UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education (GCED)

The African Leadership Initiative for Impact (ALII), a youth-led organization based in the United Republic of Tanzania, has been recognized as one of the two global laureates of the 2025 UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education (GCED) during the inaugural edition of the GCED. The organization's flagship Youth4Peace Agenda Project was selected from 150 submissions across 76 countries and earned international recognition at an award ceremony in Paris, France.

Mr. Joseph Brightion Melekela, Executive Director of ALII, and Ms. Neema Nicholaus Chusi, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of ALII, received the Award at the Headquarters in Paris, France, with the participation of H.E. Ali Jabir Mwadini, Ambassador of the Republic of Tanzania to France and Permanent Representative to UNESCO. The Prize was presented by Stephania Giannini, Assistant Director for Education - UNESCO.

The UNESCO Prize highlights outstanding initiatives that advance global citizenship education, including the promotion of human rights, civic engagement, intercultural dialogue, social inclusion, and peacebuilding. ALII's Youth4Peace Agenda Project was honored for its nationwide efforts to empower young people in Tanzania to become proactive, innovative peacebuilders and responsible global citizens.

Through school outreach programs, intergenerational and community dialogues, intercultural exchanges, digital safety awareness, climate-related actions, and platforms for youth engagement in policy processes, the project has reached thousands of young people nationwide. UNESCO recognized and praised the initiative for translating global citizenship principles into concrete, community-centered impact that strengthens social cohesion and equips youth with tools to counter misinformation, prevent conflict, and promote peace and unity.

The success of the project is attributed not only to ALII but also to the sustained support of its development partners and local stakeholders. In addition, the members of the Youth4Peace Agenda Coalition—a network of youth organizations and advocates—have played a critical role in ensuring that Youth4Peace becomes a shared national agenda. These partners and coalition members have collaborated closely with ALII to amplify youth voices, coordinate initiatives, and mobilize young people across the country toward common goals of peace, dialogue, and civic engagement.

The award also reflects the growing influence of youth-led peace efforts in Tanzania, where young people play an increasingly central role in national development and policy discussions, including processes informing the forthcoming National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security. Stakeholders across civil society and government have welcomed the recognition, describing it as a significant milestone for the country's peacebuilding landscape.

Following the announcement, ALII expressed gratitude to UNESCO for the award and to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for its support in implementing the project, and reiterated its commitment to expanding the reach of the Youth4Peace Agenda Project, particularly in underserved regions. The organization emphasized plans to deepen partnerships with government institutions, strengthen youth participation mechanisms, and continue championing the values of global citizenship education in Tanzania.

The 2025 award is widely seen as a major international endorsement of Tanzania's young peace advocates, many of whom contribute to community resilience and intergroup trust through local initiatives. UNESCO officials noted that the Youth4Peace initiative exemplifies the transformative role young people can play in building peaceful, inclusive societies.