We were at the United Nations at Geneva (UNOG)!

On July 1, 2024, Tedi Africa was represented at the United Nations at Geneva (UNOG) as part of the decades long Graduate Study program (GSP), the longest-running educational program of the United Nations. Themed “Summit of the Future: Challenges and Opportunities,” the 2024 GSP convening in the word of our Executive Director, Matai Muon, was ‘exceptional’ with a focus on the real global issues including the question of global forced displacement especially the refugees. Among the topics covered during the event were the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Cooperation, Global Financing Mechanisms, Youth and Future Generation, Global Governance, Peace and Conflict Resolution to mention but a few.

The GSP topics were more than simple intellectual exercise. For us at Tedi Africa, they represented real world repercussions for locations where we work such as Nairobi’s satellite towns and refugee camps such as Kakuma. Topics like the use of Science and Technology, and leveraging the global Finance in fragile settings as encountered by our clients and beneficiaries in the Kakuma Refugee Camp emphasize the connection between the? global policies and local consequences. A case in point is our Kakuma work which constantly reminds us about the importance of sustainable development in the face of fragility and resources constraints. Refugees in the camp suffer continuous barriers to obtaining basic services and a stable long-term funding model which could improve their living conditions.

The proposal forwarded by Matai, calling for a dedicated multilateral development bank for refugees directly addresses this need (United Nations, 2024, pp. 128 & 138). In his call to action, addressed to the United Nations in New York, Matai thoughtfully stressed how a well-laid out global financial reform can build a more resilient support systems for vulnerable populations such as the refugees. More critically, the emphasis on Science, Technology and Digital Cooperation during the GSP indicated a deficit in the refugee settling like Kakuma.

At Tedi Africa, we believe that increased access to technology and digital resources can provide refugees with education, knowledge and skills giving them higher chance of self-reliance. This is aligned with the broader goals of innovation and digital cooperation stated at the GSP. Additionally, the emphasis on youth empowerment as a key issue at the GSP is particularly relieving given its overarching relevance in Kakuma where a big population is young. By providing innovative educational programs, vocational training and leadership development initiatives, we can positively change the lives of these young refugees allowing them to construct a better future despite their difficult circumstances.

Contributor:

Nguon Gai, Social Innovation Intern

Editorial Support:

Mamuch Bey , Team Lead, Kakuma

Matai Muon , Executive Director