The IDA Youth Champions Circle brings together a dynamic group of young leaders who are passionate about shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future. Representing diverse regions across the globe, these Champions share a commitment to advancing the priorities of IDA21.
Each Champion brings a proven track record in advocacy and community engagement, with deep roots in the countries and regions where IDA works. Through storytelling, policy engagement, and grassroots action, they are using their voices to raise awareness and bring IDA21’s vision to life.
Meet the Inaugural IDA Youth Champions Circle:
Sellah BogonkoSellah Bogonko is the Co-Founder and CEO of Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA), a pan-African, youth-focused organization aiming to catalyze 30 million green jobs by 2033. JLA addresses the dual crises of youth unemployment and climate change by building green jobs through four pillars: Communications and Advocacy, Climate Entrepreneurship Development, Climate Intrapreneurship Development, and Skilling for Job Creation Pathways. Sellah also founded Zinduka, a nonpartisan platform empowering Kenyan youth in democracy and nation-building. A tri-sector leader, she brings experience across business, government, and civil society, with a strong focus on systems change. She holds degrees in Business and Public Leadership, is pursuing an MSc in Sustainable Development at the University of Sussex, and has completed executive studies at the Harvard Kennedy School. In 2024, she was named a COP29 Impact Maker by the UNFCCC and now serves on the board of the Clean Air Fund.
Hassana MainaHassana Maina is a lawyer, writer, and gender consultant with over a decade of experience advancing social justice and development in Northern Nigeria. She holds a law degree from Ahmadu Bello University and a master's in law, development, and globalisation from SOAS, University of London, alongside executive certifications from institutions including Oxford’s Saïd Business School, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru, Nigeria, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Hassana is the founder and Executive Director of the Anti Sexual Violence Lead Support Initiative (ASVIOL Support Initiative) and served as Special Assistant on SDGs to H.E. Atiku Abubakar GCON. She is also a Global Shaper with the Abuja Hub, managing director of the environmentally conscious HUMA Laundromat, and sits on the boards of the Public and Private Development Centre and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund. In 2020, she received the Future Awards Africa Prize for Activism and was named in 2024 as one of the women redefining leadership in Northern Nigeria.
Chimwemwe John Paul ManyozoChimwemwe John Paul Manyozo is a communications expert and development strategist with over 14 years of experience across Africa and Europe. He currently serves as Communications Officer at the University of Oxford’s Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), leading engagement with researchers, funders, and partners to strengthen African academic collaboration. His work spans strategic communication, youth engagement, and inclusive development, with prior roles at UNICEF, UNDP, UN Women, the British Council, and World University Services of Canada.
Chimwemwe has also taught at several universities in Malawi and founded two grassroots organizations—Youth to Youth Empowerment and Maphunziro265—which have supported over 5,000 young people in accessing quality education. He holds a PhD in Developmental and Educational Psychology, an MA in Development Studies (Chevening Scholar), and a BA in Media for Development. A Chartered Public Relations Practitioner, he is committed to bridging research, policy, and community action to drive equitable progress.
Cynthia Nafula Nyongesa
Cynthia Nafula Nyongesa is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a youth education advocate with a strong record of using law, communications, and digital media to drive social change. She currently works at the Commonwealth Secretariat and has held previous roles with UNICEF Kenya, the International Trade Centre, BBC, and the Democratic Governance and Rights Unit, contributing to campaigns on youth engagement, women’s empowerment, and refugee protection.
In 2016, after being named a finalist in the World Bank’s Blog4Dev competition, Cynthia launched Cynthia Untamed, a digital platform that spotlights youth and women leaders across Africa. Through multimedia storytelling, she has mentored over 70 changemakers and built a following of over 50,000. She has represented young people at major forums including the UN General Assembly and the IMF Youth Fellowship, and helped mobilize over USD 4 billion for global education as a Youth Leader for the Global Partnership for Education and Generation Unlimited. Cynthia holds a Master of Laws from the University of Cape Town, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi, and additional training in public relations and legal practice.
Ajay YadavAjay Yadav is a youth leader from Nepal passionate about empowering young people through education, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development. He holds a degree in Development Studies from Kathmandu University and has over five years of experience working with youth-focused organizations including Rotaract, Rotary International, and the U.S. Embassy Youth Council Nepal.
Ajay is the co-founder of Youth Hive Nepal, a social enterprise advancing entrepreneurial education and mindset development among young people. As a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Trainee at the World Bank Nepal, he gained firsthand experience in economic development and deepened his commitment to innovative approaches that tackle poverty and promote equity. Guided by the mantra “Exploring Possibilities to Serve Humanity,” Ajay is also a storyteller, hiker, and mindfulness enthusiast.
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