British Council’s Post

On this Day, we salute the dreamers, the innovators, and the changemakers of tomorrow. Happy International Youth Day! #SJPP #InternationalYouthDay #YouthEmpowerment #YouthVoices #YouthForChange #GlobalYouth #YouthLeadership #YouthUnite #YouthMatters #YouthInnovation #YouthForPeace #EmpowerTheYouth #YouthInAction #YouthFuture #YouthDay2024

It’s easy to make a commitment, but far too often they, are just empty words. At the IFRC Governing Board, we’re not just discussing how to integrate young people into our #RedCross #RedCrescent governance, but actively implementing measures to institutionalize it. Today, a significant milestone was achieved at the board as we endorsed full and permanent youth representation across our 191 National Societies, ensuring more diverse Governing Board. This change will cascade down, impacting the diverse leadership of our 197,000 (!) local branches worldwide. The RCRC, as a genuinely community-based organization, operates from the grassroots level. It’s essential to promote diverse and representative leadership at all levels of management and governance to truly be there for ‘everyone, everywhere.’ We must listen to the diverse voices, perspectives, realities, and needs that shape our humanitarian efforts. Big shout out for the energy, and practical domestic experiences shared by my team in today’s session with the board. Excited to spend the next few days with them, pushing for real ways to institutionalise change of the many speeches and commitments we’ve heard for the last years. Silvia Milena Vera Maryna Marlène Miriana Michelle Frank Marcel Dr Amjad Mohamed Saleem #youngpeople #youthrights #diversity #inclusion #governance

#inspireinclusion I have been going back and forth on this theme observing what is being done to celebrate this day of 'International Woman's day'. I was wondering how 'inspire' will make a difference without addressing the interdependencies and to my relief, realized the UN Theme for IWD 2024 is #investinwomen : accelerate progress Here is the official website - https://lnkd.in/g5R-NNRw #inspireinclusion is a theme given by a marketing org. 'Investing and enabling Inclusion' is wanted and asked for, in myriad ways by different strata of society.   A school going kid both in rural and urban schools, would ask for the appreciation, kindness & love from the teachers. This small but powerful gesture would build little humans to be assertive adults. Recently a friends child (7 yrs) mentioned there is only 1 kind teacher and wished there were more. Catch them young.....invest with love, encouragement #investinwomen A new graduate from a rural background without access to ‘www’ seeks guidance on what does it take to crack an interview and know the nuances of getting into a corporate world. (There are organizations like 'Aspire for her' making an effort to enable such women through mentoring) #investinwomen  A new bride wishes to be treated with respect and dignity and not a substitute for a maid and a cook / a machine producing male heirs. I recently came across a news article where the bride was given an instruction checklist on ‘how to conceive a male child’ by her father-in-law. When will we remember and acknowledge our ‘mothers’. #investinwoment (Beti bachao, beti padao)   These are only a few examples from the urban and rural setups. We are still grappling with basics when it comes to providing safe spaces and acknowledging 'you matter' and providing a hand to nudge support & rise. We have umpteen everyday opportunities to make a difference and #Investinwomen’, to find 'her' voice, to enable and empower at the grassroots level. I start at home and my community...one step at a time. Where would you start.

Carla Babb, Warren Strobel, Julian E. Barnes, Michael Weiss, Suzanne Kianpour, Dr. Qudsia Huda, Hovig Etyemezian, Maria Ferrante, William Spindler, Kent Page, Laura Gagliardone, Altaf S. Musani, Bonnie Gretzner, World YMCA, Soheila Y. Hayek, Kathleen Elsig, David Stevenson, Neal Denton, Tom Valentine, YMCA of the USA (National Resource Office), Mission Impossible International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC is a great place to start. My mediation work for countries like Syria and Afghanistan represent a microcosm of over 130 failed, failing or fragile states representing humanitarian and security emergencies that are beyond the capabilities of governmental, UN, NGO and relief organizations. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency 100 Million Forcibly Displaced Populations provides a glimpse of the unmet needs landscape that requires solution oriented strategic planning and development. https://lnkd.in/etP9afpU Humanitarian Crisis in Syria "The international community awaits a response by the International Criminal Court, who has been provided eye witness reports and evidence, disseminated by the international media for close to one year. To abandon civilians without food, water, electricity or medical care has severely damaged the credibility of the United Nations as a representative body, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Law." -- Stephen M. Apatow, President, Humanitarian Resource Institute (UN:NGO:DESA), Member, International Bar Association War Crimes Committee, March 2012. 2009-2023: A UN, Civil Affairs (CIMIC) Failure of Holocaust Proportions: HRI: H-II OPSEC, 18 November 2017. Url: https://lnkd.in/etBiPjK Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan Who advocated for Village Stability Operations (2011) after Cut and Run (2014), trying to prevent extraction of Special Forces from the villages, abandoning leaders that entrusted their lives into the hands of allied forces (like the Montagnards in Vietnam), allowing the Taliban to take over control of 33 provinces, resulting in the full transition of control to the terrorist groups that helped plan and coordinate the 911 attacks (August 2021)? -- Special Forces Prayer - Village Stability Operations - One Tribe at a Time: HRI: H-II OPSEC NATO Collective Defense Crisis Discussion. https://lnkd.in/eGzrzQUW Stephen M. Apatow is CEO, Humanitarian Resource Institute: H-II OPSEC Expeditionary Operations, Anti-Terrorism Officer: Director, Global Special Operations Network, Member of the War Crimes Committee, International Bar Association, and an Ordained Licensed Ministry Chaplain. -- 33 Years of Interfaith Ministry - Chaplaincy Support - 13Lives Project - Lordship Community Church: HRI: H-II OPSEC, 29 June 2023. https://lnkd.in/ehVifNT3 #gotyoursix #bethechange #USSOCOM #natospecialforces #USASOC #USACAPOC #navalspecialwarfare #marinespecialoperations #ARSOF #USCGMSRT #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #CoastGuard

Belonging to an indigenous and marginalized community means opportunities are scarce, and securing a place or recognition is a constant struggle. Despite facing rejections from fellowships and networks I deeply wish to be a part of, due to my disadvantaged background, meeting Ananya K was a turning point. In our initial conversation, we connected over our shared understanding of the challenges faced by many young people like us and the frustration that accompanies it. In the summer of 2023, Ananya K and myself engaged in a lengthy conversation on the same subject. Encouraging one another, we ignited the belief that we could effect change, sparking the beginning of ideating and reflecting what we can do together. Through countless zoom meetings, we delved into the intricacies, challenges, pains, and fragile aspirations we held. It dawned on us that the spaces we struggled to access were never designed to include us, that we didn't conform to their standards. We learnt that the voices of youth reaching positions of power seldom emerged from the margins. It wasn't our fault; the system was inherently biased. Thus, the inception of White Dot Solidarity Network emerged—an aspiration to build a network, a space and a platform for learning, collaboration and advocacy. A space envisioned to be accessible, inclusive, and intersectional, nurturing compassion, affection, and care. We kept that dream close to our hearts. It only took flight only when Women's Regional Network decided to put its faith in us to work on our hopes and dreams for young people. Now, standing at the threshold of what appears to be a daunting, lengthy, yet thrilling voyage, we are wholeheartedly investing our passion and determination into it. So please show us some love and support? Follow our page and if you want to get involved, drop an email at [email protected] In the coming months, we will be raising funds, building our advisory board and membership. We need additional funds to get staff on board. So if you know interested funders or are a funder yourself, interested in our work, please connect? #Youth #leadership #inclusion #YPS #empowerment #peacebuilding #network #asia #asiapacific #community #funding #wps #movement #youngleaders #launch #getinvolved #ngo #socialsector

The theme of the 2024 UN ECOSOC Youth Forum aligns with that of the 2024 High-level Political Forum on “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions”. Ahead of the Summit of the Future to be held in September 2024, young people have the opportunity to present to Member States their views, ideas and vision. Yesterday, I was honored to join the United Nations Association - UK SDGs Global Ambassadors🇬🇧 in their virtual ECOSOC session revolving around, " The youth and SDGs. 💜In summary: “We need young people at the centre of our collective efforts. The SDGs underscore the importance of empowering all individuals, including youth, to ensure inclusion and participation in decision-making processes. Young people are not just beneficiaries of development agendas; they are active agents of change, catalysts for progress, and architects of peace and justice." Therefore, if countries are to succeed in achieving the SDGs, leaving no one behind along the way, governments must seek out an active and substantive engagement of young women and men from diverse backgrounds in national-level planning, implementation, and monitoring. The overall success of the SDGs depends on youth engagement because young people are: 1. Critical thinkers 2. Change makers 3. Innovators 4. Communicators 5. Leaders The former UN secretary General Mr.Ban Ki Moon once said ''No one knows better than them the issues at stake or the best way to respond. That is why I am calling on young people to speak out – and I am urging leaders to listen.” wise words indeed📌 #SDGs #LeadersofToday #EcosocYouthForum #SDGsAmbassadors #Advocacy #Diplomacy #UNYouthAffairs

National Anti-Racism Framework consultation now open

Will history remember you! Authentic leaders are the driving force behind transformative change. With their unwavering integrity, ability to inspire trust, and commitment to fostering inclusive environments, they create a powerful catalyst for progress. I have witnessed these remarkable qualities displayed by numerous established Aboriginal leaders and emerging leaders who have played pivotal roles in the Yes campaign. Despite facing direct and systemic racism, their dedication and resilience have been awe-inspiring. The Aboriginal referendum holds profound importance in recognizing the rights and dignity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It represents an ever-growing acknowledgement of the necessity to rectify historical injustices and promote reconciliation. It is a milestone that highlights the collective efforts toward a more equitable and inclusive society. On the 14th of October, I encourage non-Aboriginal Australians to actively participate in driving positive change. Let us seize this opportunity to stand in solidarity, demonstrating the power of collective action and progress. Together, we can contribute to a future that embraces equality, social justice, and the celebration of diverse cultures. #voteyes #AuthenticLeadership #AboriginalReferendum #PositiveChange #Inclusion #CollectiveAction Yes23

The biggest challenge is to channelise the energy of today’s youth. Make them understand & inculcate of dreaming big & at the same time working hard. Patience, perseverance & positivity as their enablers, they can achieve what was thought impossible at one point of time. Let’s motivate them, teach them about our glorious past & apprise them about what not was written in history, worth its while to know, which should make us prouder of our deserving predecessors. To make them understand, that’s it’s the process, it’s the grind, which makes you formidable in the times to come. So enjoy & trust the grind, the process as all of this would make you what you are capable of. Let’s make them aware that’s it’s the simple joys of life which are more precious & not the materialistic worldly affairs. To educate them that win & loss, succes & failures are nothing but two sides of the same coin. To build them in such a way that they understand that there are no absolute wins & absolute losses in entrepreneurial situations. More importantly, let’s infuse patriotism in them because this generation would be the future of our nation. Most importantly to give them sky to spread their wings, follow their passion, pursue their dreams. Dreams which are not only theirs but of their families, friends & well-wishers who dream & work hard for their success everyday. We as entrepreneurs are being entrusted a duty to induce winning habits of discipline & consistency in today’s youth which converts them in to leaders. #InternationalYouthDay #YouthDay #Godavaritech #YouthEmpowerment #FutureLeaders #YouthPower

🌍 Why Our Organization is Vital for Society 🌟 At Farq, we believe in the transformative power of youth engagement in global affairs. Here's why our organization is crucial in today's society: 1️⃣ Youth Empowerment: We provide platforms for young people to voice their ideas, contribute to critical discussions, and drive positive change on a global scale. Empowering youth is key to building a more inclusive and equitable society. 2️⃣ Global Awareness: By fostering awareness of international issues and cross-cultural understanding, we inspire empathy and cooperation across borders. Our work promotes global citizenship and solidarity. 3️⃣ Addressing Challenges: We tackle pressing global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and human rights violations through education, advocacy, and impactful initiatives. Together, we can create a better world for future generations. 4️⃣ Youth Leadership Development: Our organization cultivates leadership skills and civic engagement among young people, nurturing the next generation of changemakers and decision-makers. Join us in our mission to bridge the gap between youth and global affairs. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and shape a more interconnected and compassionate world. Follow [Organization Name] for updates and opportunities to get involved! #YouthEmpowerment #GlobalCitizenship #Changemakers #SocialImpact #GlobalAffairs