Introducing the Youth Advisory Committee to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 2024-2025
The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NL MFA) is thrilled to announce the addition of a new cohort to its esteemed Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). Following a rigorous selection process from over 2,200 applications, committee members from Lebanon, Chad, Egypt, Mali, South Africa and Senegal were added to our returning members from Burkina Faso, Iraq, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania!
Let’s take a look who will be advising the policy officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the upcoming year, who will pave the way for fruitful partnerships and inspire new initiatives on topics that matter to youth in our focus area.
Hany Anan - Lebanon
Hany Anan, a dynamic refugee changemaker from Lebanon, is dedicated to youth development and community service. After obtaining an Electrical and Computer Engineering degree from the American University of Beirut, Hany decided to use technology for humanitarian purposes. As the Youth Development Delegate at UNDP Lebanon, Hany leads the implementation of various youth projects impacting thousands of youths every year.
Additionally, Hany founded ToRead SARL, fostering growth and opportunities for youth using technology and innovation. Currently, he is pursuing a master's in Global Technology and Development at Arizona State University. Hany's work has been recognized locally, regionally, and internationally through various awards on his record.
Passionate about traveling and development, Hany has explored over 17 countries in the past 2 years, enriching a global perspective on sustainability and community projects, sharing his social impact story, and advocating for youth empowerment globally.
What excites you about this project?
‘’Being part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Youth Advisory Committee excites me the most because it offers a unique platform to influence policy and advocate for youth-centric initiatives on a national and international level. I can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to address pressing issues by collaborating with like-minded young leaders.
This opportunity allows me to contribute to shaping the future of youth in my region, ensuring that the voices and needs of young people are heard and addressed. The prospect of driving positive change and fostering international relations for a better future is inspiring and motivating.’’
Enow Awah Georges Stevens – Chad
Enow Awah Georges Stevens is a Youth Frontline Health Worker, Sexual and Reproductive Health expert, and a skilled youth engagement consultant. He has extensive clinical and programming experience on global health; HIV/AIDS; and sexual, reproductive, maternal, new-born, child, and adolescent health (SRMNCAH).
Enow possesses refined skills and knowledge on emergency obstetric and neonatal care, family planning, post-abortion care, and clinical care for survivors of sexual violence. He held several positions of responsibility first as a clinician in gynaecology and obstetrics department, then as the manager and senior manager of reproductive health projects in emergency and post-conflict situations in Sahel region and Sub-Saharan Africa.
What excites you about this project?
‘’The YAC provides an exciting opportunity to drive positive change, develop my leadership skills, and collaborate with a diverse group of young leaders. I am enthusiastic about the chance to contribute to meaningful initiatives and make a lasting impact through this dynamic and empowering council.
I look forward to making a real, tangible impact while addressing key youth issues such as mental health, digital inclusion, and social justice. The YAC provides a platform to champion these causes, raise awareness, and work towards sustainable solutions.’’
Yasmine Aburaya – Egypt
Yasmine Aburaya is a master's graduate of international cooperation and protection of human rights, a dedicated gender equality advocate, and the founder and executive director of Your Voice Initiative Against Violence Against Women. Since 2020, she has been actively working on women's rights issues, with extensive experience in combating violence against women.
As a member of the Arab States Civil Society and Feminists Network and a Women of the South Speak Out fellow for the MENA region, Yasmine is passionate about empowering youth to understand better, advocate effectively, and drive meaningful and equitable change within their communities
What excites you about this project?
‘’What excites me most about this project and being part of a diverse international Youth Advisory Committee is the unique opportunity to influence policy processes directly, giving youth a voice in decision-making at the Ministry.
This project offers a platform to collaborate, learn, and interact with young leaders from various backgrounds, fostering innovative solutions for global challenges. The focus on regions like the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, and the MENA region is particularly inspiring, as it addresses critical areas for youth development and empowerment, motivating us to expand and influence Ministry policies’’
Hadi Toure Guindo – Mali
Hadi Toure Guindo is a water treatment engineer that has initiated and piloted projects on drinking water service provision including setting up a revolving fund mechanism for vulnerable communities and decentralized drinking water systems for indigenous fishing camps.
She co-founded a social enterprise in Mali called AFR’EAU (Action-Formation-Recherche en EAU). Currently, she is managing a project, called Dji Mansa, which aims to shed light on the traditional knowledge of communities known as Water Masters: The Bozo and Sorko communities in Mali and Niger.
What excites you about this project?
‘’ As an engineer and practitionner, I know the importance of crafting policies that reflect the realities of the local communities that are impacted by these policies. Being part of the YAC will provide me with the unique opportunity of cooperating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands on themes that really matter to the youth of the Sahel!’’
Karabo Mokgonyana – South Africa
Karabo Mokgonyana is a legal and development practitioner focusing on youth and gender development, human rights protection and climate, peace and security. She holds a Masters in International Law and works for a climate change think tank focusing on renewable energy in Africa and just transitions.
Karabo has worked with and for several development institutions like the African Union, UNICEF and the Commonwealth on inclusion and effective representation in developing programmes and policies for youth, womxn and other marginalised communities. Her work expands from the grassroots to an international level. Karabo is a co-founder of Sesi Fellowship and Skill Hub which focuses on the education and employability of young womxn from low-income communities.
What excites you most about this project?
‘’ What excites me the most about this project is the opportunity to actively engage in shaping the Dutch MFA policies that impact youth in Africa and the MENA region. Being part of the YAC will give me the opportunity to collaborate with diverse international youth on critical themes like education, work, and youth participation - which matters most to us.
The chance to contribute to diverse areas such as youth entrepreneurship, sexual health education, and digitalisation policies is truly inspiring and aligns with my passion for creating meaningful change, specifically for youth development.’’
René Edouard Mendis – Senegal
René Edouard Mendis is a facilitator dedicated to promoting positive synergies between children, young people and organisations for sustainable improvements in the community. He has a degree in political science and international relations and is a certified collective intelligence facilitator. René Edouard leads community impact projects and is regional programme coordinator at the Social Change Factory, a centre for citizen leadership, innovation and research.
Selected for the Dalberg Talent Academy in 2021 and as ONE Champion in 2022, he is also curator of the Dakar hub of the Global Shapers Community, run by the World Economic Forum. He recently became the national coordinator of the African Youth Panel, a new participatory research initiative designed to provide a platform for the continent's young people to explore ways of creating secure and sustainable futures.
What excites you about this project?
‘’I'm excited about this project because it provides a platform for meaningful dialogue and cooperation between young people and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on crucial policies. This opportunity fits perfectly with my passion for empowering young people, particularly in the areas of education, employment and participation.
Working on issues that directly concern young people is useful. I'm looking forward to using my expertise and talents to work together to achieve the goals of this ambitious project.’’
Abdulrahman Al Bo Ragheef - Iraq
Abdulrahman returns for his second year to the Youth Advisory Committee.
‘’I have always been passionate about making a positive impact in my community, which led me to become a dedicated volunteer since 2014. As a political activist and young researcher, my interests revolve around empowering youth, advocating for human rights, and addressing the pressing issue of climate change.
I co-founded SASA Organization for the Promotion of Democracy, aiming to promote democratic values and empower individuals to actively participate in shaping a better future. Through my work, I aspire to contribute to a more just and sustainable society.’’
Shamim Wasii Nyanda - Tanzania
Shamim returns for her second year to the Youth Advisory Committee.
‘’My friends and colleagues usually compare me to horses who are social creatures and thrive in environments where they can form strong bonds with others. I advocate for and activate youth representation from GS on global platforms. I also equip them with the knowledge and skills to do so.
I am a passionate advocate and activator of the planet’s safety and liveability for all. I am the Founder of Doors of Hope Foundation in Tanzania, a Youth-Led Organization working on Climate Change Education, Youth and Women Empowerment as well as Ocean Climate Solutions.
I lead the Tanzania Ocean Climate Innovation Hub Endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade as part of the GEOS program under Ocean Visions to foster Collaboration, Innovation, Ocean Science while promoting Ocean Climate Solutions with Ocean Literacy as the backbone of our Solutions. I am self-motivated and driven to work with and for young people across Tanzania and Beyond.’’
Angel Mbuthia - Kenya
Angel returns for her second year to the Youth Advisory Committee.
‘’I am deeply dedicated to the belief that each generation has its own unique quest, and I firmly believe that ours revolves around shaping a world that is both peaceful and prosperous. Every single day, I actively commit myself to this mission by diligently creating purposeful platforms and opportunities for young individuals to grow and excel in any way possible.
Throughout my journey, I have tirelessly served the cause of students, beginning during my undergraduate years, extending to youth in Kenya, and then broadening my impact across the continent and eventually the globe. This quest fuels my passion, and I remain steadfast in its pursuit with unwavering devotion.’’
Damilola Babatunde - Nigeria
Damilola returns for his second year to the Youth Advisory Committee.
‘’I am a project manager and policy advocate deeply committed to fostering the meaningful inclusion of youth in international policymaking. As the Founder and Executive Director of Young Changemakers Foundation, I lead a vibrant, youth-led organization dedicated to positively transforming lives and communities through capacity building, research and policy advocacy.
In addition to my leadership role, I have served as a consultant for various global organizations and been invited to contribute insights at consultations hosted by prominent multilateral bodies such as the World Health Organization, UN Women, and World Bank. My work is driven by the conviction that empowering young voices and fostering collaborative solutions can pave the way to a more equitable and promising future.’’
Wilfried Sougrinoma Armel Sebgo - Burkina Faso
Wilfried returns for his second year to the Youth Advisory Committee.
‘’I am Wilfried Sebgo from Burkina Faso. I am a young peace builder resolutely committed to carrying the voice of youth, these explorers of the world of possibilities. Holder of a Master's degree in Diplomacy and International Relations, I am currently in charge of projects in a human rights organization. I also work in training and consulting.
Since 2009, I am involved in community work and member of several national and international youth platforms. I am sensitive to all that affects youth and women in terms of access to health, employment, governance, etc. I have worked in several organizations, in multi-stakeholder projects and complex situations in the field of peace, human rights, governance and youth empowerment.’’
