Yohannes Mezgebe
Ethiopia
Occupational Information
Job Title: Founder & President of Ubuntu Leadership Institute
Professional History
Yohannes is the Founder & President of Ubuntu Leadership Institute. In addition, he is a founding member of Africa 2.0, a Pan African network of advocacy group. From 2013 – 2018, Yohannes served as Manager of the Service Delivery and coordinator of Africa Talks Leadership program, coordinator Political Affairs and expert at the Bureau of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa during which, he helped in the development process of the agenda 2063, which is Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future. Yohannes has also worked with several a non-profit public interest organizations from academic institutions and the wider community throughout Africa that are committed to empower African citizens to develop and realize their vision of a healthier and more productive continent for the benefit of the people of Africa and for the world in general. Over fifteen years of experience as a Pan African Youth and Civil Society leader on advocacy and Development programs. From 2008 – 2012, While Yohannes was Pan African Youth and Civil society leader, Yohannes represented African Youth and Civil Society organizations at the African Union Heads of States and Government Summits, the United Nations General Assembly, Africa-Europe Heads of States and Government Summit, Africa-Latin America Heads of States and Government Summit, AfricaAsia Summit, G-20 in France and many other forums. He was also invited to share experiences and speak at events organized by Scottish Executive (World Youth Congress Stirling University campus), The World Bank, COADY International Institute Saint Francis Xavier University (Canada), African Leadership Center King’s College (UK), US Center for Strategic Studies and many other. Yohannes has planned, developed, and facilitated events, conferences and other forums with the Africa Union, the United Nations, the Council of Europe and European Union, country embassies, international organizations, and other entities. He maintains very extensive domestic and international contacts and has close relationships and information networks with African Youth, African Civil Societies, Private sectors, Academia, governmental and nongovernmental organizations globally. Proven leadership in public relations, advocacy, Networking, Fundraising, Coordinating, and facilitating seminars. Yohannes has traveled to more than 50 countries globally and capable of rapidly learning new assignments involving decision-making, working cross sectorial with others, prioritizing responsibilities. Responsible, Reliable, and able to work quickly and accurately. Yohannes has received numerous awards and recognition for his work in Sports, Youth Leadership and Economic and Community Development including being appointed by the United Nations as youth advocate/spokesperson for the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in 2004. He was one of 115 young African leaders selected to participate in US President Barack Obama’s African Young Leaders Forum held in Washington, DC in 2010. Yohannes is a member of the Think Tank for the North South Center of the Council of Europe; a recipient of the Global Youth Leadership Award, Most Influential of African Descent under 40.
Programme
2007 Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow
