The voice of the youth of Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe

This is the story of three UN Volunteers, Arminda Ceita, Hugo Robert Carnell and Joel Benguela D’Almeida, living in Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe. All three are convinced that investing in the skills of young people is essential for any kind of sustainable development on the ground. Here are reflections from their service with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Arminda Ceita is a UN Volunteer Youth Representative with UNICEF in Guinea-Bissau. In her volunteer work, she pays special attention to the voice of youth and provides a safe space for their equal participation.

One of Arminda’s areas of work is the well-being of adolescent girls. She also raises awareness about climate change and gender equality.

Before joining UNICEF in Guinea-Bissau, Arminda worked for UNICEF in Sao Tome and Principe. She was part of the U-Report platform, where over 12,000 young people are registered. She says: “Through U-Report, young people can access relevant information. This initiative ensures that their voices are heard and their rights are protected.”

Hugo Robert Carnell, UN Volunteer and Youth and Climate Officer for Generation Unlimited at UNICEF, supports sustainability in São Tomé and Príncipe. He is involved in youth climate committees.

Hugo leads beach cleanups and tree planting efforts to improve environmental resilience.

The results are amazing. The beach looks incredible. I am so impressed by the passion, energy and organizational skills of the young people I am working with. I am already looking at ways to expand this intervention to other regions of São Tomé and Príncipe.” Hugo Robert Carnell, UN Youth Volunteer and Climate Action Officer at UNICEF.

Hugo is recruiting candidates for U-Report positions, particularly to improve data collection and respond to the needs of young people in São Tomé and Príncipe.

For Hugo, the enthusiasm of the young people is incredibly motivating.

Joel Benguela D’Almeida, another UN Volunteer, is the Gender and Youth Officer for Climate Action at UNDP in São Tomé.

Joel has set up seven regional and district committees with nearly 50 young people working on climate action, raising awareness and disseminating knowledge on climate change adaptation and building climate resilience.

Joel Benguela D’Almeida (right), UN Volunteer Gender and Youth Envoy for Climate Action at UNDP in São Tomé. @UNV, 2024.

“I support the implementation of practical climate solutions such as reforestation, sustainable agriculture and renewable energy projects,” says Joel. “These initiatives show that young people can be a powerful force for climate resilience.”

Joel uses digital platforms and media to spread climate awareness. He is supported by young climate activists to advocate for climate action and raise visibility for UNDP’s efforts.

As a UN Volunteer, I see genuine smiles and positive changes as a result of our efforts. This inspires me to keep going and help more young people make a difference.” Joel Benguela D’Almeida, UN Volunteer for Gender and Youth at UNDP, São Tomé.

The enthusiasm of young people in Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe underlines the fact that sustainable solutions require the active participation of all.

With the chance to improve their skills and have equal opportunities, young people truly have no limits and the sky is the limit.