All Roads Lead to UPSA on Wednesday for Landmark UN@80 Human Rights Day Gathering

All roads will lead to the UPSA Auditorium in Accra this Wednesday as Ghana hosts a high-profile National Civil Society Conference to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN) and UN Human Rights Day 2025.

The event, organized by the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) Ghana, is set to bring together civil society leaders, human rights advocates, development partners, government institutions, youth groups and media stakeholders for a transformative national dialogue on the future of human rights and multilateral cooperation.

Held under the theme “Upholding Human Rights and Multilateralism: Civil Society at the Core of UN@80,” the conference forms part of global celebrations recognizing eight decades of the UN’s leadership in peace, development and human rights protection.

Ghana Joins the World in Marking UN@80 and Human Rights Day

This year’s commemoration comes as the world reflects on 80 years of the United Nations, established after World War II to prevent conflict, uphold human dignity and strengthen international cooperation. The celebration coincides with UN Human Rights Day, which marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.

For Ghana—hailed globally for its peacekeeping achievements, democratic stability and human rights commitment—the conference serves as a platform to highlight its contributions to the UN system and the enduring role of civil society in safeguarding fundamental freedoms.

Influential Speakers to Lead Strategic Dialogues

The conference will begin with opening remarks by Mrs. Theophiline Bannerman, Convener of the Coalition, who will outline the objectives of the gathering and emphasize the urgent need to reinforce human rights protections amid rising global inequalities and threats to multilateralism.

A distinguished panel of speakers will headline the discussions:

• Nana Yaa Serwaah Sarpong, General Manager of EIB Network, will speak on Civil Society and the Future of Multilateralism, exploring innovative ways CSOs can continue shaping global governance.
• Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) and Convener of the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs (Youth), will deliver a keynote presentation on Youth Engagement in Advancing Human Rights and the SDGs.
  Dr. Wemakor is expected to highlight the rising influence of young people in human rights advocacy, their role in shaping Ghana’s SDG momentum, and the urgent need to create platforms that amplify youth voices in national and global decision-making.
• Dr. Dwamena Aboagye, Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, will address Gender Justice and the Role of Women in Human Rights Advocacy, bringing attention to persistent gaps in gender equality and the need for stronger protections for women and girls.

Serving as Special Guest of Honour, Rev. Canon Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, Chief Patron of the International Youth Network for UNSCR 2250, will officially open the UN@80 and Human Rights Day commemoration. His presence underscores the importance of youth, peace, justice and inclusive societies in building a resilient global community.

Strengthening Human Rights Commitments Nationwide

Organizers say the conference aims to deepen national awareness of the UDHR, stimulate dialogue on social justice and equality, and strengthen collaboration between Ghanaian NGOs and the UN system in promoting rights-based development.

The event is also expected to spark renewed commitment to youth empowerment, with an emphasis on mobilizing young leaders to champion accountability, peace and sustainable development.

Livestreaming and extensive media coverage will ensure the conversations reach a national audience, including marginalized communities.

A National Call to Collective Action

Participants will include member NGOs of the Coalition, UN agencies, ministries such as Justice and Gender, CHRAJ, international development partners, student unions, youth groups, media professionals and community-based organizations.

With the world grappling with conflict, polarization, climate threats and shrinking civic space, Wednesday’s gathering is anticipated to send a strong message on the enduring importance of human rights and the necessity of inclusive, cooperative global action.

As Ghana steps forward to celebrate UN@80, the call resonates strongly:
civil society—and especially the youth—remains indispensable in protecting human dignity and shaping a more just, peaceful and multilateral future.