The International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched the Youth Changemakers Initiative, empowering ten young leaders globally, who will collaborate closely with IOM offices to advocate on critical issues such as climate mobility, human trafficking, gender equality, health, and countering xenophobia.
Driven by a passion for migration and a commitment to creating meaningful change, IOM's Youth Changemakers will dedicate the next 11 months to positively impacting their communities. This initiative will provide them with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills, as well as leverage the support of a global network of like-minded peers.
"The IOM's Youth Changemakers Initiative is supporting young leaders worldwide to become effective migration advocates and agents of change in their communities," said IOM Director General Amy Pope.
Of the world's 281 million migrants, 87 million of them - or about 31 percent - are under the age of 30. In their host communities, young changemakers bring innovative solutions to migration challenges and opportunities, playing a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The selection process for the Youth Changemakers involved two stages. Initially, five young leaders were chosen through a competitive global application process. They were later joined by five African Union (AU)-IOM Migration Youth Ambassadors, selected in 2023 by the IOM Special Liaison Office in Addis Ababa in partnership with the AU Women, Gender and Youth Directorate and the Office of the AU Chairperson's Youth Envoy.
The IOM Youth Changemakers are (in alphabetical order):
- Asha Jhanay Richards, from the United States of America and Jamaica
- Damilola Adeniran, from Nigeria
- Jürgen Adam Sanchez, from Mexico
- Kornelius Sembiring, from Indonesia
- Rose Kobusinge, from Uganda
- Sarah Badr, from Egypt
- Sérgio Murilo Magalhaes Godinho, from Brazil
- Sheba George, from India
- Valery Bobuin Jr., from Cameroon
- Walter Kasempa, from Zambia
As a first step, each Youth Changemaker will create an individual action plan aimed at raising awareness about migration in ways that are both accessible and relevant to their communities. To support their efforts, IOM will facilitate their participation in key meetings and events, offer training sessions, and provide peer-learning opportunities.
Despite their significant contributions to sustainable development, young people remain underrepresented in public policymaking. The Youth Changemakers Initiative aims to enhance their participation in migration discussions and promote safe, orderly, dignified, and inclusive migration.
