The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has appointed Biniam Girmay, a 25-year-old cycling champion and Eritrean pioneer, as its new National Goodwill Ambassador.

In this role, Girmay will advocate for climate action, youth empowerment, and the transformative power of sports in promoting national, regional, and global development. Girmay, a professional cyclist currently with the Belgian team Intermarché Wanty, has gained international recognition for his achievements in major competitions, including the Tour de France. In 2024, he made history as the first Black African to win a Tour de France stage, securing two additional stage victories and winning the green jersey as the points classification winner.

His previous triumph in 2022, winning the tenth stage of the Giro d'Italia, marked another historic milestone: the first Black African to win a stage in a Grand Tour. His continued success in European and African races has elevated Eritrea's profile in professional cycling.

The nomination was celebrated during a ceremony in Hakose, in the presence of H.E. Ambassador Zemede Tekle, Commissioner for Culture and Sports; the Minister of Environment and Agriculture; UN agency heads and other distinguished guests.

In Eritrea, youth are engaged in innovative, community-led climate initiatives supported by UNDP. The Water and Agriculture Climate Adaptation Program in the Anseba region encourages local communities, including youth, to develop resilience against climate shocks.

Through nature-based solutions like hillside terracing, reforestation, and dam construction, young people are actively restoring degraded landscapes and securing water sources for agriculture.

"Youth in Eritrea, like many across Africa, are making a significant contribution to the global climate action agenda by creating inclusive and climate-resilient solutions," said Biniam Girmay. "We must do everything possible to limit climate change impacts, strengthen community resilience, and ensure youth are at the forefront of climate adaptability."

Eritrea's participation in the Great Green Wall Initiative further highlights youth engagement in climate resilience. This regional partnership, spanning 11 countries including Eritrea, aims to combat desertification and promote sustainable land use. It emphasizes creating green jobs and empowering youth as key actors and beneficiaries.

"Biniam embodies the spirit of African youth," stated Pa Lamin Beyai, UNDP Resident Representative. "His influence will be crucial in promoting the UNDP mission, particularly in mobilizing youth and promoting environmental sustainability. We are honored to have him on this journey."

This appointment reflects UNDP's commitment to engaging youth as co-creators of sustainable development solutions. Girmay joins a growing network of African Goodwill Ambassadors, including Nigerian musicians Patoranking (Ambassador for Africa) and Yemi Alade (Global Goodwill Ambassador), who collaborate with UNDP to promote inclusive and sustainable development across the continent and globally. H.E. Ambassador Zemede Tekle, Commissioner for Culture and Sports, declared: "I am deeply honored to see our professional athlete Biniam Girmay rightfully appointed as UNDP Eritrea Goodwill Ambassador, an inspiring achievement for Eritrean youth, African youth, and the global sports community".