Youth Advisory Council

The YMI Youth Council, established by YEP-Stimme der Jugend, an organization committed to involving young people in political decision-making processes in Austria, is an international platform for youth engagement and empowerment. 

With 13 members spanning Austria, Cyprus, Peru, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Egypt, Uganda, Morocco, Kenya, and Nigeria, aged between 15 and 18, the YMI Youth Council embodies inclusivity on a global scale. 

It’s a collaborative space where ideas are shared, decisions are made, and voices are heard. The Youth Council consists of diverse members representing various genders including female, male, and non-binary individuals. Additionally, our group comprises both working young professionals and students, ensuring a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences.

The role of the YAC is to help create the YMI by coming together and sharing ideas, providing feedback, supporting on decision-making processes, and speaking up for what’s important to them. The YAC will be involved in the different stages of the project, including the co-creation of the YMI tool, interpretation of YMI results, and the development of recommendations for the formulation of public policies.

The YAC supports the YMI Team in:

  • Providing feedback to the YMI
  • Disseminating the YMI in their networks
  • Helping make decisions
  • Making sure youth voices are heard

Before engaging in the YMI, members of the YAC took part in two empowerment training sessions, enriching their skills and knowledge. They learn how to use their voices and that their opinions count.

Elena Brehm

My name is Elena, and I am from Austria. I am 15 years old and currently a student. I applied for the YMI Council because I believe it is a very intriguing and important initiative and just overall a cool project. 

Raj Kumar

I am Raj Kumar, a 17-year-old youth activist from Mirpurkhas, Pakistan, focused on UNSDG and youth empowerment. I aim to inspire positive change and create a sustainable future for my community.

Joining the Youth Meaningfulness Index (YMI) Youth Council allows me to amplify youth voices and drive impactful change. I believe in meaningful engagement and want to create opportunities for young people to thrive.

Lasu Manasi

My name is Lasu Manasi. I am 16 years old and a social entrepreneur who loves working with marginalized youth. I believe that the youth’s voice matters in every field.

Gloire Luanda

My name is Gloire Luanda. I am 18 years old, Congolese by nationality, and currently living in Cairo, Egypt, for my studies. I have been a computer science student at Al-Azhar University for one year now. I am highly motivated to be part of this movement because I believe that I should be the change I want to see. Without my involvement, no one will establish the change for me.

Alexandra Egger

I am Alexandra, an 18 year old ambitious young woman whose dream is to study physics. In my leisure time, I learn languages, play the flute and dance. As I am a firm believer in making a difference, I am very passionate about being part of YMI. It is important that the voices of young people are heard in decisions that fundamentally affect them.

Juma Fredrick Sanare

I am Fredrick, a 19-year-old youth leader from Kajiado, Kenya. I am passionate about football and environmental conservation in my community. Currently, I am awaiting my diploma graduation in Human Resources Management this July. YMI is a channel for change for our youth, and I sum it up with three Cs: Change, Commitment, and Character.

Ananya Pathak

I am Ananya Pathak, a 17-year-old social sciences student, interdisciplinary artist/writer, and aspiring academic. As an advocate for intersectional environmental justice, my work centers on participatory education, DEI, eco-feminism, and mental health, exploring their connections to art and media. I am excited to contribute to research on youth health and well-being, particularly for those from marginalized backgrounds facing interconnected injustices.

Amir Matin Mansouri

My name is Amir, I’m a second year medical student, graduated from the IB Diploma Programme at 15. I’ve published two children’s books, and a short story, all of which are oriented towards education/ethics. It’s important to me that education policy around the world is designed and implemented in such a way that prioritizes the development of the child, both academically and spiritually.

Goodness

My name is Goodness, and I am 17 years old. I am a changemaker who cares deeply about the environment, which is why my project focuses on tackling climate change. I am highly motivated to collaborate with like-minded individuals and reach out to people from diverse backgrounds for the first time in my life.

Daniel Zleh

I am Daniel G. Zleh, an 18 year old young and passionate Liberian activist and global changemaker. I believe that my contributions to human, children, women, and climate rights have tremendously impacted global society. I am motivated to join the YMI Youth Council because I believe in the power of young voices to shape policies and programs that empower and uplift our generation.

Rodrigo Carpio

My name is Rodrigo Enrique Carpio Paco, and I am 18 years old. I see myself as a driver of change through strong teamwork and effective project management. My technical knowledge and excellent communication skills help me achieve goals and deliver high-quality results. Since I was 17, I’ve been committed to changing my city and the world, which motivates me to be part of YMI.

Padam Saud

My name is Padam Bahadur Saud, a BALLB student from Nepal. My motivation to join the YMI youth council is to create a meaningful impact and drive positive change in society. I am eager to contribute my efforts towards making a difference in our community and beyond.

Laxmi Mandal

My name is Laxmi Mandal. I am 19 years old and currently majoring in Economics with a minor in Psychology. I am a very curious person and always eager to learn new things. I enjoy being around people and firmly believe in continuous learning. To me, failure is not an option. I have always wanted to contribute to the social sector.

YMI is a youth council that provides a platform for young people to speak about important issues around the world. They are creating changemakers in society, and that is my biggest motivation to be part of this program. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited about the new learning experiences it will bring.