Ghanaian human rights defender, development communicator and peace ambassador, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, is set to inspire young people and civil society leaders at the UN@80 National Civil Society Conference in Accra on Wednesday, December 10.
He will deliver a keynote address on “Youth Engagement in Advancing Human Rights and the SDGs.”
The conference, hosted 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 event will bring together civil society leaders, government officials, youth representatives, international partners, and media professionals.
Participants will reflect on eight decades of UN achievements and explore pathways for inclusive human rights advocacy in Ghana.
Dr. Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) and Convener of the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs (Youth), has spent over a decade championing the rights of marginalized populations. Through HRRG, he has led initiatives addressing gender-based violence, child protection, and the rights of women, persons with disabilities, minority groups, and other vulnerable communities.
His work empowers these groups to understand and assert their rights, access justice, and participate in decisions that shape their lives, fostering a society where all individuals can live with dignity and security.
Beyond grassroots advocacy, Dr. Wemakor plays a strategic role in Ghana’s civil society sector.
He serves on the Steering Committee of the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs, heads its Youth Sub-Platform representing over 500 organizations, and contributes to the Advocacy Technical Committee for Ghana’s draft Non-Profit Organization (NPO) Bill, ensuring reforms strengthen civic space and support NGOs serving vulnerable populations.
Dr. Wemakor has also represented Ghana on numerous high-level international platforms, including the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, the Pan-African Human Rights and Social Justice Conference, and the Africa Civil Society AML/CFT Conference in Botswana.
In 2025 alone, he served as Special Guest of Honor at the Farmers Care Program in Yilo Krobo, delivering a keynote on human rights, civic engagement, and protection of marginalized communities.
He further contributed as a speaker at the West Africa Civil Society Week, sharing insights on youth engagement, civic participation, and protecting vulnerable populations.
His remarkable work has earned wide recognition. Dr. Wemakor is the recipient of the prestigious 5th UN Global Entreps Award, the Africa Peace Advocate Award (2023), and was a finalist for the African Human Rights Defenders Shield Award (2023).
His journalism has also been celebrated, including the National Migration Media Award (2018) and acknowledgment by the Ghana Institute of Journalism for reporting on the UN SDGs.
Most recently, he was named one of Ghana’s 100 Most Impactful Change Makers for 2024, highlighting his transformative contributions to human rights, youth empowerment, and social justice.
At the UN@80 Civil Society Conference, Dr. Wemakor will highlight the critical role of youth in advancing human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals.
He aims to inspire action to empower women, children, persons with disabilities, minority groups, and other marginalized communities across Ghana.
As Ghana joins the global celebration of eight decades of the United Nations, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor stands at the forefront, advocating for youth leadership, civil society engagement, and inclusive participation in building a just and equitable society.
Leave a Reply