Dr. Joseph Wemakor to Lead Youth Rights Dialogue at UN@80 Conference
Human Rights Reporters
3 min read
Ghanaian human rights advocate, peace ambassador and development communicator Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor is set to take center stage at this week’s UN@80 National Civil Society Conference in Accra, delivering a keynote address on “Youth Engagement in Advancing Human Rights and the SDGs.”
The conference, scheduled for Wednesday, December 10, at the UPSA Auditorium, is part of global celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and UN Human Rights Day 2025.
Organized by the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) Ghana, the gathering will bring together civil society leaders, government officials, youth representatives, international partners, and media professionals.
Dr. Wemakor, who serves as Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) and Convener of the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs (Youth), has spent more than a decade advocating for social justice, equality, and protection for marginalized populations.
Through HRRG, he has spearheaded initiatives addressing gender-based violence, child protection, and the rights of women, persons with disabilities, minority communities, and other vulnerable groups.
His work empowers these communities to understand and claim their rights, access justice, and participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives.
By challenging systemic abuse, amplifying marginalized voices, and promoting inclusive policies, Dr. Wemakor strengthens societal resilience and fosters a Ghana where all individuals can live with dignity and protection under the law.
Beyond grassroots advocacy, Dr. Wemakor plays a strategic role in shaping Ghana’s civil society sector.
He sits on the Steering Committee of the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs and leads its Youth Sub-Platform, representing over 500 organizations committed to inclusive growth and rights-based development.
He also contributes to national reforms as a member of the Advocacy Technical Committee on Ghana’s draft Non-Profit Organization (NPO) Bill, helping safeguard civic space and empower NGOs to serve vulnerable populations effectively.
Dr. Wemakor’s influence extends to international forums. He has represented Ghana at high-level gatherings including the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, the Pan-African Human Rights and Social Justice Conference, the Africa Civil Society AML/CFT Conference in Botswana, and other regional and continental platforms focused on human rights, peace, and governance.
In 2025 alone, he participated as Special Guest of Honor at the Farmers Care Program in Yilo Krobo, delivering a keynote on land rights, human rights, and civic engagement.
He also contributed as a speaker at the West Africa Civil Society Week, sharing insights on youth engagement, human rights, and the protection of vulnerable and marginalized communities.
His work has earned both national and international recognition. Dr. Wemakor is the recipient of the UN Global Entreps Award, the Africa Peace Advocate Award (2023), and was a finalist for the African Human Rights Defenders Shield Award (2023).
He has also been acknowledged for his journalism and advocacy, including the National Migration Media Award (2018) and recognition by the Ghana Institute of Journalism for reporting on the UN SDGs.
Most recently, he was celebrated as one of Ghana’s 100 Most Impactful Change Makers for 2024, highlighting his transformative contributions to human rights, youth engagement, and social justice.
At the UN@80 Civil Society Conference, Dr. Wemakor will focus on the critical role of youth in advancing human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals.
His presentation is expected to inspire young people to take active roles in advocacy, strengthen civic engagement, and create tangible pathways for empowering women, children, persons with disabilities, minority groups, and marginalized communities across Ghana.
As the nation joins the world in celebrating eight decades of the United Nations, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor’s voice will be central to a dialogue that underscores the importance of youth, civil society, and inclusive participation in building a just, equitable, and rights-focused future.
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