#2030NOW!

I always thought I would one day grow to be a diplomat and walk in the corridors that few have access to. It’s not the glitz or the glam that fascinate me the most but rather the immense power and ability to make real change that these people have. It may also have a lot to do with the frustration that our leaders are not really hearing my opinion and thousand other people views! I imagined this dream would come true when I got much older and hopefully much wiser! Isn’t it amazing how most leadership roles are made so difficult to attain and that age and gender are deemed the first qualification criteria’s? It is no surprise therefore to learn that less than 5% of the World’s parliamentarians are aged 35 years or less. -But with the power of technology and with the youth’s eagerness and persistence to have their voices heard by relevant government and policy makers to effectuate change, we have found ways to make leaders the world over stop and listen-this time for real-and this is made possible through the Social Good Summit!

The Social Good Summit is a two-day conference examining the impact of technology and new media on social good initiatives around the world. Held during the UN Week, the Social Good Summit unites a dynamic community of global leaders and grassroots activists to discuss solutions for the greatest challenges of our time. This year’s theme, #2030NOW, asks the question, “What type of world do I want to live in by the year 2030?” During the Social Good Summit, global citizens around the world unite to unlock the potential of technology to make the world a better place.

To state that the first day of the summit was truly extraordinary would be a gross understatement. The vibe in 92^nd Y Street NY was buzzing with activity from the get-go. With young leaders, bloggers, social entrepreneurs, and social good activist from around the world ready to contribute, connect and steer the conversation of how to address some of the world’s most critical and urgent problems and help re-write the World’s to-do list; we discussed a range of issues from global governance, Inequality issues, the role of the youth in conflict, climate change and poverty.

Being extremely passionate about women and girls issues especially, it was humbling, powerful and truly exciting to engage with other individuals who shared in this similar social issue. We are all in agreement that we need education systems that are safe and accessible to girls particularly in developing countries because it is not only the right thing to do but it is also the smart thing to do -to address gender inequalities, discrimination and equally importantly poverty! We must always remember that the absence of poverty contrary to popular belief is not wealth but rather is justice!

The day came to a nice conclusion with a performance by Alicia Keys –We are here! Ms. Key’s gave a compelling speech that invoked the obvious but often assumed question of why are we really here on earth and what is our purpose and obligation as a human being as part of her ‘We are here’ Campaign. Leaving the session today, I left with a lighter heart, knowing that I may not have solved all of the World’s problems but with the faith and belief that it can be done! Because we are having these awkward and rather difficult candid discussions now and because we are committed to working together! Here’s to a brighter future and an awesome World ahead!