“The beautiful dream of a world without war and poverty” President Van der Bellen, Ban Ki-moon, and Heinz Fischer in Krone Zeitung

September 12, 2022

 

On September 8th, the President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, visited the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens office in Vienna. The meeting was hosted by the Co-chairs of the Centre, the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations and the 11th President of Austria Heinz Fischer.

Following a brief introduction with the team and of the Centre, the three government leaders held a discussion on recent global affairs in private and then spoke with Krone Zeitung. You can read the full interview below in English or here Krone220911 in German.

“The beautiful dream of a world without war and poverty”

The former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and his predecessor Heinz Fischer met with the “Kronen Zeitung” for an in-depth conversation.

What they are wishing for was the final question posed to the former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and his predecessor

Heinz Fischer after a long joint conversation with the “Krone”.

A world where people listen to each other and their rights are respected, a world where no one is poor, where men and women have equal rights and where wars are forbidden.

Ban even dreams of global citizenship. Just like John Lennon in the year 1971 in his peace ballad “Imagine”:

Imagine there are no countries, no possessions, nothing to kill or die for…

Unfortunately, this is unrealistic, as Ban explains on the basis of his Korean home country. As a child, he was an internally displaced person, and the state of war between North and South Korea continues to this day, and the former Secretary-General does not see a reason for optimism at this point. A reunification is simply unrealistic. All summit meetings at the highest level have been unsuccessful.

The same applies to Taiwan, which considers itself an independent state but is seen by China as a renegade province. “One solution,” says Heinz Fischer, “is not in sight.” One could only hope for reason and that there is no reason for war.

Van der Bellen: “Dangerous developments”

The issue today, according to Alexander van der Bellen is that there are so many crises at once. The pandemic is not yet over. No one knows what winter will bring. The Russian war in Ukraine is driving up energy prices. This is a problem for the economy, as well as for individual people.

All of these are dangerous developments. 

“People are worried”, said the Federal President.

“And they have every reason to be.” Still, he tries to reassure.

The EU is reacting in a coordinated manner and holding talks with Russia in one unified voice: “This surprised Putin. He did not expect that.” Nevertheless, we shouldn’t foster any illusions: “The war will last for a while.”

Consequently, we shouldn’t only get away from fossil fuels for this reason. This should have happened decades ago.

Hence, we would not be dependent on Russian gas now.

Ban: “The role of politics is to give people a voice.”

“With regard to climate change, we were acting a bit like sleepwalkers,” explains van der Bellen. “We didn’t take it seriously for decades.”

Not only on this point do we need a “global vision”, says Ban. There is so much frustration in the world: “Yet, it’s the role of politics to give people hope.”

Fischer: “In the end, there are only losers.”

The lesson from history is that war does not solve problems, adds Fischer: “In the end, there are only losers. Even the winners are in truth, losers.” After all the deaths. And Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen concludes: “We all want peace.”  This brings us back to John Lennon’s beautiful dream.

COP27 is a Crucial Moment to Join Efforts in Advancing the Global Goal on Adaptation

September 9, 2022

An exchange between all-female global leaders called for an increase in cooperation between countries to upscale action in climate change adaptation. In the lead-up to the COP27 climate change conference, the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens (BKMC) in Austria hosted a hybrid high-level ministerial roundtable on climate adaptation under the patronage of the 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Dubai/Berlin/Cairo/Vienna 8 September 2022 – “As we move towards COP27 in Egypt and COP28 in the UAE, it is of utmost importance that the work on adaptation accelerates, especially in advancing on the Global Goal on Adaptation within the framework of the Glasgow-Sharm el-Sheikh Work Programme,” said Ban Ki-moon, Co-chair of the BKMC, as he welcomed high-level guests to the ministerial roundtable.

On the heels of the African Adaptation Summit in Rotterdam, Ban Ki-moon convened a hybrid roundtable event in Vienna, moderated by BKMC CEO Monika Froehler, on “Climate Adaptation: The Road Beyond COP26: COP27 & COP28” at the ministerial level with Leonore Gewessler, Austrian Federal Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology; Yasmine Fouad, Egypt’s Minister of Environment and host country representative of COP27; Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates – the COP28 host country, and Jennifer Morgan, German State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action.

“Our efforts towards adaptation must accelerate. COP27 this year will be decisive. Only in the past couple of months we experienced the most severe drought in East Africa for 40 years, devastating floods in Pakistan, and wildfires around the globe. These events further escalate global energy and food insecurity. We need to advance the Global Goal on Adaptation within the framework of the Sharm el-Sheikh Work Programme as a priority,” said Ban Ki-moon.

Agreeing with the importance of such an acceleration, Austrian Minister Leonore Gewessler gave examples of how Austria is contributing to international and national efforts in tackling climate change. She mentioned the importance of data collection to better manage climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, stating that “we have to bring the solutions we have already identified on paper to life.”

The 8th UN Secretary-General took the global community to task: “At COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009, developed countries committed to mobilizing 100 billion US dollars a year by 2020 in climate finance for developing countries. Despite their efforts, according to the OECD, only 83.3 billion US dollars were provided by 2020.”

The governments of Germany and Canada are co-leaders in the development of the progress report on the Climate Finance Delivery Plan, a report to be published before COP27 which will outline how this commitment can be met. German Climate Envoy Jennifer Morgan underlined that climate finance remains a core issue in the debate, where more transparency and better use and access to finance is much needed. This includes an equal share of financing between mitigation and adaptation.

“The focus on adaptation, finance, loss and damage is essential. Germany remains committed to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. This includes fulfilling the Glasgow commitment to double adaptation finance collectively by 2025,” stressed Jennifer Morgan.

UAE Minister Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri said she finds the Glasgow-Sharm el-Sheikh Work Programme promising. Looking ahead to COP28, she emphasized that the UAE is keen to continue accelerating climate adaptation efforts and exploring opportunities for effective global partnerships. She added: “One of our priorities is to enhance the adaptive capacities of the agricultural sector. We want to demonstrate how the UAE-USA joint initiative, the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate, advances food systems innovation and supports smallholder farmers.”

In a video message, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Egypt’s Minister of Environment and COP27 Ministerial Coordinator and Envoy, reaffirmed Egypt’s preparedness to host COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh on November 6-18th 2022. She noted that adaptation and climate were both top priorities for the Egyptian presidency, emphasizing that “now is the moment to stand up and keep progressing on the Global Goal on Adaptation. We must show the success stories that protect and keep our local communities climate resilient.”

Ban Ki-moon concluded the event by saying that “the upcoming COP27 in Egypt is an African COP. This presents an ideal opportunity to come together and ensure that adaptation is tackled comprehensively. It is a crucial topic to so many people in Africa, including the estimated 33 million African smallholder farmers.”

8th UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY BAN KI-MOON COMMENDS AUSTRIA’S LEADERSHIP FOR THE WORK ON THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS and CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION

September 9, 2022
During a mission trip to Vienna, Austria, Former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with Chancellor Nehammer and Minister Karoline Edtstadler and discussed the war on Ukraine, soaring energy prices, efforts towards climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Vienna, 7 September 2022 – “Austria is more visible in its work for the Sustainable Development Goals than ever. In times of increased stresses worldwide including the climate crisis, the ongoing pandemic, the war in the Ukraine and the energy and food crisis, the commitment to multilateralism and to international collaboration for the Global Goals is more important than ever” said H.E Ban Ki-moon, Former Secretary-General and Co-chair of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens (BKMC), who is currently in Vienna for bilateral meetings with high-level representatives of the Austrian government.

Ban Ki-moon met with Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer to discuss recent global affairs including climate change, the current inflation and energy crises around the world, the long-lasting impacts of the pandemic, and the Russian aggression on Ukraine. Mentioning his recent trip to Kyiv, Ukraine in August, Ban Ki-moon said “I visited Kyiv to emphasize that support for Ukraine comes from all over the world. I offered my support to President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine and reaffirm the centrality of Ukrainian sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its right to self-defense.” Also having visited Ukraine in April this year, Chancellor Nehammer called for the end of all combat action, aiming for a cease-fire – and voiced his concerns over the looming food security and energy issues. The Chancellor mentioned that energy independency is Austria’s priority. Ban Ki-moon commended the leadership of Austria stating, “Strong multilateral response and international cooperation and partnership are required to deal with these crises. I thank the Secretary-General for his commitment as Chair of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens for the excellent cooperation with the Federal Chancellery. Together we have implemented numerous projects to promote the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. The BKMC certainly takes a leading role in this area. I am pleased that Austria has risen to 5th place worldwide in the SDG implementation ranking this year. This positive development is an incentive for us to continue working closely together to further advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

 

During the bilateral meeting with Federal Minister for the EU and Constitution, Karoline Edtstadler Ban Ki-moon referred to the long-standing cooperation between the Chancellery and the BKMC emphasizing that, “It is highly encouraging to see Austria taking a leading role for the SDGs and supporting dialogue between civil society, academia, and decision-makers with its annual SDG Dialogforum.” Over the course of the last three years the Austrian Chancellery and the BKMC have worked very closely on advancing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Austria, and through various activities have elevated to Austria in the ranks from 9th to 5th on the SDG implementation ranking score of Bertelsmann Stiftung.  Especially in the light of major global challenges such as the Ukraine crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, Ban Ki-moon mentioned that the comprehensive and interlinked goals of the 2030 Agenda are becoming increasingly important. He said, “I look forward to the concrete suggestions deriving from the second SDG Dialogue Forum on 7th October involving four Austrian Ministers and many representatives from Civil Society, as well as youth. Austria´s work on the SDGs is hopefully inspiring for other nations around the world”.

CEO Froehler mission trip to New York for the HLPF 2022

July 16, 2022

BKMC CEO Monika Froehler mission travel to New York for the UN High-Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development July 2022

During 11-15 July 2022, the BKMC delegation co-organized the HLPF High-Level Side Event on “Linking SDG 16 and SDG 5 in a time of crisis – Women in Peacebuilding and Justice”, held meetings with government leaders, board members, programmatic partners, and paid visits to philanthropic organizations in New York.

Check out the photos from the HLPF Side Event on Flickr.

CEO Monika Froehler kicked off the mission travel by meeting with H.E. Ambassador of Austria to the UN in New York Alexander Marschik. With BKMC US Foundation Strategic Engagement Director Kate Landon, they discussed the HLPF side event on linking SDG 16 and SDG 5, Austria‘s UN activities, and developments of the BKMC US Foundation.

Ambassador Marschik and BKMC CEO Froehler

At midday, CEO Froehler and Global Citizen Vice President Nikola Ivejaz touched base on the Elevating Agricultural Adaptation program. The BKMC delegation was delighted to pay a visit to Philanthropic New York at Ford Foundation, the largest professional funders network in New York, and speak about the work of the BKMC. 

CEO Froehler started the third day by meeting with Executive Director of the Center for Sustainable development at Columbia University Yanis Ben Amor and Director of Education and Mission 4.7. Partner Radhika Iyengar to discuss plans for the upcoming Transforming Education Summit. At Columbia University’s Business School Campus, the delegation was given a tour through their premises for the run-up of the BKMC US Foundation launch.

CEO Froehler and Director of Centre for Sustainable Development at Columbia University Radhika Iyengar

In the afternoon, CEO Froehler met UN Foundation Senior Vice President and BKMC Board Member Sofia Borges and highlighted the BKMC’s youth and women empowerment programs. CEO Froehler ended the day by attending a dinner with the Austria delegation for the HLPF.

CEO Froehler and Board Member Sofia Borges

On July 14, Austria, Jordan and Italy co-hosted the HLPF side event on SDG5 and SDG 16. The Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens had the great pleasure to organize this event in partnership with UN Women and SDG Watch Europe. This event featured several stellar speakers: H.E. Karoline Edtstadler, Austrian Federal Minister for EU and Constitution, H.E. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN-Women, H.E. Fabio Cassese, Director-General of Development Cooperation, MFA Italy, H.E. Ms. Adela Raz, Director of the Afghanistan Policy Lab at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, Maria Victoria “Mavic” Cabrera Balleza, CEO of the Global Network for Women Peacebuilder, and Brittany Roser, UN Advocacy Advisor, PAX for Peace.

 “I started my career as a young female professional, as a criminal judge, and “Women & Justice” is by virtue a matter very close to my heart.” – H.E. Karoline Edstadler

H.E. Karoline Edstadler gives her statement of central concern at the HLPF Side Event on SDG 5 and SDG 16

“Don’t forget the women in Afghanistan and don’t think we will accept the status quo, because this status-quo is not the norm for us.” – H.E. Adela Raz

H.E. Adela Raz at the panel discussion of the HLPF Side Event on SDG 5 and SDG 16

“Women must be at the center of everything we do.” – H.E. Sima Bahous

H.E. Sima Bahous at the stage of the HLPF Side Event
 

Monika Froehler, CEO BKMC, moderated the panel discussion, which focused on the situation of women in conflict situations in Afghanistan and Ukraine as well as environmental peacebuilding.

CEO Monika Froehler moderating the HLPF Side Event

The HLPF Side Event was viewed over 1.800 times from around the globe on the BKMC’s Youtube Livestream and managed to, once more, draw attention to the importance of empowering women in every aspect. Read our event summary here. 

On the last day, of the BKMC’s mission travel, CEO Froehler linked up with the Ambassador of Zambia to the UN in New York, Dr. Chola Milambo, to discuss the BKMC´s Program on Elevating Agricultural Adaptation, and how to work more closely with smallholder farmers in Zambia.

H.E. Dr. Chola Milambo and CEO Froehler at the BKMC US Foundation

A productive exchange on future collaboration with Director Dr. Khan from the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre took place at the United Nations Head Quarters in New York.

July 15 is World Youth Skills Day, and BKMC Program Officer Kathrin Ebner and Communications Associate Katharina Choe met with Women Empowerment Program Fellow Rosario Garavito, and had the opportunity to learn more about her SDG Micro-Project.

HLPF 2022 High-Level Side Event “Linking SDG 16 & SDG 5 in a time of crisis – Women in Peacebuilding & Justice”

July 4, 2022

The Republic of Austria and the Hashemite Kingdome of Jordan in cooperation with UN-Women, SDG Watch Europe, and the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens are pleased to invite you to the High-Level Political Forum 2022 High-Level Side Event “Linking SDG 16 and SDG 5 in a time of crisis – Women in Peacebuilding and Justice“ on Thursday, 14 July 2022 at 12.30 PM (EDT).

The event will convene a panel of high-level and senior officials from governments, international organizations, and civil society.

Peacebuilding and justice are the foundation for creating sustainable equitable development and a safe and secure environment in countries shaken by conflict. Peaceful, just, and inclusive societies are the basis for achieving all SDGs, and the 2030 Agenda recognizes that sustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security.

This side event seeks to explore in a multifaceted discussion how peacebuilding efforts including the concept of environmental peace building, strengthening the rule of law, equal participation, and stopping violence against women are essential components to the work on linking SDG 16 and SDG 5.

Register now

2. SDG Dialogforum – Aktuelle Chancen und Perspektive zur Umsetzung der Agenda 2030

July 4, 2022

6. October 2022, 9:00 – 13:00 CEST, Virtual Event

7. October 2022, 9:00 – 12:30 CEST, Livestream from MQ Libelle

Against the backdrop of current crises and global challenges, the interlinked 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda are becoming increasingly important. The Republic of Austria, SDG Watch Austria, and Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens are inviting you to the 2. SDG Dialogforum to discuss priorities for the implementation of the Agenda 2030 with experts and the participation of ministers in Austria. 

Please note that this event will be held in GERMAN.

6. Oktober 2022, 9:00 – 13:00 Uhr, Virtuelle Veranstaltung

7. Oktober 2022, 9:00 – 12:30 Uhr, Livestream aus der MQ Libelle

Die Bundesverwaltung, SDG Watch Austria und das Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens laden im Herbst 2022 zum zweiten Mal zum jährlichen SDG Dialogforum ein, um die Agenda 2030 und die 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ins Zentrum zu rücken.

Im Zuge des zweiten SDG Dialogforums werden daher Prioritäten für die Umsetzung der Agenda 2030 mit Expertinnen und Experten vertieft und unter Beteiligung von Ministerinnen und Ministern diskutiert werden. 

Donnerstag, 6.10.2022

Am ersten Veranstaltungstag diskutieren Expert:innen aus Verwaltung, Zivilgesellschaft, Wissenschaft und Wirtschaft in vier öffentlichen Online-Diskussionsrunden („Innovationspools“) zu den folgenden Themen:

  • Wie viel Energie braucht Österreich? Wege zu einer sozial- und naturverträglichen Energiewende

  • Skills für das 21. Jahrhundert

  • Gleiche Chancen, Wohlergehen und soziale Inklusion von Kindern und Jugendlichen

  • Österreichs Entwicklungspolitik: Auf multiple Krisen reagieren und Resilienz fördern

Freitag, 7.10.2022

Am 7. Oktober 2022 vertiefen Frau Bundesministerin Edtstadler, Frau Bundesministerin Gewessler, Herr Bundesminister Rauch, und Generaldirektor der UNIDO Gerd Müller in einer live aus Wien übertragenen Podiumsdiskussion die Ergebnisse der Innovationspools. Moderiert von Corinna Milborn diskutieren sie gemeinsam über Lösungsansätze, Umsetzungspartnerschaften sowie aktuell nötige Schritte Österreichs zur Erreichung der 17 Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung. Die Ergebnisse des 2. SDG Dialogforums werden in die Umsetzung der Agenda 2030 in und durch Österreich einfließen.

Wir danken Ihnen schon jetzt, dass Sie sich diese Veranstaltung vormerken und freuen uns, Sie im Oktober beim 2. SDG Dialogforum Österreich begrüßen zu dürfen! 

Zum Livestream: 

Zum Download:

8th UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY BAN KI-MOON COMMENDS UAE’S LEADERSHIP FOR CLIMATE ACTION AND CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION LEADING UP TO COP28

March 7, 2022
Ahead of COP27 and COP28, during a mission trip, Ban Ki-moon congratulates the government of the United Arab Emirates on their climate action efforts and calls for an increase in climate adaptation finance. (Read on Yahoo Finance) 

Vienna/Seoul/Dubai, 2 March 2022, – Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commended the leadership of UAE on climate action and sustainability and underlined the importance of ever-stronger global cooperation for COP27 in 2022 in Egypt and COP28 hosted by UAE in 2023 with bold net-zero targets by 2050. Former SG Ban put an emphasis on agricultural adaptation for climate change during consultations with H.E. Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Special Envoy for Climate and Minister of Trade and Advanced Industry, and H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

Addressing H.E. Mariam Almheiri, Ban Ki-moon said; “It is promising to see the advances UAE has made and the ambition with which it will lead the COP28 in 2023. More than 40 countries have joined the UAE and the USA’s Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM4C) initiative launched at COP26 and 40 billion dollars have been pledged. I fully support the call for investing in agricultural research and innovation to accelerate adaptation in agriculture and commend the goal of doubling investment in climate-smart agriculture by the COP27.”

 

In return, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment shared her appreciation for Ban Ki-moon’s keynote speech broadcasted on February 23rd, at the Food for Future Summit at EXPO 2020 in Dubai. H.E. Almheiri also emphasized the importance of high-level cooperation and investment. The UAE has invested in renewable energy ventures with a total value of around US$16.8 billion across 70 countries.

Highlighting that the UAE was the first country in the MENA region to promise net-zero by 2050, at COP26, H.E. Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Special Envoy for Climate also pointed out that the UAE is the first country in the region to commit to an economy-wide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

   

UAE is playing a key role in the region and globally as a bridge-builder and trendsetter in cooperation with UNFCCC on adaptation, mitigation, and finance. UAE’s active engagement in sustainability and climate action also manifests in the continuing developments in Masdar City, the work of IRENA, and recently with EXPO 2020. SG Ban visited all these venues as well as the Global Green Growth Institute UAE office in his function as President and Chairman of the Board of GGGI.

“Only if we all work together a just and fair climate transition can become a reality.” SG Ban underlined. Declaring the meetings a success, and calling for further collaboration, Ban Ki-moon mentioned that it’s hopeful to see the UAE continue the momentum by hosting the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2023.

The Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens looks forward to working closely with the United Arab Emirates government for its Elevating Agricultural Adaptation program which calls for financial and political commitments to tackle agricultural adaptation and build the resilience of smallholder farmers in the Global South.

Ban Ki-moon in “The ASEAN” on multilateralism

February 21, 2022

Ban Ki-moon Centre Co-chair Ban Ki-moon reflects in “The ASEAN”‘s December/ January Edition on his 10-year tenure as chief diplomat of the United Nations, the role of multilateralism to solve global challenges, and why youth-driven responses give him hope for the future of our planet and its people. 

   

Read the full English version below.

Access the full magazine HERE.

 

GEEF 2022 “Remember our Common Future”

February 14, 2022

Under the theme “Remember our Common Future”, the Global Engagement and Empowerment Forum on Sustainable Development (GEEF) reviewed the Past, Present and Future of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and discussed the role of international cooperation in the post-Covid-19 era.

On February 10-11, 2022, the Ban Ki-moon Centre co-hosted the 4th GEEF in cooperation with Yonsei University, the Institute for Global Engagement & Empowerment (IGEE), and the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future. The GEEF is an annual international event where global leaders and experts, including the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations and Co-chair of the BKMC Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Deputy Secretary General Amina J. Mohammed, First Woman Prime Minister of Norway Gro Harlem Brundtland and more convene to collaborate towards accomplishing the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Ban Ki-moon Centre hosted a Featured and Scientific Session  “Global Citizenship for a Sustainable Tomorrow – from Policy to Action”, moderated by COO Katrin Harvey and Program Officer Julia Zimmerman and featured opening remarks by Co-chairs Ban Ki-moon and Heinz Fischer. It focused on best practice examples of GCED policy and spotlighted youth-led global citizen action for the SDGs.

“In a world of ever-increasing global challenges, education provides an essential pathway to solutions by illuminating minds & inciting actions.” – Co-chair Ban Ki-moon

 

Keynote speeches were delivered by Niki Kerameus, Minister of Education and Religious Affairs for Greece and Vibeke Jensen, the Director of the Division for Peace and Sustainable Development at UNESCO highlighting what both Greece and UNESCO are doing to support policy for GCED and Target 4.7.

“We have moved from the focus of transferring knowledge to a parallel focus on the cultivation of skills, such as empathy & problem-solving.” – Minister for Education Niki Kerameus

   

Other high-level speakers shared their insights on policy for Target 4.7 and GCED during the first half of the session, including Ramu Damodaran, First Chief of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and Sam Loni, Program Director, Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and Director, Global Schools.

 

“We plant a tree under whose shade we will never sit – that is what global citizenship and citizenry is all about.” – First Chief Ramu Damodaran

After the high-level segment, a youth panel discussion took place, featuring three outstanding young changemakers from the BKMC’s own leadership and empowerment programs:

  • Gillian Ndlovu, Ban Ki-moon Centre, Global Citizen Scholar 2021 (Zimbabwe)
  • Rosario Diaz Garavito, Ban Ki-moon Centre, Global Citizen Fellow 2021 (Peru)
  • Shireen Shehzad Bhamani Ban Ki-moon Centre, Global Citizen Mentee 2021 (Pakistan)
 

The youth panelists shared the impact their SDG Micro-Project had on their communities and how they have taken action as global citizens, offering inspiring words of advice to others to act for the SDGs.

We thank all partners and participants for their engagement in the GEEF 2022!

Watch the GEEF2022:

How Can Investing in Youth Leaders Combat Record Unemployment in Nigeria?

January 15, 2022

Guest Blog

By Joe McCarthy

Nigeria has struggled with an unemployment crisis for several years.

In 2021, unemployment in the country affected a third of the working-age population, with more than half of the people between the ages of 15 and 24 without work. For people in the next age bracket, 25 to 34, the unemployment rate reached 37.2%.

But Oyindamola Adegboye, grants and special projects coordinator at the youth empowerment organization LEAP Africa, recognizes the boundless potential of the country’s youth if resources, funding, and leadership opportunities are made available to them.  

As part of Global Citizen’s partnership with the Ban Ki-moon Centre, Oyindamola recently spoke to Global Citizen about the state of youth unemployment in Nigeria, and how there is a leadership gap that threatends to exclude young people from the job market.  Read our new content piece with Global Citizen HERE and find out why funding farmers is key to ending unemployment, poverty and hunger around the world.

You can Take Action Now and Speak Up for Farmers on the Frontline of the Climate Crisis! Leave a personal message and tell your leader why smallholder farmers need our help.