FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 1 August 2026
Contact: Media Relations, info@iydg.org 

International Youth Federation Appoints Jenaan Al-Rahman Ahmed as Representative in Sudan

GENEVA, 1 August 2026 – The International Youth Federation (IYF) today announced the appointment of Ms. Jenaan Al-Rahman Ahmed as its Representative in Sudan. In this role, Ms. Ahmed will lead IYF's engagement with national partners, youth-led organizations and development agencies in Sudan, and will oversee the design and implementation of programmes supporting youth empowerment, community participation and sustainable development across the country.

Sudan is home to one of the youngest populations in the world, with close to 60 per cent of its people under the age of 25, according to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). As the country moves into a new phase of early recovery and reconstruction, engaging this generation will be central to building a resilient and prosperous future. Ms. Ahmed's mandate will focus on expanding platforms and opportunities for young Sudanese – including youth entrepreneurship and business support, accelerator programmes, professional networks and strategic communications – to help integrate youth into the country's economic and social recovery.

"Ms. Ahmed brings to this role a demonstrated commitment to youth empowerment, evidence-based advocacy and humanitarian coordination in Sudan and beyond. Her appointment strengthens IYF's ability to stand alongside young Sudanese during a period of profound challenge, and to translate that solidarity into concrete opportunities for participation, resilience and sustainable development," said Ms. Nada Alqahtani, IYF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Ms. Jenaan Al-Rahman Ahmed is a young Sudanese leader and activist in humanitarian action and international development, with a focus on empowering youth and women and advancing community participation and sustainable development. She brings professional experience in programme coordination, partnership-building, monitoring and evaluation, advocacy, and the management of projects and humanitarian operations, having worked with a number of national and international organizations, including United Nations agencies, on initiatives supporting refugees and crisis-affected communities.

Alongside her professional career, Ms. Ahmed has made active contributions to youth, community and scientific research initiatives. She represented Sudanese researchers in advocacy for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Sudan within the framework of the Sudanese Environment Forum, and her research contributions were recognized with a research award from the Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources (HCENR) of Sudan, in recognition of her commitment to evidence-based research in support of sustainable development. She also took part in the "Dual Career for Youth" project funded by the European Union's Erasmus+ programme, serving as Assistant Project Coordinator with the European University Sports Association (EUSA) in Slovenia, where she contributed to international initiatives promoting youth empowerment, education, sport and social development.

Ms. Ahmed holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Ahfad University for Women and a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies from the University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) and has completed a range of specialized training programmes in humanitarian action, project management, and monitoring and evaluation.

###

The IYF is a global youth network dedicated to empowering young people and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources that help youth build a better future. The organization works in alignment with the 2030 Global Goals Agenda to promote education, advocacy, sustainable development, and a culture of respect and compassion worldwide. 

IYF engages and mobilizes new audiences to take action and raise support for youth-focused sustainable development programmes around the globe.

###

For more information, please contact: IYF Media Relations – info@iydg.org  |  Fédération internationale de la jeunesse  |  HQ Office, Press Center  |  Cours des Bastions 13, 1205 Genève, Switzerland   |  www.iyfweb.org