YAHs are an initiative of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Youth Network which was developed by the UNCTAD Youth Forum in Geneva in October 2018, with the principle ‘for youth, by youth’. Youth Action Hubs are a global initiative running in 40 countries and the members of these hubs believe that the power of the youth can be consolidated to work towards the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 of the United Nations. The aim is to create tangible change by implementing SDG-related projects.
I was recruited in the first round of entries in the Indian hub, as part of the International Projects team. I carried out and aided in several projects in my time in the hub from 2020-21.
To see my work as part of the COVID youth force of the hub, please visit COVID Volunteering – Nalin Jayaswal
- Zooming into the SDGs
On 26 September 2020, UNCTAD Youth Action Hubs of Three countries came together to host the Zooming with the SDGs event. We are glad to report that the event was a massive success. Our estimated target audience of 30 people was exceeded to reach and enlighten 50 people from around the world. The attendees were given a crash course into the Sustainable Development Goals by YAH India, they were exposed to the three sectors of sustainable development by our esteemed speakers and finally were given the opportunity to network internationally on the Five SDG pillars. We received insights and views from Three countries- Oman, Australia, and India about the status of sustainable development. All these insights from global citizens will be collated and turned into a report which will be sent to the UNCTAD Youth Network. This will help the organization be aware of the views of the people and thus work more efficiently.
I was the key representative from YAH India in organizing this event. This included handling guest experience from India, working on event planning with representatives from Oman and Australia, and managing the breakout rooms for inter-cultural discussion.
- The Sustainability Journal
The Sustainability Journal was conceptualized as a means to connect the different Youth Action Hubs from across the globe and to come together as one. In order to achieve our motto of ‘thinking globally, acting locally’, the podcast serves as a medium to learn more about various topics ranging from the different Sustainable Development Goals or the SDGs as we know them, bring in experts and scholars to give us an insight into different socio-economic scenarios across the globe and raise awareness about the different projects that the Youth Action Hubs are working on.
I was a key member of the podcast team and was involved in connecting with representatives from Oman and Brazil hubs to plan, outline and record episodes.
The now renamed podcast can be found here.
- Webinar on Indian Economy
Have you ever wondered what lies behind the curtains of this pandemic? How the delicately constructed system of the global economy will be affected? Where will we stand years down the line? Then you’ve come to the right place! Youth Action Hub – India, a global initiative launched by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Youth Network which advocates for social change, is hosting a webinar to address the impact of COVID-19 on the economy. A group of experienced panelists including economists, prominent CEOs and young economic enthusiasts will be there to deliberate upon these changes.
I was part of the team organizing this webinar and had a key role in preparing marketing for the same. I also was in charge of helping the chief speaker – Economist Mr. Laveesh Bhandari, prepare for his talk. I carried out communications between the concerned parties and helped create speaker notes.
- Recruitment
Due to my experience of One year with the young hub, I was given the responsibility of carrying out the recruitment cycle for the International Projects team. For the same, I created a marketing campaign, forms, and interview structures. Based on these, I shortlisted a list of potential candidates for the International Projects Team.
- School Champions Program
Are you interested in social advocacy targeted at the preservation of our environment, furthering an equitable economic world and achieving gender equality? If so, it is our distinct pleasure to invite you to fill the application to be a member of our new School Changemakers Program. Exclusively for school students that are passionate to drive local change, this program offers the opportunity for them to understand and synthesize the concept and connotations behind social advocacy.
I was engaged in resource management for this 1 month program. These resources were used by the program admins to teach the course principals to the changemakers. These papers, news articles and videos were collected after thorough research, maintaining a balance between giving insights and practical experience.
This also entailed maintaining an “opportunity desk” for the participants- a database of internships, courses and work experiences for their further enrichment.
