Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO

UNESCO Youth Desk of Lesotho

The UNESCO Youth Desk was established following the first UNESCO African Youth Forum (Burkina Faso, 2007) and the fifth UNESCO Youth Forum (Paris, 2007). The program aims to engage young people in UNESCO’s activities and development.

Objectives

Involve youth in UNESCO activities.
Promote youth contributions to peace, poverty eradication, and sustainable development.
Encourage participation in UNESCO Youth Desk initiatives.
Raise awareness of UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Subgroups

The Youth Desk operates through seven thematic subgroups:

Civic Engagement: Fosters discussions on social, political, and community issues to inspire societal change.
Climate and Environmental Action: Addresses climate change through sustainable solutions and environmental education.
Culture: Celebrates diverse cultural heritage, including arts, language, and traditions, fostering unity.
Gender Equality: Advocates for equal rights and representation across all genders and vulnerable populations.
Health: Focuses on HIV/AIDS, sexual health rights, mental health, non-communicable diseases, and accessibility.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encourages creativity, business innovation, and entrepreneurial growth.
Technology: Explores technological advancements, software, hardware, and digital innovation.

World Poetry Day 2025

On the 21st of March, the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO commemorated the World Poetry Day together with the UNESCO Youth Desk of Lesotho and GEM Institute.
Together with poets and musicians, we recognized the unique ability of poetry to capture the essence of human experiences, express emotions, preserve freedom of expression and cultural identities.
UNESCO Hall in Maseru came alive with the power of words, music, and meaningful dialogue. Topics ranged from Lesotho and Unity to Mental Health, Environmental Action, Human Trafficking, African Heritage and Visions for our Future.
Practiced throughout history – in every culture and on every continent – poetry speaks to our common humanity and our shared values, transforming the simplest of poems into a powerful catalyst for dialogue and peace.
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The first meeting

The UNESCO Youth Desk of Lesotho held its first meeting on January 15th 2025.
We are gearing up to champion the voices of young people in Lesotho, ensuring that they are heard. This youth-led initiative serves as a platform for growth and personal development. With a focus on empowering youth, it aims to inspire change, encourage young people to actively seek knowledge, leverage available resources, and make informed decisions to address pressing challenges in our communities.