Regina Adolf Mlay, 2024 Tanzania UN Youth Fellow, a trailblazing STEM advocate, is redefining global youth leadership through her innovative contributions to technology, education, and community development. As one of the youngest members of the second cohort of the African United Nations Youth Delegate Program and Fellowship (AUNYD), Regina exemplifies young changemakers’ transformative power.

Her passion for STEM innovation has earned her notable recognition. Regina developed impactful projects like the CNC Plotter, which gained acclaim at the Arusha Innovation Summit 2021, and the Smart Agriculture initiative, which advanced to the regional level of the Young Scientists Tanzania competition. She has promoted STEM education as the country ambassador for The Girls Techie, advocating for gender equality in technology and empowering girls across Africa to embrace STEM careers.

As a STEM trainer and coordinator with organizations such as the Foundation for Upcoming Engineers and Scientists (FUES) and Changemakers Foundation, Regina has nurtured future innovators, combining technical expertise with leadership. Her commitment to sustainable development is evident through her work with Grinmakers Solution, where she led recycling initiatives and tree-planting campaigns to combat environmental challenges.

The fellowship served as a platform for Regina to present her visionary STEMAIDE initiative, which integrates STEM, arts, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Implemented through the Arusha Readers Club, this initiative continues to inspire and equip young people with the skills to drive economic and social transformation.

Regina’s achievements extend beyond her fellowship. She has been recognized globally as a youth leader under the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), a participant in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, and one of the Top 50 Young Women Entrepreneurs in 2024. Her advocacy for climate action and youth empowerment has taken her to platforms such as climate justice camps and SDG dialogues, where her voice influences global development policies.

Looking ahead, Regina envisions a future where young leaders harness technology and innovation to address global challenges. Her journey exemplifies the impact of resilience, vision, and programs like the AUNYD Fellowship in empowering young people to drive meaningful change on a global scale, and UNA Tanzania we are proud to be part of the remarkable achievements she made.

On November 21st, 2024, UNA Tanzania, through its SDGs Journalists and Storytelling Club, conducted a transformative training session for journalists and storytellers at the UN House Headquarters in Dar es Salaam. The workshop centered on equipping media professionals with the skills to report on sustainable development effectively, with a specific focus on the 2007 Youth Policy’s updated 2024 edition.

The session emphasized raising awareness about key priorities in the policy, including education, digital transformation, health, economic participation, and employment. Participants explored innovative strategies to amplify youth voices and highlight the policy’s relevance to national development goals.

By training journalists to tell impactful stories, this initiative aims to inspire youth advocacy and foster a stronger connection between media and sustainable development. The interactive discussions provided practical tools for reporting on issues that directly influence Tanzania’s young population and its progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNA Tanzania believes that informed storytelling is a powerful tool for societal change. This training reflects the organization’s commitment to empowering journalists as catalysts for national progress by amplifying youth-focused narratives and promoting inclusive development.

The SDGs Journalists and Storytelling Club continues to provide a platform for media professionals to learn, collaborate, and create impactful stories. UNA Tanzania strengthens its mission to drive sustainable development and youth empowerment across the country and beyond through such initiatives.

UNA Tanzania is proud of its collaboration with SDGs Kenya Forum, UNA Uganda, and UNA Finland in hosting the Youth Advocacy in SDGs Implementation Hybrid Workshop. This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to empowering young people as central players in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering sustainable development. We aim to build an interconnected network that inspires innovation and meaningful change.

The workshop that take palce on November 19th and 20th, provided an incredible platform for exchanging insights, best practices, and innovative strategies to address SDG challenges. Day one featured an engaging presentation from our Head of Youth Department, Judith Urio, who showcased UNA Tanzania’s initiatives to involve young people in decision-making processes, such as the Tanzania Development Vision (TDV) 2050 and elections. Judith also shed light on the youth and human rights landscape, drawing key lessons from the UPR midterm review. Adding to the impact, Tanzania’s UN Youth Delegate 2024, Kapwani Kavenuke, shared powerful stories of elevating youth voices from grassroots communities to global platforms.

Day two was action-packed with dynamic reflections, engaging Q&A sessions, and hands-on capacity-building activities facilitated by UNA Finland. Participants explored practical ways to enhance youth engagement and SDG implementation, leaving them inspired and equipped to drive change in their communities. The day culminated in an electrifying address by Aziel Philippos, Secretary General of WFUNA, whose words motivated all participants to continue championing sustainable development with passion and purpose.

At UNA Tanzania, we remain dedicated to amplifying youth voices and fostering spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and learning. By working alongside our partners, we are investing in a future where young people lead the way in shaping sustainable solutions for their communities and beyond.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our shared mission to achieve the SDGs. With continued dialogue, innovation, and collective effort, we are confident that today’s youth will pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.

UNA Tanzania on 8^th November convened a hybrid workshop at UNA Tanzania Head Office, connecting Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, and Stockholm to discuss innovative strategies for building climate resilience. The event brought together stakeholders from the climate change sector, including representatives from Interact, CCT, CAN Tanzania, and Water for People. The workshop also featured collaborative input from key partners such as SMC Global, LM International Global, LM International Tanzania, and IAS Kenya.

The discussions centered around the Mpwapwa Climate Resilience Pilot Project, which showcases resilience-building initiatives spanning Kenya and Tanzania. This groundbreaking project aims to address climate challenges by fostering sustainable solutions that foster communities’ ability to adapt and thrive in changing environmental conditions.

By sharing insights and experiences, participants explored innovative approaches to support livelihoods while mitigating the impacts of climate change. The workshop highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing regional challenges and scaling successful initiatives to benefit vulnerable communities.

UNA Tanzania reaffirmed its commitment to advancing climate resilience by building partnerships and implementing sustainable solutions. As the climate crisis continues to impact communities, UNA Tanzania remains steadfast in its efforts to create a greener, more sustainable future.

Through ongoing collaboration and innovation, the organization is dedicated to scaling impactful solutions that empower communities across East Africa and beyond.

The East African Community (EAC) is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for women and youth-led Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across its eight partner states. This Hackathon is a unique platform to drive regional economic integration by fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration. If you’re passionate about creating transformative projects, this hackathon provides the perfect stage to bring your ideas to life.

Focused on vital sectors like tourism, agriculture, finance, ICT, logistics, and environmental management, the hackathon invites participants to devise and refine solutions that address critical barriers to regional service trade. Through collaborative efforts, participants will have the chance to design actionable, scalable projects that enhance cross-border service flows, promote economic cooperation, and drive inclusive growth across East Africa.

The hackathon is more than just a competition, it’s a comprehensive learning experience. Participants will receive mentorship, access to essential tools, and networking opportunities to help turn their ideas into sustainable ventures. By joining, women and youth will gain valuable insights and support that can help make a lasting impact on the EAC’s broader economic and social development goals.

This initiative highlights the power of regional collaboration in tackling shared challenges. It recognizes the immense potential of East Africa’s women and youth to shape the future of the region, driving it toward growth and prosperity.

Ready to contribute to East Africa’s future? Apply now for the EAC Hackathon and become part of this transformative journey. Apply here.