# Nico Pampier

Nico Pampier is a South African advocate and young leader for the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. They serve as the Global Youth Caucus Representative for the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth on SDG 16.
Nico was born and raised in Velddrif, South Africa. They pursued higher education at West Coast TVET College in the Western Cape and later completed further studies in Adult Education and Training at the University of Cape Town.

## Advocacy and initiatives

Pampier has been engaged in youth empowerment and governance initiatives for over four years. She has led multiple projects aimed at strengthening youth participation in policy and decision-making processes. His key initiatives include:
1. Siyakwazi Youth Network – A platform dedicated to mobilizing young leaders for social change and community development.
2. #BecauseWeCan Campaign – A youth-led movement advocating for justice, human rights, and sexual reproductive health and rights
Through advocacy, Pampier has contributed to discussions on youth engagement in governance, conflict resolution, and institutional reform, aligning their work with the principles of SDG 16.

## Career

Pampier currently serves as the 2024-2025 term President of the United Nations Association of South Africa (UNASA), within the University of Cape Town's UNASA UCT Chapter.
Pampier’s activism began at the age of 12, when they volunteered at a local soup kitchen in Velddrif, South Africa. This early experience played a pivotal role in shaping their commitment to social justice and global advocacy.
In 2023, Pampier was invited as a guest speaker at the Global Peace Human Rights Summit. In 2024, they were recognized as a "Young Champion for Refugees" by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for their advocacy on behalf of displaced communities.
Pampier continues to work on strengthening youth participation in decision-making processes and mobilizing young people to contribute to the realization of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

## Youth diplomacy and fellowship

Pampier has been engaged in youth diplomacy, advocating for the inclusion of young voices in global governance and decision-making. As a representative within the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth, Pampier has contributed to policy discussions on SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, emphasizing youth-led solutions to governance, human rights, and institutional reform.
Pampier has participated in international forums, fellowships, and diplomatic engagements, working alongside policymakers, civil society leaders, and international organizations to strengthen youth participation in multilateral processes. Their advocacy focuses on inclusive governance, refugee rights, and equitable access to education.
In recognition of their contributions, Pampier has been selected for various youth leadership fellowships and advisory roles, collaborating with the United Nations, UNESCO, African Union, and other global organizations on policy development, capacity-building, and grassroots mobilization.
Key Roles and Engagements:
* Lead Consultant, Pact for the Future – Chapter 2: International Peace and Security (MGCY)
* Global Youth Caucus Representative on SDG 16, United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY)
* Youth Advisor, Department of Social Affairs, Division of Inclusive Social Development
* Lead Consultant, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Youth Voices at the Summit of the Future (Chapter 5: Transforming Global Governance)
* Youth Representative from South Africa, High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)
* SDG Education Director, United Nations Association of South Africa (UNASA)
* Youth Observer & Speaker, Summit of the Future Action Days – “Youth Lead: Global Governance: Youth for Human Rights”
* Guest Lecturer, Stellenbosch University – “Youth Leadership for Sustainable Development”
* Young Champion for Refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
* Representative, African Union-UNESCO “Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future” – University of Cape Town
* Member, LGBTQ+ Stakeholder Group to the United Nations
* Moderator, UN Women Virtual Summit of the Future – “Young Feminist Debrief”
Through these roles, Pampier continues to advocate for the empowerment of youth in global decision-making, contributing to international policy frameworks and discussions on sustainable development, human rights, and governance reform.