LocationsDriving Inclusive Development through Youth Leadership in Tanzania: UNDP Launches its Inaugural Youth Advisory Panel
February 3, 2026
Joyous smiles during the launch of the Youth Advisory Panel (YAP), UN House, Dar es Salaam
“Young people are not the leaders of tomorrow—they are the leaders of today.”
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has officially onboarded its Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) during an event held at the UN House in Dar es Salaam, strengthening efforts to integrate young people into advisory and decision-making levels of development work in Tanzania.
Opening the onboarding session, UNDP Resident Representative Shigeki Komatsubara encouraged the newly appointed Youth Advisory Panel members to anchor their leadership on what he described as the “5Ps”: Purpose, Possibilities, Personality, Publish and Pray.
“Youth leadership must be grounded in purpose and values,” Komatsubara said. “When young people understand their purpose, explore possibilities, build strong character, and share their ideas and impact, they become powerful drivers of inclusive development.”
UNDP Resident Representative Shigeki Komatsubara addresses participants during the Youth Advisory Panel onboarding session
The event brought together Youth Advisory Panel members and UNDP staff for a formal introduction to UNDP’s mandate, strategic priorities, and programme portfolios. Portfolio leads outlined ongoing and upcoming initiatives, highlighting areas where youth perspectives can strengthen programme design and implementation.
The Youth Advisory Panel comprises young leaders from diverse sectors, including agriculture, governance, gender inclusion, and innovation. Through their advisory role, panel members are expected to contribute ideas and insights that will help shape UNDP’s development initiatives over the coming year, ensuring programmes are more responsive and inclusive.
Interactive dialogue sessions formed a core component of the onboarding, creating space for open exchange between UNDP and the young advisors. Discussions focused on roles, expectations, and collaboration mechanisms, establishing a structured, two-way advisory process.
Members of the UNDP Tanzania Youth Advisory Panel listen during a session at the onboarding workshop held at UN House, Dar es Salaam.
"The Panel reflects UNDP’s commitment to sustained youth engagement. This is not a symbolic initiative. The Youth Advisory Panel enables young people to move into advisory roles where their perspectives directly inform our programmes, policies, and partnerships.”Joseph Manirakiza, UNDP Youth Catalyst Portfolio Lead
The onboarding marked the formal commencement of the Youth Advisory Panel’s engagement with UNDP Tanzania. The Panel is expected to serve as a standing advisory body, supporting innovation, strengthening dialogue with youth constituencies, and contributing to development solutions that leave no one behind.
As UNDP continues to prioritize youth empowerment, the Youth Advisory Panel is expected to play a key role in advancing inclusive, resilient, and youth-informed development outcomes across Tanzania.
UNDP Resident Representative Shigeki Komatsubara presents a token of appreciation to a Youth Advisory Panel member, reflecting UNDP’s commitment to youth partnership and leaving no one behind. From left: Veronica Sigalla, UNDP Talent Development Manager, and Josephine Laswai, National Coordinator, UNDP Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF).
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