Cameroon recently vibrated with the energy of its youth as the nation marked the 60th edition of National Youth Day under the theme: “Youth at the heart of great hopes, for a united, stable and Prosperous Cameroon.” While the day originally commemorates the plebiscite of February 11, 1961, the modern celebration has become a powerful showcase of civic engagement. The festivities culminated in traditional march-pasts across the country, with the most prominent parade taking place at the 20th May Boulevard in Yaoundé, where nearly 1,000 young U-Reporters marched in a striking display of unity and togetherness.
Central to this year’s celebration was the remarkable mobilization of U-Report, a flagship UNICEF initiative designed to empower those aged 13 to 29. By leveraging digital platforms and physical communities, U-Report strengthens community-led development and provides real-time feedback on critical issues like health, education, and protection. Currently, Cameroon boasts a staggering 465,639 digital U-Reporters and a network of 36 physical communities, ensuring that the voices of young people in both urban and rural areas are heard at the highest levels of decision-making.
A highlight of UNICEF’s recent efforts in the region is the evolution of the “U-Responders” pilot concept. Born out of the enthusiastic response to the 2024 floods in the Far North, these trained volunteers provide direct assistance during humanitarian emergencies, including droughts and epidemics. By disseminating alerts and identifying the urgent needs of vulnerable populations, U-Responders have transformed youth participation from a symbolic gesture into an organized, life-saving force that stands on the front lines of community relief.
Nadine Perrault, the UNICEF Representative in Cameroon, praised this relentless commitment, noting that these young people do not just voice concerns—they propose tangible solutions. This large-scale impact is made possible through strategic international cooperation. UNICEF expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Japan, TİKA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency), and the European Union, whose essential support has allowed the U-Report programme to expand and flourish across the North, Far North, and beyond.
Ultimately, the 60th National Youth Day served as a testament to the idea that youth are the most powerful pillars of hope for a stable Cameroon. By amplifying forgotten voices and protecting the vulnerable against the challenges of climate change and humanitarian crises, U-Reporters and U-Responders are turning hope into a movement. Their daily actions demonstrate that when young people are given a seat at the table and the tools to act, they become the driving force for lasting change for every child and adolescent in the nation.
