Who we are
United Youth Initiative for Africa (UNIYIA) is a youth-led youth-focused non-profit organisation leading sustainable development in the field of Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction, Smart Agriculture, Circular Economy and Gender Development. Our mission is to develop pathways to empower underprivileged young people and communities to develop sustainable outputs through capacity building, digital literacy, advocacy, and environmental conservation. UNIYIA’s vision is to promote and inspire sustainable outcomes that young people will leverage to transition Africa to a sustainable future.
What we do
UNIYIA conducts sensitisation and educational programmes on societal issues by engaging communities and young people to create awareness of societal issues and the SDGs and why they should become the main actors of this agenda.
We focus on several thematic areas, including Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity Conservation, Youth Development, Renewable Energy and Food Security.
Represent the country in various international conventions such as the International Climate Change Conference, International Student Energy Summit, UN ECOSOC Youth Forum, UN High-Level Political Forum, etc.
We lobby for youth empowerment and inclusion in decision making at the governmental level through our programs and conduct surveys and research on societal issues about sustainable development goals.
We build upon Africa’s existing successes by bringing together people, ideas, and innovation to collectively reach a more sustainable future.
Our values
Our efforts and impact have proved our effectiveness and commitment to addressing youth and environmental challenges. Aligned with the United Nations’ Post-2015 Development Agenda, we value;
Partnerships across sectors including governments, civil society groups, businesses, and academia.
Transparency and accountability in decision-making, investments, and impact.
Synergistic networks that build on strengths.
Social inclusion at all levels of society.
Our impact
SDG Awareness & Sensitization Program
UNIYIA has engaged 5000+ youth in our SDG awareness and sensitization program which has broadened the youth's sense of making a positive impact by providing them with the know-how on government processes, programs, and projects.
YouthConnekt Africa
As part of the YouthConnekt secretariat in Ghana, our team supported organising the YouthConnekt Africa Conference held in Accra in 2021. Our focus committees were on communication, operations, and the development of the YCA design for participating African countries.
26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26)
COP26 was where we delivered the global youth statement gathered by young people around and presented it to the COP Presidency. This presentation was done by UNIYIA’s advisor Jan Kairel from the Philippines representing the global youth. UNIYIA organised several workshops during COP26 which had lots of admiration, especially from African representatives and youth organisations.
16th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY16)
UNIYIA played a massive role at COY16. Our team members were selected as part of the coordination committee serving on the Global Affairs Unit that sought to provide a wide range of perspectives, ensuring that all youth voices are heard, thus guaranteeing diversity in delegate participation during COY16.
Youth Advocacy & Engagement
UNIYIA partnered with LEYTEAM, Inc. in the Philippines where we helped in the crafting of the Eastern Visayas Youth Agenda Plan during the Regional Youth Summit in Leyte in the Philippines.
YouthConnekt Ghana
UNIYIA is the leading youth team that helped design the YouthConnekt Ghana program led by the National Youth Authority and UNDP Ghana.
LCOY Ghana
In September 2021, UNIYIA partnered with Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO) to organise Ghana’s first-ever Local Conference of Youth (LCOY Ghana) which was held at the British Council in Accra with support from UNICEF, British Council, German Corporation, and the Canadian High Commission.
The team
Abdul-Rashid Tahiru
Executive Director
Michael Appiah
Operations Officer
Margaret Impraim
Climate Officer
Jan Kairel Guillermo
Advisor
Dwayn Ocansey
Communications Officer
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