Lyzianah Emakoua is a dynamic young leader from Cameroon and the Founder and Executive Director, the Center for Community Impact and Sustainability (CCIS), and the USA Executive Director at Hallmark International Youth Club (HIYC) providing mentorship, capacity building, and a wealth of opportunities to empower young people as the next leaders of tomorrow. She’s also a Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst and a Gender Expert, with a robust background in youth empowerment and gender mainstreaming in climate change and peace and security. Lyzianah has worked at UNESCO’s Regional Office in Dakar and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, Conventional Arms Branch, contributing to the training manual on “Gender-Mainstreaming Small Arms Control”, published in 2022. As a global ambassador at the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) Civil Society Unit, Lyzianah leverages innovative solutions to drive progress and contribute significantly to the realization of the Africa Agenda 2063.
Her advocacy efforts focus on marginalized women and girls affected by the climate crisis and gender-based violence in humanitarian settings. Lyzianah has delivered statements in various high-level meetings, including UNGA78 and the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). She has served as youth delegate and global ambassador at numerous international forums and summits, such as the World Bank Youth Summit, the ECOSOC Youth Forum, the Paris Peace Forum, 2024 Forbes BLK Summit and many more.
Lyzianah holds a Master’s in Global Gender Policy from the Elliott School of International Affairs, at George Washington University and has studied International Security and Development at Sciences Po, Paris. Her contributions on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, have earned her the Global Peace Award at the Global Peace Summit New York 2023, the 2022 UNESCO Certificate of Completion for her contribution on the National Action Plan in G5 Sahel countries, the 2023 Four Directions Certificate of Achievement in recognition of her exceptional performance in achieving and promoting the establishment of the elements of the SDGs within Africa, and , and most recently the 2024 Exceptional Pan African Youth Leader Award in Nairobi, Kenya.
Your journey is incredibly diverse, from youth empowerment to gender mainstreaming in climate change and peace initiatives. What initially sparked your interest in these areas, and how did your journey begin?
Thank you for acknowledging the diverse aspects of my journey. My interest in gender mainstreaming, climate change, and peace initiatives is rooted in a deep belief in the power of inclusive and equitable development. This passion was significantly nurtured during my Master’s program in Global Gender Policy at the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, and through my exchange program on International Security and Development at Sciences Po, Paris.
Through my studies, I explored the critical intersections of gender, climate change, and peace and security. These experiences equipped me with the knowledge and tools to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly youth and women, in accessing opportunities and amplifying their voices.
My journey began in 2019 during a mission trip to Cameroon, where I worked with internally displaced children and youth affected by the Anglophone crisis. Listening to their stories and interviewing displaced young men and women exposed me to the severe challenges they face, such as limited access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services, quality education, Healthcare services, vocational trainings etc… and the prevalence of gender-based violence, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and forced labour . This experience made me realize that empowering African youth—who make up the majority of the continent’s population—is crucial for community progress. My appreciation for education, driven by the sacrifices my parents made to provide me with quality learning opportunities, inspires my commitment to youth empowerment.
Focusing on youth empowerment is my way of giving back to society. I firmly believe that when you raise and empower a girl, you uplift an entire community, and this has the potential to combat challenges such as child marriage, early pregnancies, and school dropouts. These experiences, coupled with my academic background, have fueled my dedication to addressing gender inequality and advancing youth empowerment as vital steps toward building sustainable and resilient societies.
2. Could you share more about your role as the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Community Impact and Sustainability (CCIS) and the USA Executive Director at Hallmark International Youth Club (HIYC)? What inspired you to establish these organizations, and what impact have they had on the communities they serve?
As the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Community Impact and Sustainability (CCIS) and the USA Country Director at Hallmark International Youth Club (HIYC), my journey has been centered on fostering positive change and sustainable development within communities.
The inspiration to establish CCIS came from my desire to create a platform that actively addresses pressing social issues, particularly those affecting marginalized women and youth. At CCIS, our mission is to empower communities through education, capacity building, and advocacy. We focus on areas such as youth empowerment, gender equality, climate action, peace efforts, good governance, and sustainable development. CCIS, though a young organization, has quickly established itself as a platform for addressing crucial social issues. One of our notable initiatives includes the climate-smart community engagement project in Sierra Leone, which aims to provide alternative livelihoods for rural women and youth. This project focused on sustainable afforestation practices, helping communities become more resilient to climate change.
In addition, CCIS was honored to be selected to organize the first Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) on Climate Change in Sierra Leone, an initiative of the Official Children and Youth Constituency of the UNFCCC (YOUNGO). This conference serves as a platform to educate and engage young people on climate change and in achieving the Paris Agreement, through youth-led advocacy and policy writing efforts. CCIS also played a significant role in co-organizing a parallel event on youth involvement in the Africa 2063 Agenda, during the 2024 United Nations Civil Society Conference (UNCSC) in Nairobi, Kenya. This event created a platform for youth to engage in discussions about Africa’s future, aligned with the continent’s transformative agenda and the Summit of the Future (SoF). The event’s success led to my invitation to appear on Kenya’s national television, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation’s (KBC) “Good Morning Kenya” show. During this appearance, I discussed the outcomes of the UNCSC and emphasized the crucial role of young people in achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
At HIYC, a youth-led and faith-based organization, our focus is on nurturing young leaders by providing capacity-building platforms that educate youth on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and UN intergovernmental processes. Under the visionary leadership of our President, Miss. Vindra O. Aduara, HIYC has expanded its presence to over 14 countries.
Alongside our global engagement, we are deeply involved in impactful community initiatives. Some of our past and recent projects include back-to-school programs in Nigeria, Christmas outreach in Bolivia and Zimbabwe, donating sanitary pads to orphaned girls in Cameroon, supporting widows in Ghana, street clean-up drives in Kenya, distributing blankets and clothing to homeless and orphaned individuals in Pakistan, and providing earthquake relief in Cyprus. Additionally, our members actively participate in international events such as the World Bank Youth Summit, the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, and key UN gatherings, gaining valuable insights and fostering meaningful connections.
3. Your work spans various international organizations such as UNESCO and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. How have these experiences shaped your perspective on global issues, particularly concerning gender equality and youth empowerment?
My involvement in the UNESCO-Dakar project “Improving Education in Sahelian Countries” was a transformative experience that deeply influenced my perspective on global issues, particularly in relation to gender equality and youth empowerment. This project aimed to enhance the quality of education in the Sahel region, a part of Africa that faces numerous challenges, including political instability, economic hardship, and climate-related crises. My work on the Sahel project, where I collaborated closely with implementing partners, provided me with firsthand insights into the challenges and potential solutions for improving educational access and quality in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. The project highlighted how gender inequality in education contributes to ongoing cycles of poverty and underdevelopment. It also emphasized the importance of youth empowerment, demonstrating that young people are not just beneficiaries but also essential agents of change.
At the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Conventional Arms Branch (CAB), I engaged with critical issues related to international security and arms control. My work primarily focused on conventional arms, including managing the UNSCAR trust fund and assessing the Programme of Action (PoA) national reports. One of my key contributions was assisting in the development of the training manual on “Gender-Mainstreaming Small Arms Control.” Additionally, I monitored the General Debate and First Committee sessions during the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA76), drafting summary reports on Member States’ statements. My work at UNODA deepened my understanding of the gendered impacts of armed conflict, revealing how women and girls disproportionately face gender-based violence, limited access to education, and restricted resources like WASH services. These vulnerabilities are intensified in conflict settings.
4. You’ve been involved in developing the training manual on “Gender-Mainstreaming Small Arms Control” and have been recognized for your contributions to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda. Could you elaborate on the importance of gender mainstreaming in these contexts and the impact you hope to achieve through your advocacy?
Gender mainstreaming in small arms control and the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda is vital for multiple reasons. Small arms and light weapons disproportionately affect women and girls, often heightening gender-based violence in conflict and post-conflict settings. Integrating a gender perspective ensures that the unique needs and experiences of women and girls are addressed—from disarmament processes to arms regulation and community safety initiatives. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of arms control measures but also contributes to broader efforts to promote gender equality and protect human rights.
As part of the research team for the “Gender-Mainstreaming Small Arms Control” training manual, my focus was on equipping policymakers, practitioners, and communities with the tools and knowledge to implement gender-sensitive policies and practices. The impact I hope to achieve is twofold: first, to empower women and girls in conflict-affected areas by ensuring their voices and concerns are integral to security discussions; and second, to urge more Member States to mainstream gender into their implementation efforts for small arms regulatory instruments and other global frameworks, such as the Programme of Action (PoA) on small arms and light weapons, the Firearms Protocol, the Arms Trade Treaty, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as incorporating gender-responsive approach in the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS).
5. Having attended prestigious events like the UNGA78 and the Paris Peace Forum, what have been some of the key insights or moments that have shaped your approach to leadership and advocacy on a global scale?
Participating in high-level events like UNGA, the Paris Peace Forum, the World Bank/IMF Annual meetings, the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the U.S.- Africa Leaders Summit, the United Nations Civil Society Conference and many more has not only elevated my visibility but also opened doors for critical opportunities that directly influence global agendas. These platforms have positioned me to deliver speaking interventions where I represent the voices of youth, women, and marginalized communities who are often underrepresented in intergovernmental decision-making. By amplifying these perspectives, I’ve been able to advocate for concrete actions that address the intersecting challenges of peace and security, gender equality, and climate justice.
These high-level events have opened doors to bilateral and closed-door meetings with government officials, diplomats, and key stakeholders, allowing me to engage in strategic discussions that lead to tangible outcomes, from policy recommendations to collaborative initiatives. These interactions are instrumental in integrating youth-led solutions and grassroots realities into national and global policies.
Additionally, contributing to the drafting and support of United Nations resolutions has been pivotal. Collaborating with diverse stakeholders has allowed me to shape language and propose actionable commitments that reflect the lived experiences and aspirations of young people. For example, at the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Agenda Expert-level Workshop for European and African Union Member State Missions to the UN, I presented youth-led practical solutions to ensure YPS is prominently featured in the Pact of the Future and that youth voices are amplified in peace processes at all stages. Furthermore, during the Youth Peace Summit on Sustainable Future in Montpellier, France, on July 22-26, 2024, i contributed and drafted the Montpellier Declaration on Youth, Peace, and Security, signed by the Municipality of Montpellier and the Institute of Public Policy & Diplomacy Research (IPPDR) – emphasizing the crucial role of youth in promoting peace and security within the context of sustainable development.
6. You recently received several awards, including the Global Peace Award and the Exceptional Pan African Youth Leader Award. What do these accolades mean to you personally, and how do they influence your future goals and endeavors?
Receiving the Global Peace Award and the Exceptional Pan African Youth Leader Award has been both a humbling and deeply personal experience. The Exceptional Pan African Youth Leader Award holds particular significance for me, especially as the only woman to receive the award this year. Being recognized in this way is a powerful affirmation that my work, both in the diaspora and across the continent, is not going unnoticed. It serves as a reminder that the tireless efforts to uplift marginalized voices, advance gender equality, and champion youth-led solutions are truly making an impact.
Having the award presented by Hon. Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya and a distinguished leader on the African continent, made the moment even more meaningful. His recognition adds a profound layer of validation to my work, inspiring me to push even harder to aspire to new heights, especially for the young girls and mentees who look up to me. It’s a call to continue leading by example, to show that with dedication and resilience, significant change is possible.
These awards also sharpen my focus on future goals, encouraging me to aim higher and create more sustainable impacts through cross-border collaborations, global policy influence, and grassroots initiatives. They fuel my determination to expand my reach and deepen my impact.
Above all, these honors are a testament to God’s continuous faithfulness, grace, and mercy in my life. I am in a season where I see His promises being fulfilled, and I believe He is just getting started with me. I’m deeply grateful for the prophetic declarations of my spiritual father, Pastor Fidelis Mbah of Liberty Ministry International, whose prayers and guidance have been instrumental in shaping my journey. These accolades reflect not just recognition but God’s hand at work, guiding every step and opening doors I never imagined possible
