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Jayathma Wickramanayake

Jayathma Wickramanayake

Recognized by TIME 100 Next and Forbes 30 Under 30 as a global leader in international development, Jayathma Wickramanayake works on advancing women’s and youth empowerment and enhancing their participation in policy and decision-making processes. Originally from Sri Lanka, she has played a pioneering role in shaping global youth development, with a particular focus on empowering girls and young women.

As the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth from 2017 to 2023, Ms. Wickramanayake led the creation and implementation of Youth2030, the UN’s first-ever youth strategy, which transformed the organization’s approach to engaging with and for young people. During her tenure, she conceptualized and executed numerous multi-stakeholder special initiatives in areas such as climate action, gender equality, innovation, and peace and security, galvanizing public support for the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals. She was also instrumental in establishing the UN’s first dedicated Youth Office.

Before joining the United Nations, Ms. Wickramanayake co-founded Hashtag Generation, a movement dedicated to strengthening civic and political engagement among young people, especially young women, in Sri Lanka. Between 2012 and 2014, she served as a youth delegate and senator of the youth parliament, playing a crucial role in incorporating youth priorities into the Sustainable Development Goals and in establishing World Youth Skills Day. Additionally, she has served as a civil servant within the Sri Lankan government, further demonstrating her commitment to both national and global development. In 2023, Ms. Wickramanayake joined UN Women as a Senior Advisor, where she leads UN Women’s Strategic Partnerships in the areas of Intergovernmental Affairs, Sports and Digital Technologies.

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  • Organization
    UN Women
  • Profession
    Senior Policy Advisor
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Related sessions
In person
8 July 2026
•
15:30 - 16:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
EQUALS dialogue: AI, trade and inclusive digital business
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