Ghana Reflects on UN@80 with a National Dialogue on Human Rights, Inclusion, and Sustainable Development

As the world reflects on eight decades of the United Nations’ work in advancing peace, human rights, and development, Ghana has marked the milestone with a powerful national statement: civil society remains indispensable to sustainable development and human dignity.

This message took center stage at a landmark National Civil Society Conference held at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) Auditorium in Accra, convened to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN@80) alongside the 2025 International Human Rights Day.

The conference brought together diplomats, civil society leaders, women’s rights advocates, academics, and youth groups from across Ghana to reaffirm the critical partnership between civic actors, government institutions, and the UN system.

Human Dignity and Interfaith Harmony at the Core

Delivering the keynote address as Special Guest of Honour, Rev. Canon Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, Chief Patron of the International Youth Network for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (IYNUNSCR), emphasized the universality of human dignity.

He urged Ghanaians to reject all forms of discrimination, defend fundamental freedoms, and sustain interfaith harmony as a foundation for peaceful coexistence and national unity.

His remarks set the tone for a conference focused on inclusion, accountability, and shared responsibility in a rapidly changing global environment.

Advancing Gender Justice as a Human Rights Imperative

Gender equality emerged as a central theme of the conference. Dr. Angela Dwamena Aboagye, Executive Director of The Ark Foundation, called for stronger national commitment to gender justice, warning that persistent inequalities continue to undermine Ghana’s progress on human rights.

She urged policymakers to strengthen law enforcement mechanisms, expand women’s leadership opportunities, protect vulnerable populations, and support families as a foundational pillar of human rights protection.

Dr. Dwamena stressed that investing in women is an investment in society as a whole, noting that women bear the greatest burden of unpaid care and domestic labour while contributing disproportionately to national development.

Civil Society as the Lifeblood of Global Cooperation

The conference was organised by the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) Ghana, with a strong emphasis on gender equality, youth empowerment, and inclusive development as key drivers of sustainable development and democratic governance.

Mrs. Theophiline Bannerman, Convener of the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the UN DGC, described civil society as “the lifeblood of global cooperation.”

She underscored the indispensable role of non-state actors in holding governments accountable and ensuring that development policies reflect lived realities.

“Civil society is where the voices of the marginalized find resonance,” she stated. “Our advocacy ensures that policies reflect the realities of ordinary people, not just the rhetoric of officials.”

She further called for stronger collaboration between NGOs, government institutions, and the UN system to address pressing societal challenges, particularly those affecting women, children, and young people.

A Continental Call for Women’s Leadership

Adding a broader African perspective, Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, Executive Director of EIB Network, emphasized the urgent need for increased investment in women’s participation across all sectors.

“For Africa to thrive, we must create spaces where women lead, innovate, and make decisions that shape our economies, communities, and governance,” she noted. “Gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it is a national imperative.”

Placing Youth at the Heart of Development and Human Rights

One of the most compelling contributions came from Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), who placed young people at the center of the human rights and sustainable development agenda.

He argued that meaningful youth participation is not optional but “a development imperative in an era defined by climate threats, conflict, unemployment, digital risks, and shrinking civic spaces.”

Dr. Wemakor emphasized that no nation can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without empowering its youth, who constitute the largest demographic in Ghana and across much of Africa.

Speaking also as Convener of the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana CSOs Platform, on the topic “Youth Engagement in Advancing Human Rights and SDGs,” he outlined the major challenges confronting Ghanaian youth, including limited participation in policymaking, rising unemployment, digital misinformation, and increased vulnerability to drug abuse, violence, and radicalization.

Highlighting the work of HRRG, Dr. Wemakor cited initiatives such as the KTT Campaign, which has educated over 60,000 Ghanaians on critical issues including kidnapping, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse.

“Youth are not just beneficiaries of policy; they are key agents of change. When young people are empowered, societies thrive,” he emphasized.

He called on government, civil society, development partners, and the UN system to adopt a bold, youth-centered agenda—one that institutionalizes youth participation, protects civic freedoms, invests in innovation and digital literacy, strengthens partnerships, and prioritizes marginalized youth.

“Youth leadership is the engine of national progress. Token inclusion is not enough; we need real power-sharing and opportunities for the next generation,” he concluded.

Looking Ahead: A Renewed Commitment at UN@80

As the United Nations enters a new decade of global action, the conference concluded with a unified call for strengthened collaboration among civil society, government, and international partners. Participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing human dignity, gender justice, youth empowerment, and sustainable development, ensuring that the promise of UN@80 translates into tangible impact for present and future generations.

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