Youth at Heart Advisory Committee 2025-2026

Yabtsega Getachew Assefa is a Project Consultant and Development Professional specializing in Advocacy, Communications, Social Impact, and Climate Action. As a Climate Justice Advocate, she focuses on gender equity and inclusive climate solutions. With a background in Environmental Science and Social Work, Yabtsega empowers women and youth in climate technology and sustainable development.

Beyond her professional work, Yabtsega engages in global youth networks, contributing to climate dialogues and championing equitable solutions. She believes in the power of youth and communities to drive change. Her commitment lies in fostering participation, influencing policies, and building capacity to create a just, sustainable future. 

Chahine Oueslati is a farm owner and manager, as well as a farm consultant on different occasions. In addition to his work in agriculture, he serves as the Chief of Logistics for ‘Leo Club Les Aigles De Carthage’, a charitable organization focused on community service. Chahine holds a Bachelor's degree in Natural Science and a degree in Horticulture, which he combines with practical experience to manage his farm operations and provide consultancy in the field. Outside of his professional life, he has a strong passion for the outdoors. He enjoys activities such as hiking, camping, and traveling, and loves meeting new people and exploring new places. He also maintains a disciplined fitness routine by going to the gym regularly.

Based in Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, Chahine strives to balance his agricultural career with personal interests, enriching both his professional and personal life while helping making his country and the world a better place.

Lys Esther Karikumutima is a multilingual youth leader from Burundi, passionate about youth inclusion in decision-making. She is the former East African Community Youth Ambassador to Burundi, she has worked extensively on peace and security, climate change, trade, and digital inclusion. She currently serves as the Youth Connect Envoy for the International Telecommunication Union and has supported grassroots advocacy through the Kibira Foundation.

Lys is also the Co-founder of the East Africa Impact Hub, which empowers youth in trade, climate, and peacebuilding. Inspired by Burundi’s political context, she is committed to engaging youth in peace processes and shaping inclusive, youth-centered governance across Africa. 

For two years, Narciso Simao Nhampossa has been a member of the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) at the Netherlands Embassy in Mozambique. This collaboration aims to ensure meaningful youth participation in programmes implemented by the NL Embassy. As a YAB member, he has been involved in activities such as proposal assessment, field trips, organizing youth events, and linking the Embassy to local organizations.

Outside the Embassy, Narciso works as an English language teacher and provides support to rural youth who aspire to pursue higher education in urban areas. He also promotes gender equality and positive masculinity through the ‘Boys Against Gender-Based Violence’ club.

Hadi returns for her second year to the Youth Advisory Committee.

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.

Yasmine returns for her second year to the Youth Advisory Committee.

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.

Hany returns for his second year to the Youth Advisory Committee.

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.

Enow returns for his second year to the Youth Advisory Committee.

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.

Karabo returns for her second year to the Youth Advisory Committee.

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 women from low-income communities.

René returns for his second year to the Youth Advisory Committee.

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.

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.’’

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.’’

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.’’