A candidacy for
Cherinet Hariffo
A former refugee. The youngest envoy ever seated at the United Nations. Now, a voice for every young African.
One continent
From Dakar to Mogadishu, Cairo to Cape Town: fifty-five member states, one of the youngest populations on earth, and a single generation ready to carry it forward. His story begins in one of them.
Photo: Temple University
Who he is
Cherinet Hariffo was nine years old when his family fled their home in Ethiopia. He arrived in Kenya as a refugee, with no certainty about what came next. Two decades later he walked into the United Nations as the youngest person ever to be seated as a Permanent Representative, presenting his credentials on behalf of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in March 2025.
Before that he advised the Permanent Mission of Djibouti to the UN on youth policy and helped build the African Diaspora Youth Network, connecting young people across the continent and its diaspora to the rooms where decisions are made. His work has centred refugees, displaced young people, and Africans too often left out of the conversation about their own future.
Africa's future will be written by its young people. This campaign is about handing them the pen.
Six commitments for a term as African Union Youth Envoy, anchored in Agenda 2063 and the lived experience of a generation.
Institutionalise young people inside African Union decision-making, with a permanent seat in the bodies that set continental policy and a mandate that outlives any one envoy.
Protection, education, and a path to belonging for the millions of young Africans uprooted by conflict and climate. He has lived this. He will not let it be a footnote.
Turn declarations into delivery. Track progress with youth-facing metrics, and hold institutions accountable for the targets they have already signed.
Back the African Continental Free Trade Area as a youth jobs engine. Invest in skills, entrepreneurship, and the digital infrastructure a young continent will build its living on.
Connect African youth to their diaspora and to allies across the Global South, so talent and capital flow home rather than away.
A real role for young people in peacebuilding and democratic life, with open channels between the Youth Envoy's office and the people it claims to speak for.
The record
Fled conflict in Ethiopia and arrived in Kenya as a refugee, an experience that still anchors his politics.
Advised on youth policy at the United Nations and helped build the African Diaspora Youth Network.
Presented credentials as Permanent Representative of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the youngest person in history to hold such a post.
Recognised as a Global Ambassador for a generation of young people shaping public life.
Add your name
A continent-wide call carries further with names behind it. Add yours and watch the wall grow. 0 people have pledged so far.
The wall
Campaign in a box
Make it your own and share it. Generate a personal supporter card, or download ready-made templates to post, print, and send.
Your supporter card
A square image, ready for Instagram, WhatsApp, or X.
For endorsements, press, partnerships, or to volunteer, get in touch. This is a movement built across borders, and there is a place in it for you.
