Kenya’s Neema Sheikh Abdikadir has been elected as Vice Chairperson for Inclusion and Engagement on the Commonwealth Youth Council’s Executive Committee, representing over 1.4 billion young people across 56 member countries. Her tenure, from 2024 to 2026, places her at the forefront of youth leadership in one of the largest global organizations advocating for young people.
Neema’s new role is a significant step not only for herself but for Kenyan youth, as she aims to champion inclusion, engagement, and diverse representation across the Commonwealth. With her background as a student leader and youth advocate, she brings invaluable experience and a deep understanding of the importance of networks and collaboration in fostering growth. Neema expressed gratitude to her supporters, saying, “I want to thank the CS, PS, and staff of the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their continuous guidance and support throughout my candidacy.”
Her election comes at a pivotal time when issues of youth inclusion, particularly among marginalized communities, are gaining increased attention. Neema is expected to play a crucial role in addressing these issues, working alongside other youth leaders to shape policies that directly impact the younger population in Commonwealth countries. Her commitment to representing the underrepresented and building networks of support is seen as a driving force behind her leadership approach.
The Commonwealth Youth Council, established in 2013, acts as the official voice of young people in the Commonwealth and advocates for youth-centered development policies. As the Vice Chairperson for Inclusion and Engagement, Neema will be tasked with ensuring that young people from all walks of life are engaged in decision-making processes and that their voices are heard at the highest levels of governance.
From student leadership to international representation Neema has demonstrated a natural drive to empowering young people. She has been a vocal advocate for youth-led development initiatives and has consistently emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for young people to lead in areas such as climate change, education, and social justice. Her election is seen as a recognition of her tireless efforts to create platforms for meaningful youth participation.
As Neema steps into her new role, she is determined to not only represent the voices of Kenyan youth but also enhance Kenya’s global reputation. “Together, we shall continue to grow the brand of our beautiful Republic of Kenya across the world,” she noted, reinforcing her commitment to both local and global development.
