The Global Civility Leadership Institute and iChange Nations have unanimously approved the conferment of the iChange Nations Global Voice of Change Award on Dr. Daniel Bekele. The award was presented during an official ceremony held in Harare, Zimbabwe, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to humanity, moral courage, and visionary leadership.

Addis Ababa, 7 October 2026

African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) warmly congratulates its Executive Director, Dr. Daniel Bekele, on being honored with the 2026 iChange Nations Global Voice of Change Award. The award was presented today by the Global Civility Leadership Institute and iChange Nations at an official ceremony in Harare, Zimbabwe, recognizing Dr. Daniel Bekele’s “outstanding contribution to humanity, moral courage, and visionary leadership.”

In announcing the award, the two institutions stated that the recognition is reserved for leaders “whose lives exemplify service above self and a lasting commitment to improving others’ lives.” They further noted that Dr. Daniel Bekele’s leadership reflects these qualities “in a manner worthy of international recognition.”

Previous recipients of the award include former President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, former President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and renowned international advocate for women’s and children’s rights H.E. Graça Machel, who is also a former Chair of the ACPF International Board of Trustees and currently serves as Patron of the organization.

Dr. Daniel Bekele has dedicated his professional life to advancing human rights, democratic governance, social justice, and the rights and wellbeing of children across Africa. Under his leadership, ACPF has continued to strengthen its role as a leading pan-African institution generating evidence, shaping policy, and advocating for the protection and advancement of children’s rights on the continent.

Commenting on the recognition, H.E. Elhadj As Sy, Chair of the ACPF International Board of Trustees, said, “We are immensely proud of this recognition of Dr. Daniel Bekele. It reflects not only his personal commitment to justice, dignity, and service, but also a testament of the ACPF leadership and team who work tirelessly to advance the rights and wellbeing of children across Africa. This award affirms the importance of values-based leadership in building a more equitable and child-friendly Africa.”

Receiving the award, Dr. Daniel Bekele expressed gratitude for the honor and dedicated it to those working every day to promote human dignity and children’s rights across the continent. “I am deeply humbled by this recognition. I accept it on behalf of the countless child rights advocates, civil society actors, community leaders, and development partners who continue to champion the rights and aspirations of Africa’s children. Their resilience and commitment inspire our work every day.”

The award comes at a critical moment as Africa seeks to accelerate progress toward achieving greater social inclusion, child protection, and sustainable development for future generations. ACPF remains committed to working with governments, regional institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and children themselves to ensure that every child in Africa enjoys their rights and reaches their full potential.

On behalf of the International Board of Trustees of the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF), I wish to announce that Dr. Joan Nyanyuki has completed her tenure as Executive Director effective December 18th, 2025, at the conclusion of her six-year term.

During this time, Dr. Nyanyuki has steered ACPF with vision, integrity and unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of Africa’s children. ACPF has continued to champion child rights across the Continent with inclusion and participation, aiming to hold national duty bearers to account for their commitments made to children. Over this period, the Forum has further solidified its position as a leading Pan-African and international voice for children producing rigorous research and analysis; highlighting major concerns for the protection of children’s rights, including those arising from conflicts, climate change, hunger and poverty; elevating the voices of adolescents; and building partnerships for children that transcend borders and institutions.

Despite multiple external challenges, the ACPF Team has been able to deepen the influence of the Forum for children across Africa and to build a sustainable foundation for future growth and transformation.
The International Board of Trustees is now moving to the identification and appointment of a successor Executive Director to carry forward the work of ACPF aiming at an Africa where every child not only survives but truly thrives.

The Board extends its gratitude to Dr. Nyanyuki for her service, dedication and leadership. We wish her every success in her future endeavours.

We look forward to our continued partnership and your support, with great appreciation.

With best wishes

Elhadj As Sy
Chairperson, International Board of Trustees

It is with deep sorrow that we mark the passing of H.E. Ambassador Kongit Sinegiorgis, an eminent Ethiopian diplomat and founding member of African Child Policy Forum (ACPF).

H.E. Ambassador Kongit Sinegiorgis started her career in 1962, a year before the establishment of the Organisation of the African Unity (OAU). After joining the Foreign Service of Ethiopia, she held numerous positions both in Addis Ababa and overseas for over 50 years.

Ambassador Kongit was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the OAU (1995-96), Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union and Director-General for African Affairs (2002), and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, from 2009-2015.

Her diplomatic service also spanned postings in Austria, Egypt, Israel, Canada,and Mexico, as well as missions in New York, Vienna, and Geneva.

She was a graduate of the University College London and a Carnegie Fellow at Columbia University, later receiving an honorary degree from Addis Ababa University.  She was also recognised by Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed for her distinguished service.

As a founding member of African Child Policy Forum, she played a vital role in advancing the rights and wellbeing of children across Africa.

Her passing is a profound l loss to Ethiopia, to the African continent, and to all those committed to advancing human rights and social justice. Her legacy will endure through the institutions she helped shape, the principles she upheld, and the many lives she impacted.

The International Board of Trustees of ACPF extends its sincere condolences to her family, colleagues, and all who mourn her passing.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Amen.

Elhadj As Sy

Chairperson, International Board of Trustees

Ambassador Lemlem Fiseha, Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), recently presented her letter of credence to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

Prior to her appointment, Ambassador Lemlem served at Ethiopia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York as Minister Plenipotentiary and Political Coordinator, where she played a key role in advancing Ethiopia’s engagement within the multilateral system.

Ambassador Lemlem graduated with honors from the School of Law of Addis Ababa University in 2011. Shortly thereafter, she joined the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) in October 2011 as a Legal Intern. Following the successful completion of her internship, she was appointed as a Project Officer within ACPF’s Children and the Law Programme, a position she held until August 2014.

Driven by a commitment to further her academic and professional development, Ambassador Lemlem pursued graduate studies in the United States, earning a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Law and Government from the American University Washington College of Law.

Upon her return to Ethiopia, she joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she steadily advanced through positions of increasing responsibility, including serving as Head of the Legal Directorate. Her expertise in international law, diplomacy, and multilateral affairs has earned her recognition as one of Ethiopia’s accomplished diplomatic professionals.

Throughout her career, Ambassador Lemlem has distinguished herself through her professionalism, intellectual rigor, integrity, and ability to build constructive relationships. Those who have had the privilege of working with her know her as an approachable, thoughtful, and friendly colleague.

At ACPF, we take great pride in having been part of Ambassador Lemlem’s professional journey and are delighted to witness her continued achievements in public service. Her appointment as Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and UNECA is a testament to her dedication, competence, and exemplary leadership.

Congratulations, Ambassador Lemlem! We wish you every success in this important assignment. From all of us at ACPF.