Human Rights Defender Dr. Wemakor to Inspire Ghana’s Youth at UN@80 Summit
From Grassroots to Global Stage: Dr. Wemakor Set to Speak at UN@80 Conference
Ghanaian human rights advocate and development communicator Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor is set to inspire young people and civil society leaders alike at the UN@80 National Civil Society Conference in Accra this 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, forms 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 convene civil society leaders, government officials, youth representatives, international partners, and media professionals to reflect on eight decades of UN achievements and chart pathways for inclusive human rights advocacy in Ghana.
Dr. Wemakor, who serves as Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) and Convener of the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs (Youth), has dedicated over a decade to advancing the rights of marginalized populations.
Through HRRG, he has championed initiatives targeting 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 affecting their lives, promoting a society where all individuals live with dignity and security.
In addition to his grassroots advocacy, Dr. Wemakor plays a strategic role in Ghana’s civil society sector. He sits on the Steering Committee of the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs, leads 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 was 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 the protection of vulnerable populations.
His work has earned wide recognition. Dr. Wemakor is the recipient of the UN Global Entreps Award, the Africa Peace Advocate Award (2023), and was a finalist for the African Human Rights Defenders Shield Award (2023).
He has also been acknowledged for his journalism, including the National Migration Media Award (2018) and recognition by the Ghana Institute of Journalism for reporting on the UN SDGs.
Most recently, he was celebrated as 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 emphasize the pivotal role of youth in advancing human rights and Sustainable Development Goals while inspiring action to empower women, children, persons with disabilities, minority groups, and other marginalized communities across Ghana.
