Youth Advisory Committee Cohort II
These young people know their way around the ministry of Foreign Affairs. Being part of the Youth Advisory Committe is something that never truly leaves your heart, therefore you can find the previous YAC cohorts bellow.
Grace Aguil Garang
25 years old, South Sudan
Grace is an activist on the subjects of youth and gender equality. She is co-founder of the youth organisation Youth and Society-Africa.
“Being a member of the YAC provides me an opportunity to represent and raise voices of young people in South Sudan and Africa. I am also excited to work with a group of powerful young people to learn, network and explore on meaningful youth participation.”
Khadija Amahal
28 years old, Marocco
As a project coordinator Khadija is involved with avivities surrounding youth participation, women's rights and storytelling. She holds a master's degree in Applied Linguistics.
“My previous experience as a YAC member was very enlightening. I look forward to continuing my engagement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dutch Youth Council and of course my fellow YAC members to amplify the voices of young people. I look forward to getting to know the new members and learning from their experiences. I am also excited to showcase the work of Moroccan youth and highlight their activism on a broader level. I really like how this project is tailored to put young people at the heart of every decision making and centre the youth’s needs to build more coherent communities where young people are decision makers and active changemakers.”
Damilola Blessing Babatunde
24 years old, Nigeria
Damilola is a founder of the Young Changemakers Foundation, a youth organisation that focusses on making a positive change in the lives of people and communities through research, advocacy and capacity building.
“I am excited about being a member of the International Youth Advisory Committee because my work in this committee will result in the significant improvement of the prospects of young people in Africa, Middle East, and beyond. Furthermore, I am thrilled to be part of a committee that will catalyze the meaningful inclusion of youths in the international policy-making process and ensure that the policies of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs are better tailored to match the realities of young people in Africa, Middle East, and beyond.”
Daisy Kandole
27 years old, Uganda
Daisy is a passionate social worker, who focusses on ensuring a safe and supportive environment where young people can realise their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
“I am excited about being a member of the International Youth Advisory Committee because my work in this committee will result in the significant improvement of the prospects of young people in Africa, Middle East, and beyond. Furthermore, I am thrilled to be part of a committee that will catalyze the meaningful inclusion of youths in the international policy-making process and ensure that the policies of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs are better tailored to match the realities of young people in Africa, Middle East, and beyond.”
Rawan Raad Hassan Elrufai
24 years old, Sudan
As medical student and women's rights activist Rawan focusses on organising activities with regards to sexual and reproductive health and rights. To that end she works with multiple youth-led and grassroots organisations.
“I look forward to working with and for young people in different themes to incorporate their inputs and lived experiences in the policies of the MFA. Bridging the gap between young people and policymaking has always been one of my greatest interests.”
Sinan Abderrahim Mah'd Assaid
26 years old, Jordan
Sinan strives as a young entrepreneur to work in a socially driven manner. Through his companies, like The Good Socks, he hopes to create a more socially just world.
“The Youth Advisory Committee project ignites my curiosity as it provides an enthralling opportunity to understand the ideologies behind policymaking. I am eager to explore the intricate dynamics, gain fresh perspectives, and contribute innovative ideas that can shape a better future for global communities. It is a captivating journey that empowers me to challenge preconceptions, understand complex international relations, and actively engage with policy makers in shaping impactful policies.”
Abdulrahman Ahmed R. Al Bo Ragheef
22 years old, Iraq
The work of Abdulrahman focusses on strengthening democracy in Iraq and Lebanon. In order to achieve this, Abdulrahman, after obtaining his low degree, decided to co-found SASA Organization for the Promotion of Democracy.
“The Youth Advisory Committee project ignites my curiosity as it provides an enthralling opportunity to understand the ideologies behind policymaking. I am eager to explore the intricate dynamics, gain fresh perspectives, and contribute innovative ideas that can shape a better future for global communities. It is a captivating journey that empowers me to challenge preconceptions, understand complex international relations, and actively engage with policy makers in shaping impactful policies.”
Shamim Wasii Nyanda
25 years old, Tanzania
Shamim is an environmental activist, who wants to represent the voice of African young people on the international stage, for example as a TEDx speaker and founder of the Trees for Birthdays initiative.
“What excites me the most is that being part of this project will offer me a chance to make a positive impact on my community and the world because it’s a chance for me to contribute my ideas and perspectives to the global conversations which could lead to tangible results and positive change. It’s an opportunity for me to represent and echo the voices of other young people in my community and country on a global stage. And the fact that I will be connecting with other youths across the world makes me more excited to learn and share new skills and gain valuable experience from one another.”
Angel Warira Mbuthia
28 years old, Kenya
Angel advocates for the interests of young people as a board member of the National Youth Council of Kenya. She also won the 2022 Ms. President Kenya leadership contest.
“What excites me is the opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the future for young people. Being part of this committee means having a direct platform to voice the concerns, aspirations, and ideas of the youth, and to advocate for their needs and interests. It excites me to be able to work alongside like-minded individuals who share a common goal of creating positive change for young people. By being a member of the youth advisory committee, I can leverage my experience and passion to influence decisions, policies, and initiatives that will empower and support the next generation on a larger scale.”
Wilfried Sougrinoma Armel Sebgo
28 years old, Burkina Faso
As a project leader for a human rights organisation, Wilfried knows like no other how important peace and security are for the development of young people. He studied international relations and wants to use that knowledge in order to project the voices of young people on the international stage.
“What excites me about this project is the fact that I can meet young people from different backgrounds, work together, free the collective intelligence for a common goal: The full development of youth. I'm also excited about the opportunity given to us by the Dutch authorities to express ourselves, to be listened to and to have our opinions as young people taken into account. Finally, what a joy it is to be able to express the deepest aspirations of the young people of my country, to discover those of other countries and finally to participate in the implementation of adequate policies for them.”