‘Civil Society Is the Lifeblood of Global Cooperation’-Mrs. Theophiline Bannerman Speaks at UN@80 Conference

Convener of the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) Ghana Mrs. Theophiline Bannerman, has underscored the pivotal role of civil society in amplifying marginalized voices and holding governments accountable.

Speaking at the National Civil Society Conference held at the UPSA Auditorium in Accra to commemorate the United Nations’ 80th Anniversary (UN@80) and the 2025 International Human Rights Day on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, she emphasized that advocacy by civil society ensures policies reflect the realities of ordinary people, not just the rhetoric of officials.

“Civil society is the lifeblood of global cooperation. It is where the voices of the marginalized find resonance. Our advocacy ensures that policies reflect the realities of ordinary people, not just the rhetoric of officials,” she stated.

She further called for enhanced collaboration between NGOs, government agencies, and the UN system to tackle pressing societal challenges, particularly those affecting women, children, and youth.

Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, General Manager of the EIB Network, speaking on “Civil Society and the Future of Multilateralism”, highlighted the importance of strong investment in women’s participation across all sectors.

She stated, “For Africa to thrive, we must create spaces where women lead, innovate, and make decisions that shape our economies, communities, and governance.

Gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it is a national imperative.” She also announced the Women in Sustainability Africa Summit, scheduled for May 21, 2026, which aims to amplify women’s voices in policy, entrepreneurship, and climate action.

Dr. Angela Dwamena Aboagye, Executive Director of The Ark Foundation, spoke on “Gender Justice and the Role of Women in Human Rights Advocacy”, urging Ghana to strengthen its commitment to gender justice and elevate women’s leadership.

She highlighted persistent inequalities undermining human rights progress and emphasized that investing in women is investing in society.

Rev. Canon Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, Chief Patron of the International Youth Network for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (IYNUNSCR), called on Ghanaians to uphold human dignity, reject discrimination, defend freedoms, and sustain interfaith harmony, reinforcing the universal nature of human rights.

For his part, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), speaking on the topic “Youth Engagement in Advancing Human Rights and the SDGs,” emphasized that youth leadership is a development imperative.

He showcased HRRG’s work, including the Nationwide Sensitization Campaign on Kidnapping, Teenage Pregnancy and Tramadol/Drug Abuse (KTT Project), which has educated over 60,000 Ghanaians on kidnapping, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse.

“Youth are not just beneficiaries of policy; they are key agents of change. When young people are empowered, societies thrive,”

Dr. Wemakor stressed. He urged institutionalization of youth participation, protection of civic freedoms, investment in innovation and digital literacy, and prioritization of marginalized youth.

“Token inclusion is not enough; we need real power-sharing and real opportunities for the next generation,” he emphasized.

The conference concluded with a unified call for strengthened collaboration among civil society, government, and global partners to advance human dignity, gender justice, youth empowerment, and sustainable development, as the United Nations enters a new decade of global action.