Our Status at the United Nations ECOSOC

Young Global Leaders Network holds Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), granted in 2025. This status allows us to bring youth voices from Africa, Asia and Europe into key UN forums and nominate delegates to sessions such as the Commission on the Status of Women, strengthening our credibility and opening global engagement opportunities for our members

WHO WE ARE!

Connecting Young Leaders. Shaping Global Decisions.

The Young Global Leaders Network (YGLN) is an international youth leadership organisation empowering young people across Africa, Asia and Europe to lead in public life, business and civil society. From Ghana, Nigeria, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, DR Congo and Ethiopia to more than 25 other countries, we connect ambitious young leaders to mentoring, skills development, career growth and global opportunities, including policy engagement, international programmes and networks that turn bold ideas into visible impact.

At YGLN you will find

OUR TARGET GOALS

The Young Global Leaders Network upholds the principles of the United Nations, African Union and the eight (8) Africa Regional Economic Communities (ECOWAS, AMU, CEN-SAD, COMESA, EAC, ECCAS, IGAD and SADC).

Transforming the Future of African Youth

WHY WE DO THIS

Across Africa, too many young people face unemployment, limited opportunities and little access to mentors or decision makers. The Young Global Leaders Network exists to change that story. We promote entrepreneurship, leadership and civic engagement so that young people, especially young women, can move from the margins into real positions of influence. Through practical programmes, networks and advocacy, we help young Africans create jobs, serve their communities and shape the future of their countries.

Youth Employment & Enterprise

Women’s Leadership & Voice

Active Citizenship & Accountability

Our Project Team

Meet the people bringing our programmes to life

Behind every NexGen Masterclass and initiative is a small team of committed professionals and volunteers. They design the content, manage delivery, support participants and keep our community engaged online.

OUR IMPACT

Since 2014, YGLN programmes and events have directly supported young people across Africa and beyond.

22,000

Aspiring entrepreneurs & leaders

25,179

Summit participants

1,200

Active volunteers

25

Country presence

50,000

Youths mentored

15,197

Membership base

YGLN Video Hub

Leadership Masterclass Replays

Catch up on our latest YGLN Masterclasses, recorded with young leaders, founders and policy makers from across Africa and the diaspora.

Playlist

3 Videos

Summit Highlights

Relive Our Young African Leaders Summits

Experience the energy of the Young African Leaders Summit again. These highlight reels capture powerful moments from our gatherings in Accra, where presidents, ministers, CEOs and young changemakers come together to debate Africa’s future. Watch how young leaders connect, learn and commit to action on governance, entrepreneurship and social impact.

Playlist

2 Videos
Content

Young African Leaders Summit 2019

Former President John Dramani Mahama, senior leaders and hundreds of young delegates explore youth leadership, jobs and governance in Africa. A landmark moment in putting young voices at the centre of national conversations.

YGLN FUTURE GOALS

Targets for 2035–2040 across membership, mentoring, enterprise, jobs and representation.

500,000 Paid members by 2035

A global dues-paying community engaged in leadership and enterprise.

60,000 Leaders mentored by 2035

Structured six-month cohorts with clear outcomes.

150,000 Women empowered by 2035

Leadership, financial literacy and venture support.

600,000 Programme beneficiaries by 2038

Training, volunteering and project work.

100,000 Decent jobs enabled in Africa by 2035

Employment via Afric Youth in Agriculture and partners.

5,000 Start-ups & SMEs by 2040

Kickstart Innovation Hub support from idea to scale.

Testimonial

Individual Case Studies

OUR BLOG & NEWS

Our Recent News & Blog.

Membership opening soon: join the Young Global Leaders Network

Membership opening soon: join the Young Global Leaders Network We’re opening membership soon. If you’re 18 to 45 and serious about leadership, enterprise and public service, this is your moment. Check the site regularly for the launch date and secure your place in the first intake. What you get as

New Year message from the Founder, Emmanuel Addo

As we enter a new year, YGLN Founder Emmanuel Addo has shared a short message with members, partners and friends of the Network. He reflects on a year in which YGLN secured UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status, advanced plans for the Young African Leaders Summit 2027, strengthened its country chapters

Launch of “YALS Young Leader of the Month” showcase

Launch of “YALS Young Leader of the Month” showcase From February 2026, the Young African Leaders Summit will introduce a new online series titled “YALS Young Leader of the Month”. Each month, we will spotlight one outstanding young leader from Africa or the diaspora who embodies the values of YALS

Young African Leaders Summit set for 25–27 November 2027 in Accra

🌍 Applications Now Open! The Young Global Leaders Network has confirmed new dates for the next Young African Leaders Summit (YALS), which will now take place from 25 to 27 November 2027 in Accra, Ghana. The summit will bring together young leaders from across Africa, the diaspora and partner countries

Individual Case Studies

Our associated organisations and initiatives

Fellow Members get training, mentoring and real opportunities to serve and influence

Emmanuel Addo
Founder

Emmanuel Addo is a Ghanaian-born leadership strategist, youth development advocate, and the visionary founder of the Young Global Leaders Network. A former student activist at the University of Ghana, he holds an MBA from Anglia Ruskin University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Management from the UK, and is completing a Doctor of Business Administration at Manipal GlobalNxt University in Malaysia.

Currently a Manager at one of the UK’s leading universities, Emmanuel also holds certificates from the University of Oxford and the Malta Leadership Institute. Under his leadership, YGLN has grown to over 10,000 members across Africa, with registered branches in nine countries and presence in 15 others. He is also the founder and Chief Convener of the Young African Leaders Summit, and has supported over 370 young entrepreneurs and mentored more than 2,000 African youths.

Emmanuel’s work continues to impact policy, leadership, and entrepreneurship across Africa and beyond.