Lerato Phelane, one of the distinguished Explorers who represented Africa and the Middle East Region at the International Forum We, the Youth (IFWY) Final Conference in Seoul, has continued her global advocacy journey with a remarkable milestone: being invited to a private session hosted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) with Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan. The invitation marked a significant recognition of her leadership across governance, strategic development, ethical leadership, and youth empowerment. 

As a prominent South African professional with extensive experience in governance, audit, organisational development, and transformation, Phelane is widely known for her advisory and leadership roles across multiple institutions. She currently serves as Chairperson of the Audit Committee for the Government of South Africa, Chairperson of the Africa Regional Stewardship Board within the Global Centre for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) and Founder and President of Nuru: Youth Collectiv, a South Africa–based initiative dedicated to empowering young people through innovative skills development, digital literacy, technical training, and entrepreneurial support. Her work extends beyond institutional leadership. As the Founder and Chief Optimism Officer of Life Changing Lerato™ Services, and the author of the recently published book “Rising Above Circumstances,” Phelane combines executive coaching, emotional intelligence training, strategic consulting, and public speaking to support leaders and communities across Africa and beyond. 

Following the IFWY Final Conference, where 141 youth from 64 countries came together to craft the Global Youth Recommendations and the 2025 Eunpyeong Declaration, Phelane has continued to amplify the priorities of young people in international settings. At the UNCTAD session, she shared reflections drawn directly from the IFWY Final Conference held in Seoul, describing how youth from over 64 countries formulated collective policies across Environmental Sustainability, Economic Transformation, Social Justice and Equality, Technological Innovation and Ethical Considerations, Peace and Cooperation, and Collective Action and Solidarity. 

In her engagement with Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, Phelane emphasised the importance of revitalising multilateralism and addressing the real challenge of implementing global policies.  Phelane described the experience as more than a meeting; it was “an affirmation of our collective power to influence global change,” and a reminder that youth belong at decision-making tables.