parliament. She is also a young reporter for Deutsche Welle in Guinea, an active member of the association "Le Club Raby et les Enfants," and was recently elected to the board of the NGO Wafrica. Through these various roles, she continues to champion the promotion of children's rights, particularly their access to quality education. In September 2023, Hawa played an active role at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, where she helped establish a network of African child parliamentarians, designed to foster collaboration and amplify young voices across the continent through a WhatsApp platform. She also contributed to raising the voices of Guinean children in the development of the Guinea-UNICEF Cooperation Agenda for 2024-2028. Additionally, she participated in the Youth Action Days at the Summit of the Future in New York, further strengthening her commitment to advocating for children's rights and ensuring their access to quality education.

Advocate for Child Rights 

Mariama is a passionate advocate for environmental protection and children's rights. As chair of her school's environmental committee, she honed her leadership skills and joined "Le Club Raby et les Enfants." Her dedication led to her appointment as President of the Children's Parliament of Guinea, where she prioritizes combating school drop-out and violence against children.

Mariama has led awareness campaigns on various areas. She represented children's concerns at the African Climate Summit in Nairobi and COP28 in Dubai. At the 2024 Summit of the Future in New York, she spoke on ending child marriage, emphasizing the importance of girls' education and inclusion in decision-making processes.

Advocate for inclusive education

Prince is deeply engaged and possesses a natural ability to seamlessly integrate into diverse environments. His open-mindedness is evident in his willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives. A passionate advocate for both video games and the sciences, particularly mathematics, he exhibits a high level of comfort with computers, demonstrating his proficiency in navigating digital landscapes.

In 2023, Prince collaborated with UNICEF on the Child Climate Summit held during World Children’s Day, where he played a pivotal role in representing the voices of youth and children. His dedication to environmental issues and his commitment to empowering young people were evident during this event. Additionally, Prince participated in the Children's Takeover event in Gabon, where he had the opportunity to engage with CEOs and leaders, further amplifying the importance of youth involvement in decision-making processes.

Mental Health Advocate 

Aminata is a youth advocate born with cerebral palsy, she has been enrolled in a special school then the integrated school. Aminata joined the Malian Special Olympics Team in 2020 and participated in many national and international competitions. During the First African Games of Special Olympics in Cairo, Egypt in January 2020, she won 3 medals, At the World Summer Games Special Olympics International in Berlin in June 2023 she was fourth in the long jump and the 200 meters and the fifth in the 100 meters.

Advocate for Inclusive Education

Mama is a student at Malian National Institute for the Blind and a child parliamentarian. Mama dream is to become an English teacher. Mama believes that Inclusive education #ForEveryChild, must be a priority, no matter what.

Education Advocate 

Makadidia is an advocate for the right of girls to education and is committed to the fight against gender-based violence, and child marriage. With the support of UNICEF Mali, Makadidia has benefited from capacity building in advocacy and digital communication for the promotion of children's rights. She participated in the two seasons of the globally broadcast UNICEF series "Coping with COVID-19," providing her with an opportunity to advocate for the rights of girls. In 2023, Makadidia was appointed as a member of the Global Girl Leaders Advisory Group and Youth Advocate for girls' right to education in her country.

Education Advocate 

Mariam is a child artist and is currently studying at the National Conservatory of Arts and Digital Studies of Mali. Coming from a Malian traditional singer family “Griot”, with a love for the balafon (African musical instrument, similar to the xylophone), her dream is to become an internationally renowned Malian singer but would like to focus on raising awareness on children's rights, particularly the right to a quality education.

Girls’ rights activist

Adama is a young educator and the president of the Dabo girls' club in Senegal. She is also the Support Project coordinator for the National Strategy for Equity and Gender Equality and a member of the global consortium to fight against female genital mutilation (FGM). She has become a youth leader whom people go to, to report and/or find solutions against cases of early marriage or female genital mutilation.

Adama advocates for positive change: “a community where no child is abused, no girl is raped, no woman dies from health complications and no assistance.”

Education and Climate Advocate

Maguette is a passionate Young Citizen Reporter and member of Young Voices of the Sahel. As a Young Volunteer for Environment in Senegal, she actively protects the environment. She has represented Senegal’s youth at the AU-EU Head of State Summit, joined the World Water Forum in Dakar, and moderated the inaugural Under the Palaver Tree debate by Young UNICEF. Maguette was also part of Senegal’s delegation at COP27. Her advocacy focuses on educating the next generation about environmental, educational, and protection issues. 

Child Rights Advocate

Ablavi is a youth advocates who contributes to raising awareness in local communities of the importance of birth registration, so that every child has a legal identity. She studies Cybersecurity at the Institute of Technology and serves as the Acting President of the Prefectural Advisory Council for Children (CCPE Zio) and the Zio Center Cluster of the NGO Compassion. In these leadership roles, she actively contributes to creating a safe and nurturing environment for children, promoting their well-being, and advocating for their rights.

Advocate for Inclusive Education 

Damili is a youth advocate and an International Relations and Diplomacy graduate with a dedicated focus on education advocacy. Committed to improving access to inclusive, quality education, she specifically champions the cause for children with disabilities. Through her efforts, Damili strives to create a more equitable world, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.

Gender Equality Advocate 

Hayathe is a youth advocate from Togo and the President of the Youth Action Movement (YAM) of the Togolese Association for Family Welfare (ATBEF) she is a graduate of Pharmaceutical Science and an activist on issues of sexual and reproductive health of children, adolescents, and youth. Hayathe is contributing to ensuring that all children are equal and enjoying their rights to the fullest.

Climate Action Advocate 

Komlan is a youth advocate driven by a passion for creating positive change in the world. Komlan is committed to contributing to a healthier and safer environment for children by reducing pollution, preserving biodiversity, and guaranteeing air and water quality. He is also a young socio-educational animator, and will soon hold a degree in Organizational Communication.

Pediatric Health Advocate (Pediatric HIV) 

Kossi is a youth advocate who has been actively involved in the fight against HIV in Africa. As a peer educator and a youth advocate, he contributes to raising awareness and visibility for young people living with HIV, despite the ongoing stigma surrounding the disease.