Youth Power Champions 2024

Restless Development supports the collective power of young leaders to create a better world. We are independently registered and governed in nine countries (India, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, UK, USA, Zambia, and Zimbabwe). We run the Youth Collective – a growing network of over 5,000 local youth-led organizations in 185 countries. We are committed to creating an agency that walks the talk on power shifting, using the power shifting checklist, both internally and externally.

Youth Power is at the heart of Restless Development. It is the collective force of young leaders to create a better world.  Every year, we support over a quarter of a million young leaders. We multiply young leaders by providing new opportunities, mentoring, and resources to make lasting change. Using our communications is imperative to championing, celebrating, and connecting young leaders and creating a world where Youth Power can thrive.  

We have onboarded a group of five Youth Power Champions from Africa, Asia, MENA, LATAM, and Europe to celebrate and champion all young people demonstrating Youth Power. The young leaders will use the Youth Collective to celebrate and champion all young people demonstrating Youth Power. 

Our Youth Power Champions will:

  • Create Youth Power content: Develop engaging content that highlights inspiring stories of young leaders from around the globe.
  • Celebrate Youth Power: Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of young people to their communities and the world.
  • Influence decision-makers: Advocate for policies and initiatives that support youth empowerment.

By amplifying the voices of young people and celebrating their achievements, our Youth Power Champions will help to create a world where Youth Power is recognized, valued, and supported.

Priyanka Shrestha – Asia

Priyanka is a passionate youth change-maker, content creator, and storyteller from Nepal. As a recent graduate of Tribhuvan University with degrees in Economics and Social Work, she represents the indigenous and historically marginalized Newar community.

Since 16, Priyanka has been actively involved in various social issues, campaigns, and causes. She is a Global Youth Ambassador for Theirworld, a Lead Ambassador of Extern, and a 2023 Aspire Leaders Program cohort fellow at the Aspire Institute. Additionally, Priyanka is a student alum of the National Geographic Society’s Photo Camp. Priyanka has represented global youth at prestigious events such as the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) and the World Social Forum 2024. In 2022, she volunteered with UNICEF Nepal.

Priyanka is the Founder of Dignity for All, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering rural poor Nepali women through education, campaigns, and training. Dignity for All aims to address the lack of menstrual hygiene and restore dignity to women in marginalized communities. Priyanka’s interests include youth activism, leadership, network building, social work, traveling, and photography.

Andrea Paz – Latin America

Andrea, a dedicated communicator, filmmaker, and content creator, is passionate about youth rights and women’s empowerment in Honduras. As a communication coordinator at the Organization Llaves in Defense of Women with HIV, she focuses on promoting sexual and reproductive rights among young people.

Andrea has proven to be a skilled campaign planner and executor through her social media activism. She effectively advocates for human rights and challenges oppressive social norms. In addition to her digital efforts, she is actively involved in sexual education programs in Honduran schools. By providing young people with comprehensive knowledge and tools, Andrea aims to empower them to make informed and healthy decisions about their sexuality.

Akinyemi Kamiye- Africa

Akinyemi Kamiye, a final-year computational physics student at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, has always wanted to impact the world positively. Growing up in a challenging community where necessities were scarce, he recognized the need for a voice to advocate for those often overlooked.

Passionate about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Kamiye focuses on climate action (Goal 13) and quality education (Goal 4). He has observed firsthand the devastating effects of climate change on his environment, including extreme weather events, reduced agricultural yields, and increased hunger and disease. Recognizing the lack of information available to grassroots communities, Kamiye has dedicated himself to raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices.

With the privilege of attending the United States Institutes on Climate Change and the Environment, Kamiye has gained valuable experience through internships, SDG activities, volunteering, and coursework. These opportunities have equipped him with the knowledge and skills to advocate for sustainable development at individual, community, and governmental levels. By enhancing his communication, leadership, confidence, courage, and cooperation, Kamiye is committed to educating and empowering his community.

Aryan Chaudhary- Europe

Aryan Chaudhary, a 25-year-old cisgender homosexual male from Nepal, is pursuing a postgraduate degree in International Human Rights at Leeds Beckett University in the United Kingdom. Notably, he is Nepal’s first crowned drag queen.

Chaudhary’s journey in humanitarian work began in 2017 when he discovered a deep passion for social work despite his undergraduate studies. Through his involvement with life skill sessions organized by NGOs, he started as a life skill coach, advocating for sexually abused boys and street children. Over the years, his peer advocacy led to collaborations with various NGOs and INGOs, where he championed LGBT rights, human rights, child rights, comprehensive sexuality education, women’s rights, and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR).

With his educational background in human rights, Chaudhary aims to raise awareness at the grassroots level. Recognizing the lack of knowledge among youth regarding their basic rights, he plans to utilize media as a powerful advocacy tool to reach a wider audience. By combining his expertise in women’s rights, child rights, SRHR, and comprehensive sexuality education, Chaudhary seeks to amplify his voice and make a significant impact.

R.A. Lamrani – Middle East and North Africa

R.A. Lamrani is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment. With experience collaborating with local and international NGOs, Lamrani believes that education and sports are powerful catalysts for opportunity, sustainability, and increased youth engagement in civil society.

With a background in youth empowerment and digital outreach, Lamrani has contributed to various initiatives focused on innovation and development. Through partnerships with international organizations, Lamrani seeks to amplify impactful stories and achievements across the MENA region, elevating voices that drive meaningful change.