About UNIYIA

Empowering Africa'sFuture Leaders

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

Women holding boxes about climate action, no poverty, clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities and communities at a uniyia event.

500K+

People Reached

Our Mission

What We Do

We create pathways to empower underprivileged communities through innovative programs and sustainable solutions.

Community Engagement

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.

Thematic Focus Areas

We focus on several thematic areas, including Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity Conservation, Youth Development, Renewable Energy and Food Security.

International Representation

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.

Policy Advocacy

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.

Our Foundation

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:

1

Cross-Sector Partnerships

Partnerships across sectors including governments, civil society groups, businesses, and academia.

2

Transparency & Accountability

Transparency and accountability in decision-making, investments, and impact.

3

Synergistic Networks

Synergistic networks that build on strengths.

4

Social Inclusion

Social inclusion at all levels of society.

Making a Difference

Our Impact

Numbers that showcase our commitment to creating lasting change across Africa and beyond.

500K+

Our Reach

People reached across Africa

60K+

Lives Changed

Lives positively impacted

15

Projects

Successfully executed

13

Countries

Across the continent

20+

Partners

Strategic partnerships

Driving Sustainable Change Across Africa

Through our comprehensive programs in climate action, youth empowerment, and sustainable development, we continue to expand our reach and deepen our impact across the African continent.

Our Journey

Key Achievements

Milestones that define our commitment to sustainable development and youth empowerment.

5000+ Youth Engaged

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.

Continental Conference

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.

Global Youth Voice

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.

Global Coordination

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.

International Partnership

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.

First LCOY 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.

Our People

The Team

Meet the passionate individuals driving change and creating sustainable impact across Africa.

A picture of Abdul-Rashid Tahiru

Abdul-Rashid Tahiru

Executive Director

A picture of Michael Appiah

Michael Appiah

Operations Officer

A picture of Jan Kairel Guillermo

Jan Kairel Guillermo

Advisor

A picture of Noah Bugre

Noah Bugre

General Manager

Your donation makes ahuge impact

Every contribution helps us reach more communities, train more youth, and create lasting sustainable solutions across Africa.

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