Ghana Set to Host Major UN@80 Civil Society Conference on Human Rights This Wednesday
Human Rights Reporters
3 min read
Ghana is gearing up to host a major National Civil Society Conference this Wednesday, December 10, as part of global activities marking the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN) and the annual UN Human Rights Day.
The high-level event, organized by the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) Ghana, will take place at the UPSA Auditorium in Accra, drawing a wide range of civil society leaders, youth advocates, government institutions, international development partners and human rights organizations.
The conference, themed “Upholding Human Rights and Multilateralism: Civil Society at the Core of UN@80,” seeks to reflect Ghana’s long-standing legacy within the UN system and reinforce the crucial role civil society plays in advancing human rights, promoting global cooperation and safeguarding democratic values.
As the world marks eight decades since the United Nations was established after World War II to maintain peace and protect human dignity, Ghana is poised to use the occasion to renew national commitments to the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted in 1948.
The event will be opened by Mrs. Theophiline Bannerman, Convener of the Coalition, who will welcome participants and outline the objectives of the gathering.
She is expected to highlight the significance of the UN’s 80-year milestone and the need to strengthen multilateral partnerships at a time when global challenges—including conflict, inequality, climate threats and shrinking civic space—continue to test international cooperation.
A distinguished list of speakers has been lined up for the conference, each addressing a thematic area critical to the future of human rights and multilateralism.
Nana Yaa Serwaah Sarpong, General Manager of EIB Network, will deliver a presentation on Civil Society and the Future of Multilateralism, examining the evolving role of NGOs and media institutions in ensuring accountability and shaping global governance.
Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) and Convener of the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs (Youth), will speak on the theme Youth Engagement in Advancing Human Rights and the SDGs.
Dr. Wemakor is expected to underscore the growing influence of the youth movement in human rights advocacy, emphasizing how young people can drive Ghana’s SDG progress and help build resilient, inclusive communities through active civic participation.
The conference will also feature Dr. Dwamena Aboagye, Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, who will address the subject of Gender Justice and the Role of Women in Human Rights Advocacy.
Her presentation will explore the persistent gender gaps impacting women and girls and the need for stronger protections and gender-responsive policies across national institutions.
Serving 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), will officially declare open the UN@80 and Human Rights Day celebration.
His remarks are expected to reinforce the importance of youth empowerment, peacebuilding and the role of multilateral institutions in shaping a stable global future.
This year’s conference aims to achieve several outcomes, including enhancing public understanding of the UDHR, strengthening collaboration between Ghanaian NGOs and the UN system, promoting awareness of social justice and equality, and increasing youth engagement in civic processes.
Organizers say the event will also contribute to documenting nationwide perspectives on human rights and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities through dedicated media coverage and livestreaming.
Participants will include member NGOs of the Coalition, UN agencies, representatives from the Ministries of Justice and Gender, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), international partners, student unions, youth organizations, media practitioners, community-based groups and the general public.
As Ghana prepares to take center stage in the global UN@80 commemoration, the conference is expected to inspire renewed commitment to human rights protection and multilateral cooperation, reaffirming the central role civil society and youth must play in shaping a more just, peaceful and inclusive world.
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