OYW x QUB – The True Meaning of a Global Citizen

Welcome back to the second article of my journey as a student delegate in the One Young World Summit! A few ground rules to set before I start:

1. Throughout the Summit, there are speeches ongoing at the main hall, but also several workshops, Q&A and round table sessions going on simultaneously. Since it was physically impossible for me to participate and document every learning session, thus these articles would mainly be the key takeaways from my point of view and sessions I attended.

2. However, you can access the actual agenda here, and the recording of each of the sessions here. The point of this is I would like you to feel exactly like one of the delegates attending the Summit, and feel free to check out any topics of your interest!

Day 2: Humanity’s Common Mission - Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

To be honest, in the past, I am not too aware of SDGs myself, and often I wonder when everyone is working on areas they are passionate about is there a common goal that could unite us to make the world a better place? Is there a bigger picture for us to strive towards?

Thus, I really thought it’s the perfect decision to start off the Summit with a speech by the UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, Jayathma Wickramanayake where she reiterates the importance and pledge we should all make towards achieving the SDGs by 2030, as well as the amazing Lead2030 Initiative that OYW Partners have committed to. Here I urge any young leaders (under 30) who are working on ventures focussing on SDG solutions to apply for the opportunity to receive a total of $500,000 in funding as well as to enter a 12-month programme of executive mentorship by some of the world’s leading businesses.

Nevertheless, the key point is to be a global citizen, we should all be aware and be part of SDG solutions. Don't worry if you are like myself who know nothing about it before, check them out here to truly understand the direction and future we are (and should be) heading towards in the coming decade today!

 Stop Assuming, Start Acting, and Work Really Really Hard!

This pretty much summed up the inspiration and reflection I had after the first day.

Assuming and Blaming – The session by Bob Dudley, BP Global Group Chief Executive and Spencer Dale, the Chief Economist of BP was really insightful whereby when it is easy for us to just assume and blame certain parties to some of the global issues we are facing currently, it is also easy for us to neglect the bigger picture, and lose the ability to think and react critically.

The idea of a Dual Challenge that we are facing now – The need for more energy, and less carbon; and the concept of the Have's should not forget the Have not’s really made me realised how foolish it is if we only rely on common assumptions, but not looking into the broader circumstances people are facing within different countries and locations. The speech by Spencer Dale could be accessed here.

 A better world is not a place where everyone abides by the same standard, but a world where we can make the most out of things according to our individual culture, and differences.

Importance of Actions – The reason why all of the speeches given by world leaders throughout the day were powerful, in my opinion, is because they are based on their active commitment, experiences, and ACTIONS. Thus, I take home with me that day knowing that the world would not be better just by speeches or pledges, but with concrete actions taken by ourselves.

 On a side note, I had been able to join a workshop and round table session which I would write about them in detail in my following post. However, the key point is that thanks to the organisers of OYW, I not only had the opportunity to listen to advice from leaders around the world, I actually had the close up opportunity to discuss and network with some of the amazing young leaders (who are working in similar area as I am) during those sessions.

Lastly, to all young leaders out there who aspire to make a positive change to your local communities, I would like to share a quote by Dr. Jane Goodall with you:

"You are going to have to work really hard, take every advantage and opportunity you get, but do not give up!"

“Yes we can, and Yes we will!”

As a form of solidarity, I will end my future OYW articles with the call of support for one of our fellow OYW Ambassador Loujain Al Hathloul. Being in jail since May 15, 2018, where she is subjected to sexual harassment and torture, her only crime is to lead the fight for the emancipation of women in Saudi Arabia. #freeloujain