Empowering the Next Generation ofGreen Leaders in Africa
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 Inclusion. 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.
10K+
People Reached
What We Do
We create pathways to empower underprivileged communities through innovative programs and sustainable solutions.
Youth and Policy Advocacy
We advocate for the active inclusion of youth in decision-making processes. Through policy lobbying and research, we ensure that young people's voices are heard in national and international policy dialogues, especially those focused on sustainable development and climate action.
Community Sensitization and Engagement
Our initiatives focus on raising awareness and educating communities about key societal issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We engage directly with youth and local communities to empower them to take meaningful action toward addressing challenges such as climate change, food security, and biodiversity conservation.
Empowering Innovation and Leadership
We foster a culture of innovation and leadership by providing young people with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to lead sustainable projects. From basic schools to universities, we nurture youth talent and drive the next generation of leaders committed to sustainability.
Global Policy and Youth Climate Engagement
UNIYIA represents Ghanaian youth on international platforms, ensuring our youth are actively involved in global policy discussions. Our engagements at major international forums focus on promoting youth-driven solutions to climate change and sustainable development challenges.
Other Focus Areas
In addition to the above, UNIYIA is committed to addressing a range of pressing societal issues, including Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity Conservation, Gender Inclusion, Renewable Energy, and Food Security. These thematic areas are integral to our mission of creating a sustainable and equitable future for all.
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:
Cross-Sector Partnerships
Partnerships across sectors including governments, civil society groups, businesses, and academia.
Transparency & Accountability
Transparency and accountability in decision-making, investments, and impact.
Synergistic Networks
Synergistic networks that build on strengths.
Gender and Social Inclusion
Social inclusion at all levels of society.
Our Impact
Numbers that showcase our commitment to creating lasting change across Africa and beyond.
Our Reach
People reached across Africa
Lives Changed
Lives positively impacted
Projects
Successfully executed
Countries
Across the continent
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.
Key Achievements
Milestones that define our commitment to sustainable development and youth empowerment.
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.
COP26 Global Youth Voice
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.
COY16 Global Coordination
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.
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.
Ghana Youth Climate Action Roadmap
UNIYIA is leading, in partnership with GenGreen Consult, the development of the Ghana Youth Climate Action Roadmap. This roadmap outlines the strategies of development agencies and donors for the next five years, alongside the government's plans, with a focus on youth-driven climate action. The roadmap is being developed with the collaboration of 15 youth organizations across Ghana, as well as key stakeholders including the EPA, the Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, the NYA, and various development agencies.
Green Skills Readiness Project (GSRP)
In June 2025, UNIYIA held the soft launch of the GSRP at the Center for Climate Change and Sustainable Studies at the University of Ghana. The event featured a participatory stakeholder engagement, bringing together 33 stakeholders, including representatives from youth organizations, technical industry players, academia, development agencies, diplomatic missions, government, and media. The GSRP aims to address skill gaps in the green sector by leveraging market demands and existing training organizations.
LCOY Ghana Leadership & Strategic Partnerships
LCOY Evolution
In September 2021, UNIYIA partnered with the Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO) to co-host Ghana's first-ever Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) at the British Council in Accra. This successful collaboration continued in 2022, with both organizations co-hosting the event again.
Leadership Growth
In 2024, UNIYIA took the lead in hosting LCOY independently and is set to host the event once more in 2025, demonstrating our growing leadership in youth climate advocacy.
Strategic Partnerships
UNIYIA has established strong partnerships with youth organizations across all 16 regions of Ghana, as well as with prominent development agencies such as UNICEF, UNDP, IOM, and ILO. The organization has also collaborated with diplomatic missions, including the British High Commission, German Embassy, Canadian High Commission, and the Danish Embassy.
Your donation makes ahuge impact
Every contribution helps us reach more communities, train more youth, and create lasting sustainable solutions across Africa.