On October 28th, our global fellowship program officially launched, bringing together an exceptional group of fellows from across the world to New York City. This marked the beginning of a new journey, as our fellows gathered for an intensive training session designed to equip them with the skills, insights, and connections needed to drive impactful change in their fields. The program offers a deep dive into advocacy and leadership. It fosters a unique space for collaboration and growth, setting the stage for a transformative experience that will resonate well beyond their time in New York.
The Global Advocacy Fellowship brings together dedicated World Youth Alliance (WYA) members from seven countries, each selected to represent WYA’s mission both at home and at the United Nations. This unique program aims to equip fellows with the skills to advocate for a deeper understanding of human dignity across diverse regions. Following a rigorous two-week training program covering United Nations technical language, the Human Dignity Curriculum (HDC), and effective communication techniques, each fellow is now prepared to act as an advocate, building bridges with Member States to promote WYA’s mission.
“The training was thorough and rigorous,” said Max Yun, Global Advocacy Fellow representing the North America region. “It helped me have a better understanding of what WYA wants to accomplish and how I can be an effective contributor to that mission.” Max, who holds a Bachelor of Public Administration with a specialized honors in law and public policy, has a deep commitment to human rights advocacy, particularly for protecting individuals at the end of life. As an Intern Fellow with the Holy See Mission to the UN, his experience in diplomatic spaces makes him an asset to WYA’s goals. Max first learned about the World Youth Alliance through friends and colleagues, but it wasn’t until he met WYA representatives at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women that he became an active member.
Beyond advocacy at the United Nations, each fellow will develop a project in their home country, directly supporting WYA’s mission through initiatives like expanding the HDC to reach a wider audience. Global Advocacy Fellows will also contribute to WYA’s media efforts, creating content that informs members worldwide on pressing issues. Magali Zyska, the Global Advocacy Fellow from Latin America, intends to introduce the HDC to more students through her role in higher education. “During the fellowship, I hope to improve my political skills and support policymakers on laws related to bioethics and human dignity,” she shared. A political scientist completing her master’s degree, Magali first encountered WYA through an academic partnership. Since founding WYA Argentina, she’s been deeply involved in WYA programs, and through this fellowship, she hopes to build stronger ties between WYA and her university.
The months ahead promise to be filled with impactful initiatives as WYA fellows prepare to advocate at the UN on behalf of the global membership. In March and April 2025, they will attend key United Nations commissions, including the Commission on the Status of Women, the Commission on Population and Development, and the Commission on Social Development. Rokaia Elhommosani, a returning fellow from Egypt, will bring her experience as a CSW speaker on behalf of FEMM in 2024. “Contributing to the journey of new members is something that invigorates me and makes me hopeful for a future,” she said, reflecting on her role as a mentor in WYA’s Advocacy Academy workshops. Rokaia’s advocacy journey began at age 16 at a WYA Summer Camp, sparking a passion for placing human dignity at the heart of legal structures. Rokaia earned her law degree in the United Kingdom with a particular focus on Jurisprudence, Human Rights Law, and Research in Law. Her commitment to human rights continues to guide her work as a mentor and advocate.
Simona Vatamanu has always been passionate about making a difference. After earning her law degree in Romania, and following the traditional path for a while, she decided to pursue her passion for human rights.
Her journey took off when she joined the World Youth Alliance (WYA) Romania in 2020. Through WYA, she gained experience in global youth advocacy, human rights, and bioethics. Her dedication led her to Brussels, where she interned at WYA’s European office, working on regional human rights issues. Now, as an Advocacy Fellow, Simona is preparing to represent WYA’s mission at the UN. Simona’s path combines law, international advocacy, and a commitment to human rights, making her a valuable asset to the team.
Nyingi Wahome, a returning fellow from Kenya, brings a focus on environmental health and an understanding of African public health challenges, rooted in his work within Kenya’s Ministry of Health. His dedication to person-centered policies in Africa embodies the unique advocacy needs of the region. As a part of the training, Nyingi presented about WYA’s advocacy efforts in the African region, sharing his experiences and lessons learned with the newer Global Advocacy Fellows.
In Spain, Paula María Godden offers a legal perspective informed by her background in human rights law, specializing in freedom of religion and speech. Her work against hate crimes reflects her commitment to defending the rights of individuals to express their identities without fear, a mission she believes is essential to respect human dignity. Paula’s advocacy for religious freedom legislation highlights the importance of these rights and informs her contributions to the WYA missions.
David Gallegos Rubio, currently a fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, adds another dimension to the cohort with his academic background spanning economics, political science, and international relations. Holding degrees from ESEADE in Argentina and UNAM in Mexico, and having participated in academic exchanges in 19 countries, David brings a nuanced understanding of global socio-political dynamics. His experience across multiple regions has cultivated a broad perspective on economic and political policies that respect human dignity, particularly in the context of Latin American socio-economic challenges. David’s international background allows him to represent Latin America’s unique socio-economic landscape within the fellowship, contributing a rich layer of economic and political insight to WYA’s advocacy efforts.
The unique backgrounds but shared mission of the Global Advocacy Fellows have led to lively debates and meaningful discussions, sparking both intellectual growth and strong bonds within the group. Together, they’ve created an environment that fosters friendship and inspiration, where each fellow challenges and motivates the others to approach advocacy in fresh, impactful ways.
The diversity of this year’s cohort reflects WYA’s commitment to a truly global mission, bringing together advocates who contribute a wealth of perspectives shaped by varied cultural, educational, and professional experiences. This diversity deepens WYA’s ability to defend human dignity through multiple perspectives, enriching the dialogue on international human rights and advocacy.
In addition to advocacy work at the United Nations, each fellow will embark on a personal project aligned with WYA’s mission. Projects include working to expand the Human Dignity Curriculum in their home countries, applying their training to make a tangible impact on education of youth. Additionally, WYA Fellows will contribute to content creation for WYA networks, ensuring that our global membership remains informed on critical international issues.
The next six months promise to be filled with impactful projects and initiatives led by our Fellows. That said, a central focus of the program remains on advocacy at United Nations Headquarters. In March and April, WYA fellows will represent our members on the international stage, actively participating in the United Nations Commissions, including the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), and the Commission on Social Development (CSocD).