ecoRenaissance
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
One Young World
The inaugural One Young World summit is the greatest initiative I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. I am still in London, after spending three days discussing and learning about the most pressing issues of our world (environmental degradation, the media, interfaith dialogue, international business, political leadership, global healthcare, dignity, and numerous others) WITH my fellow young leaders of today.
Burt’s Bees generously sponsored my journey to this global gathering - a company that embodies CSR and deep commitment to public and environmental well being. Read all about the amazing company values here.
The focus was education and collaboration - the sharing of information among each other and intake of wisdom from our phenomenal counsellors, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan, Bob Geldof, Professor Mohammad Yunus, and so many more ground-breaking global leaders, even John Kerry and Wyclef via satellite. If that is not inspirational, motivating, and energizing, I do not know what could possibly be.
The connections I forged with young people from every corner of the globe were remarkable... Pakistan, Kenya, Haiti, South Africa, Botswana, Afghanistan, Jordan, Israel, Uruguay, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Malaysia, China, Japan, Canada, the UK, Austria, Russia, Denmark, Italy, Iceland, Australia, Nigeria, Philippines, South Korea, Zambia, Colombia, Mongolia -- and that's just off the top of my head! I got to share my story of environmental and social activism and Teens Turning Green with this truly fascinating and diverse group.
We are all now OYW Ambassadors, a powerful global network of change-makers that will last a lifetime. Knowing I have the support and dedication of like-minded young people around the world, I am confident to move forward and continue fighting for comprehensive global health that allows for a sustained planet and populace. Environmental and social justice are key to this end goal - and it begins with personal responsibility, taking small scale actions that then multiply, AND demanding corporate and government response.
I am proud to say we passed all of the proposed resolutions, plus two additional ones created during the summit. As Kate, co-founder of OYW with David, said, “this is only the beginning.” It now lies in our hands to bring each of these theories to life and be the change we wish to see in the world. And I have already begun a proposal for a fantastic education exchange program with two of my closest friends, Kwadwo from South Africa and Chris from Australia... I will keep you posted on that as it develops!
Below are some photos of the conference... more pictures and a video from the BBC Plenary coming soon!
All of the Burt’s Bees Delegates with OYW co-founders Kate Robertson and David Jones at the closing ceremony
A group of us during one of the plenary sessions. Greetings from South Korea, the US, Jordan, Canada, Tanzania, Peru...
The flags of all the countries represented on top of the boat out on the (freezing cold) Thames.
Walking into Opening Ceremonies at Old Billingsgate.
Archbishop (and my personal hero) Desmond Tutu empowering each and every one of us. I don’t think there is a bigger heart in the world.
Sir (!) Bob Geldof laying out the responsibility’s of our generation. A serious call to action!
Junya, delegate from Japan, showing how Burt’s Bees is walking their talk: Prius transport to and from lunch!
Chris, delegate from Australia, and Kwadwo, delegate from South Africa (also known as the other two muskateers alongside me) goofing around at the Excel Center.
All of the delegates paying close attention to the brilliant speakers - both our peers and counsellors!
Taking flip video (thanks Burt’s Bees for the amazing camera!) of my fellow delegates speaking.
Mmabatho Ameliah Mokabedi (delegate from Botswana) looking on as I write a word in my native language to share with the group. I chose “community.”