UNICEF Youth Advocates

Advocate for digital rights

Abril is a youth activist focused on education and its connection with digital transformation. She is a Political Science student and was a UNICEF Innocenti Office of Strategy and Evidence Youth Foresight Fellow in 2023–2024. As part of the fellowship, she published a foresight report exploring the futures of digital citizenship and its impact on children and youth in Argentina.

In 2025, Abril led UNICEF Argentina’s PLAN A initiative, co-creating a foresight game with 70 young people across the country to explore possible futures of education. She has also been involved in organizations and initiatives such as Amnesty International Digital Rights Champions program and Ashoka Cono Sur.

Abril believes young people should play an active role in shaping more inclusive, participatory, and future-oriented education systems. She has participated in numerous high-level events, including the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council 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

Maria 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. 

Education, gender equality and climate advocate

Asher is a dedicated youth advocate who works to advance children’s rights with a focus on education, gender equality, and climate resilience. Drawing on his community experience and leadership roles, Asher has been an active voice in the National Children’s Parliament (2022-2023) and contributes to the Public Relations Department of the Belize City Council. He has supported several citywide initiatives, including post-Hurricane Lisa recovery efforts and programs that empower young people. 

Asher has represented young people on national panels addressing gender-based violence and mental health, and he reported on youth issues for the World Children’s Day media takeover with 7 News Belize. He continues to amplify youth voices and promote inclusive spaces for Belize’s next generation. 

Asher sees his role with UNICEF as a natural extension of this commitment: “Every young person deserves to be heard, supported and safe.”

Child rights and climate advocate 

Favor-Joy is a passionate 16-year-old Belizean youth advocate devoted to children’s empowerment and environmental protection. As a U-Report Ambassador and Executive of her school’s Peer Helpers Association, she leads initiatives that promote well-being and positive choices. She founded her school’s social media club and launched campaigns like “Powda to Powda,” encouraging students to live drug-free and celebrate life. 

Favor-Joy has represented youth on national and global platforms with UNICEF and championed the SDGs, speaking at Belize’s 2024 SDG Youth Summit and serving as MC for the 2025 Summit. As a panelist on mental health and school reform, she continues to advocate for every child’s right to dream and thrive.

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.

Climate advocate

João is a climate activist from Ilha de Caratateua, Belém, Brazil. Known as ‘João do Clima’ (Climate João), he’s passionate about defending island and riverside communities, he advocates for environmental justice and youth participation in decision-making. 

As Youth Coordinator of the Sustainable Development Forum of the Islands and a UNICEF Youth Advisor, João amplifies the voices of marginalized communities. He is part of UNICEF Brazil’s Youth Council and “Adolescent Activists Towards COP30” strategy, representing youth in global climate discussions.

Inspired by his dream to study Law and specialize in International Relations, João believes diplomacy can drive real change. He organizes local events, engages in political debates, and uses communication to mobilize peers.

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 Isabel is a Quilombola (Afro-Brazilian descendent from enslaved Africans) youth activist, Informatics student. She fights for children's rights, climate justice, equity, and inclusive education. 

Her lived experience as a Black rural youth drives her activism. Maria is a member of national and international advocacy spaces, including NUCA (Adolescent Citizenship Center of UNICEF Seal project), of her hometown, Picuí-PB, UNICEF Brazil’s Youth Council and other state and federal organizations.

She has participated in consultations with government bodies and contributed to youth-led campaigns for climate action and social equity. Fluent in Portuguese, LIBRAS (Brazilian Sign Language), English, and Spanish, she works to expand access to opportunities and amplify marginalized voices.

Climate advocate

Clara 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 internationally recognized for his leadership in climate action, children's rights, and environmental education. He founded Guardians for Life (Guardianes por la Vida), a youth-led movement with over 1,400 members promoting civic and climate education as essential for a meaningful life.

His advocacy has earned him several prestigious roles: Goodwill Ambassador of the European Union in Colombia, Youth Champion of Human Rights by the UN Human Rights Office, Child Advisor to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child for General Comment No. 26, and First Climate Action Defender for Latin America and the Caribbean by UNICEF (2021). He also serves as Youth Champion for the European External Action Service’s “Our Voice, Our Future” campaign.

Francisco is the author of Ask Francisco: What is Climate Change? (Pregúntale a Francisco: ¿Qué es el cambio climático?), and a guest columnist for El Tiempo and El Espectador. He has led global efforts to include children's voices in climate policy, notably through the Declaration of Eco-Hope (Declaración de la Ecoesperanza), presented to over a dozen world leaders. He has participated in several COPs and Sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies, among many other high-level international fora. Francisco’s work inspires young people worldwide to defend the planet and build a dignified life for all living beings.

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.

Advocate for education 

Mercedes is a prominent young activist in the Paraguayan education sector. She is 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.

Girls and adolescents’ rights advocate

Jackeline is a social communicator and feminist activist recognized for her leadership in defending the rights of girls, adolescents and young women. Born to an Andean family and raised in a working class neighborhood of Lima, she attended public school and stood out early as a student leader, serving throughout secondary school as the Student Council Representative for the Rights of Children and Adolescents.

Her commitment to social change led her to pursue communication and to engage in youth and feminist organizing through the Kerigma Social Youth Association and the Commission of Adolescent Women Leaders of Metropolitan Lima. She later became an active participant in UNICEF Peru’s youth ecosystem, contributing through COMULIA, the +Poder Adolescente Advisory Council and the UNICEF Global Girls Advisory Group, where she supported advocacy efforts and national dialogues on gender equality and adolescent empowerment. 

Jackeline has led and supported initiatives focused on adolescent empowerment, gender equality, and economic autonomy. She represents a generation of Peruvian women leaders who are diverse, well prepared and committed to strengthening the rights of girls and adolescents across the country.

Children's rights and inclusion advocate 

Ajernee is a passionate advocate for children’s rights, inclusion, and non-discrimination. Motivated by her childhood experiences and coming from the small island of Nevis, she is committed to using her voice to ensure children that are often left behind can thrive, particularly in non-traditional fields like STEM.

She is a student leader working with the Youth Health and the Technovation Nevis Girls Chapter,  a member of the Ministry of Education’s Student Ambassador Program, where she leads her school’s volunteerism pillar and a Child Rights Ambassador for St. Kitts and Nevis. 

She was the youngest participant at the UNICEF’s 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day panel, also representing UNICEF at the XVI Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean where she was a featured speaker at ECLAC’s segment Memory and Future. Her powerful message emphasized the need for change and the urgent involvement of young people in shaping a fairer future, particularly in addressing challenges related to care work and how the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work on adolescent girls hinders their education and development.

Children's 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.

Children's rights advocate

Anika is a Senior Leader on UNICEF USA’s National Youth Council and a dedicated advocate for child rights, gender equality, and equitable access to education. She has served as a champion trainer for UNICEF’s Youth Advocacy Guide, working with youth nationwide on advocacy plans, and presented child rights workshops in schools. She has also spoken at events, including the inaugural Interfaith Convening on the Rights of Children. 

Anika’s advocacy began when she helped lobby for the successful ban on child marriage in Michigan. She has led campaigns on mental health, impact investing, and human trafficking awareness, combining policy action with community engagement strategy. She continues to bridge the gap between local and global action, empowering young people to drive change.

Children's rights and mental health advocate

Elmar is a member of UNICEF USA’s National Youth Council and a dedicated leader for youth empowerment, equity, and transformative change. A first-generation Mexican-American, his lived experience with underrepresentation drives his commitment to amplifying diverse voices. ​

Within UNICEF USA, Elmar contributes to Youth Strategic Planning, where he organized materials and presentations to guide club networks on the importance of flexible funding and brainstormed strategies to share these resources effectively. He also partnered with the Harris Poll to elevate youth perspectives in shaping organizational priorities and amplifying youth concerns. Additionally, he strengthens national awareness campaigns through the Social Media Team, including World Children’s Day, and has championed webinars and trainings for the club network to help participants develop actionable advocacy action for Mental Health Month. ​

Beyond UNICEF, he has participated in addressing gun violence, voting research, and coordinated events through government outreach to advance policies. Elmar remains committed to creating a peaceful and equitable world through meaningful change and won’t stop until he reaches his goal.​

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 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 education

Blessings is a committed child-rights advocate passionate about ensuring every child has access to education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he noticed many children missing school due to lack of masks. Motivated to act, he mobilised his school’s student council and local chiefs to quickly address the issue, helping more than 100 children return to class. This experience strengthened his belief that children’s voices matter and that advocacy begins with action. 

Blessings continues to champion children’s rights through Children’s Corners, Children’s Parliament, and national platforms. He has represented young people at high-level events including the World Children’s Summit and the Africa Climate Change Summit in Addis Ababa, ensuring children are heard where decisions are made. 

Children's rights advocate

Elizabeth is a youth advocate from Malawi, committed to empowering young people and creating meaningful change. Having personally experienced climate-induced disaster when her home partially collapsed during Tropical Cyclone Anna, Elizabeth is passionate about children’s rights, girls’ education, youth empowerment, climate action, and child protection especially during climate-releated disasters as well as championing climate resilience. 

Elizabeth has engaged policymakers at national and global levels, including COP28, the Africa Climate Summit, and meetings with UNICEF Malawi and the Minister of Youth and Sports. She champions free secondary education, better sanitation, and improved learning environments. Elizabeth is also a member of the Global Girls Leaders Advisory Group (GGLAG) which advises UNICEF, she continues to work tirelessly to ensure children’s concerns are heard, valued, and acted upon. 

Children's rights advocate

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.

Child protection advocate

Rethabile is a passionate child-protection advocate inspired by Article 2 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which affirms that every child deserves equal rights regardless of background. Witnessing widespread neglect and abuse among her school peers motivated her to take action. 

As a child parliamentarian in her community, she founded a child-led group where children discuss their challenges and engage the District Council and other local authorities to address them and take collective action. Her advocacy spans school, community, and national levels, including participation in the Africa Climate Change Summit, the National Youth Summit, and national budget consultations. Rethabile remains committed to ensuring that all children - everywhere- are protected, supported, and given the opportunities they deserve. 

Child protection advocate

Thokozani is a passionate advocate for child protection, driven by the belief that every child deserves safety, dignity, and the chance to learn. 

Growing up near a tobacco estate where many children worked in harsh conditions, he witnessed school dropouts and exploitation firsthand. These experiences fuelled his mission to end child labour in his community. He works closely with chiefs and community leaders, raising awareness and pushing for action. As a speaker in his local Children’s Parliament, Thoko represents children’s voices in national advocacy spaces, including engagements with government during national budget processes. He believes protecting children’s rights is everyone’s responsibility and envisions a future where no child is burdened by labour or harassment. 

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

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

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.

Advocate for education

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.

Children's 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.

Adolescent girls 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.

Climate advocate

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.

Children's rights and climate advocate 

Amine is nicknamed "The Little Inventor." He is an icon for children, and his story is taught to primary school students in Morocco. Amine was born and raised in the village of Tafza Ourika, near Marrakech, in the Al Haouz Mountains, an area severely affected by the 2023 earthquake. However, he transformed these challenges into a source of inspiration, driving him to invent and innovate despite his limited resources, always thinking of children and vulnerable youth. Among his most notable inventions are a smart helmet for the visually impaired, a smart bin for automatic waste sorting, thus contributing to environmental protection and pollution reduction, and a robot dog as an interactive educational tool.

Children's 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

Hibatallah is a young writer with already eight published books. She is an active and prominent young leader in Morocco’s educational and cultural sectors and an advocate for child rights protection from climate change impact. She is committed to inspiring others, often sharing her experiences in creativity and leadership with young audiences in schools and cultural spaces across Morocco.

Hibatallah’s leadership journey is marked by numerous achievements and honors. She is member of the Moroccan child parliament. In 2023, she was elected as the Second Vice-President of the Arab Parliament for Children and was a finalist in the National Reading Project. Her creative talents have been widely recognized as she secured top positions in national and regional competitions in areas such as comic book creation, poetry, and music. 

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.

Advocate for inclusion

Paul, a Moroccan journalist with Down syndrome, has been using for years his voice to advocate for the fundamental rights of people with disabilities. Through his various social media platforms, he creates a space for dialogue, awareness, and support, thus contributing to building a more just, inclusive, and equitable world.

Through his daily commitment, Paul embodies the spirit of resilience and inspires many children and young people facing various forms of vulnerability around the world.

In July 2025, Paul presented his final project at the Higher Institute of Information and Communication in Rabat, officially becoming the first person with Down syndrome to earn a journalism degree in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Child rights advocate

Youssef, a 14-year-old Moroccan mountaineer, is currently preparing to climb Aconcagua (the highest peak in the Americas) in January 2026. This ascent is a key step towards achieving his ultimate dream: reaching the summit of Mount Everest in 2027, at the age of sixteen.

The Atlas Boy, as he is nicknamed, has expressed in his previous endeavors, his solidarity with vulnerable children living in mountainous regions, who suffer from inadequate education, healthcare, and recreational facilities.

Passionate about mountaineering since an early age, Youssef has climbed more than fifty peaks around the world including Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe at 5,642 meters, becoming the youngest African mountaineer to stand on the roof of Europe. A model of resilience and determination for new generations.

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. When he was 17 he 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."

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 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.

Children's 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.

Children's 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.

Climate 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.

Children's 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. 

Children's rights and climate advocate

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 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 18-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 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.

Children's rights advocate

Dariella, known as Fafali, is a passionate advocate for children’s rights and empowerment in Ghana. Her advocacy journey gained prominence in 2024 during her participation in a high-level initiative organized by UNICEF Ghana, the Office of the President, and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. This initiative, which was part of the pre-SDG Summit celebrations, reflected her leadership and dedication. She attended a three-day workshop with 100 young people from across the country, culminating in the SDG Model Summit, where children presented their priorities and solutions.

In addition to this, Fafali is an active member of the Child Parliament of Ghana and has participated in several national courses and programs designed to promote youth participation in governance and decision-making. She collaborates with UNICEF Ghana and the Ministry of Gender on advocacy campaigns addressing critical issues affecting young people.

Girls' rights advocate

Fatima, also known as Zara, is deeply committed to advancing the rights and well-being of adolescent girls in Ghana. She is particularly passionate about addressing challenges such as access to education, child protection, and climate change, as well as the broader issues that continue to affect girls across the country.

Through her role as a U-Reporter, Fatima has consistently leveraged the platform to connect with his peers and amplify pressing youth issues. In the near future, Fatima will serve as a member of the UNICEF West and Central Africa Regional Girls’ Group. This unique platform brings together adolescent girls from 24 countries to influence regional programming and policies on girls’ rights. As part of this advisory body, she will help identify priorities and shape the agenda for upcoming regional summits.

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.

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. 

Children's 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.

Health advocate

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.