Sofoniyas Tesfaye
Sofoniyas Tesfaye is a dynamic changemaker and advocate for sustainable development and youth empowerment based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Born and raised in the small town of Shahsmen, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Project Management. He holds professional certifications in leadership, design thinking, and innovation from prestigious organisations, including Google.As the Country Sustainability Curator for the Museum of the United Nations and a Global SDGs Facilitator for the UNLEASH Innovation Lab, Sofoniyas is dedicated to addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovative solutions and design thinking.
He is also the founder of the Selamawi Peace Center, a local CSO in Ethiopia that uses design thinking, arts, and culture to promote peacebuilding and traditional mediation.
In his efforts to empower youth, Sofoniyas leads one of Ethiopia’s largest youth groups, with over 24,000 members. He is committed to providing opportunities for youth and fostering their involvement in decision-making processes, with a strong emphasis on digital skills and education. His project, “Teachers Are Innovators,” integrates technology into the educational curriculum and trains teachers in digital skills to enhance the learning experience for students. Sofoniyas has made significant contributions to advancing educational initiatives, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, by promoting digital learning and empowering educators. His impressive accomplishments also include international fellowships such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship and recognition as a Global Youth Ambassador for Theirworld
Why I wanted to join the youth advisory board of the AU-EU Youth Action Lab?
I was drawn to the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) of the AU-EU Youth Action Unit because it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the capacity of youth to give across Africa and Europe. As someone who is passionate about youth innovation and System thinking change, I saw this as a platform to amplify the voice of young leaders who are working tirelessly to solve pressing challenges in their communities
AU-EU’s focus on enhancing partnerships and continental collaboration and providing support for youth-led initiatives is in line with my vision of creating sustainable and inclusive solutions. Being part of YAB allows me to bring my expertise in project management, innovation and youth engagement to support these projects while equally advocating for access to resources and opportunities.
Additionally, I am inspired to represent African youth and strengthen the relationship between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU). By encouraging global collaboration, encouraging technical and design thinking, and fostering structural change, I aim to bridge gaps and co-create solutions that address shared challenges. This role enables me to support transformational thinking that positions young people as key drivers of sustainable growth and development.
What do I see the future of AU EU?
I look to a future where the AU-EU Youth Action Labs will be a leading example of innovation and youth-led collaboration across continents. These labs have the potential to develop into a dynamic ecosystem that not only provides support but also provides sustainable partnerships, encourages local solutions, and creates initiatives that have a global impact that is the largest.
In the coming years, I hope to see the labs expanding it’s reach to participate in a variety of youth-led organisations, ensuring inclusion and equitable representation. By combining cutting-edge technology with design thinking, the labs can empower young leaders to address complex challenges such as climate change, unemployment and social inequality further advanced.
