+SocialGood Gives Voices for Youth at a Critical Time
By +SocialGood Connector Neeshad Shafi
Young people have been at the heart of recent movements for change in the region. Whether it’s for human rights, call for democracy, women’s rights or climate action, they continue to influence the democratic and demographic transitions in their countries and their region, and to claim their voice be heard at the highest level.
Recent movements for change have underscored the fact that youth possess a unique ability to mobilize, voice their concerns and future aspirations, and empower themselves with relevant information and knowledge to ensure that they make relevant choices to lead meaningful lives that will benefit them, their society.
Recently +SocialGood, a UN Foundation-led community of change makers that connects young people to share ideas and advance solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (the SDGs are the world’s plan to create a fair future for people and the planet by 2030), selected 13 leaders dedicated to local change and global progress. +SocialGood is a global community of innovators, social entrepreneurs, and thought leaders united around a shared vision: That today’s connected generation can leverage technology and new media to help create a better world.
The community has 35 Connectors and Advisors bringing critical voices and perspectives from around the globe. These leaders use their local and regional influence to create global change.
At the core of the community are its Connectors fellows. Connectors are local leaders who bring diverse voices and perspectives from around the world to our shared efforts to reach the SDGs and solve global problems. They lead projects, events, and communications to advance SDG solutions. Over the next two years, the new class of +SocialGood Connectors will work to connect their movements and support broader global progress.
ASPIRATIONS OF YOUTH
The voices of the vivacious and engaged youth are emerging stronger than ever in their respective national contexts. “Today a youth perspective needs to be incorporated in the way forward so that youth perspective and aspirations will guide policy makers and societies in our countries,” says Neeshad Shafi the Executive Director, Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar in Qatar — one of the only +SocialGood Connectors from the Middle East & North Africa.
It’s becoming increasingly important to develop more platforms like +SocialGood that equip young people with the critical skills needed in a globalizing world. +SocialGood prepares youth connectors for the world and beyond by providing ways to enhance their leadership skills through a variety of approaches.
“I see the emerging political and socioeconomic environment in the Arab region as an opportunity for the youth; we have an outlet now to share and discuss our issues,” said Neeshad of Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar. “We also need to take responsibility to be the voice of the still voiceless youth in our region.”
TO CONNECT YOUTH, IDEAS, AND MOVEMENTS TO YOUTH AGENDA 2030
Today’s youth understand their realities and the steps that need to be taken to bring about meaningful progress better than anyone. They are willing and able to be considered as stakeholders in decisions influencing them from the community to ideas to policy level.
With each and every interaction that you make comes the added challenge of retaining these connections to build your network. While it’s easier nowadays to make contacts online, having face-to-face conversations are much more meaningful and can make a huge difference in securing those connections. That’s what exactly +SocialGood does, works to connect young people across geographic and sectoral borders with the work and mission of the United Nations, the Sustainable Development Goals and Youth Agenda 2030. Through online and offline conversations, the community works to contextualize global messaging and inspire local SDG solutions.
The youths of today are connected and determined to decide their future. Understanding them and giving them an opportunity or platform to share is the only logical way to help find solutions that will be facing the millions of youths who are bound to joining the growing movements across the world. Further young leader in this comprehensive program combining organizational visits, in-depth discussions, and group activities through the heart of New York City during UNGA week alongside cohort of 13 leaders from around the world connected with experts and others, not only forming global friendships, but also gives these young leaders a platform for self-improvement but a door to a life-changing experience.
