Mahougnon Wilfried AKOTONOU
Champion of Peace, Ethics, and Human Rights from Benin
In our ongoing commitment to celebrate and present the global leadership shaping the Global Union of Changemakers (GUC), we proudly feature Mahougnon Wilfried AKOTONOU, an inspiring young leader from Benin who embodies integrity, service, and cross-cultural excellence.
Born on October 22, 1999, in Benin, Mahougnon Wilfried AKOTONOU has distinguished himself as a peace ambassador, transformational leader, and human rights advocate whose dedication continues to uplift youth and strengthen democratic values globally. A graduate in American Studies, Wilfried’s academic journey reflects his commitment to intercultural understanding and diplomacy qualities that make him an invaluable part of GUC’s leadership.
Within the Global Union of Changemakers, Wilfried serves with outstanding diligence in multiple high-impact capacities:
Conflict Resolutions and Ethics Chair, where he ensures that GUC remains guided by fairness, respect, and moral leadership.
Leader of Peace and Political Engagement Department, driving youth participation in governance and international peace dialogues.
General Secretary of the GUC Secret Council, helping coordinate strategic decisions that advance the organization’s integrity and accountability.
Translator (English–French) for GUC Conferences, bridging linguistic gaps across continents to ensure seamless collaboration among members worldwide.
His leadership has significantly strengthened GUC’s reputation as an inclusive and ethical organization uniting changemakers from all backgrounds.
Wilfried’s professional record extends beyond borders. He is a certified transformational leader and a peace ambassador trained by RAMP-BENIN. His work with the AMEL Institute USA as an International Human Rights Leader Activist demonstrates his passion for defending human dignity and promoting justice worldwide.
As a Leader of the Aspire Leader Program, he has guided numerous young changemakers through mentorship, helping them develop leadership skills and civic consciousness. In his home country, Benin, Wilfried empowers communities through English language coaching, part-time teaching, and youth leadership training, all aimed at preparing the next generation of transformative leaders.
He also contributes to cultural diplomacy as a tour guide with the Africa Tourism Agency, connecting people through shared history and intercultural appreciation. Through Leading Change Africa and AMEL Institute’s Middle East & Africa Transformation Project, Wilfried continues to sharpen his global leadership expertise and expand his reach in humanitarian and governance initiatives.
We Quoted Him > “My vision is to empower young changemakers globally by promoting human rights, democratic governance, and international peace cultivating a generation of responsible and impactful leaders.”
As a passionate peace ambassador and advocate for human rights, Wilfried stands as a voice for inclusion and responsible leadership. His message resonates deeply with GUC’s global mission: to build a world where youth lead through empathy, innovation, and ethics.
He remains devoted to supporting GUC’s work in fostering cross-cultural collaboration, mentoring youth, and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Wilfried has consistently ensured that Benin is actively and meaningfully represented in all GUC activities. His engagement symbolizes national pride and serves as an example to other changemakers across Africa. Through his service, he has demonstrated that leadership is not about position, it is about purpose, consistency, and character.
At GUC, we are proud to spotlight Mahougnon Wilfried AKOTONOU as one of our founding members and ethical leaders shaping the organization’s values of unity, integrity, and global cooperation. His story exemplifies what GUC stands for, a network of passionate leaders transforming challenges into opportunities for peace, equality, and sustainable development.
We celebrate Wilfried’s exceptional service and his continued dedication to making the Global Union of Changemakers a beacon of hope and leadership across nations.
Explore his leadership journey and follow our upcoming spotlights as we continue to present the remarkable individuals building GUC’s global legacy.