In 2010, the United Nations called on everyday individuals to use their voice as a global citizen to tell world leaders what they think needs to be done to make the world a better and safer place through the Citizen Ambassadors video contest. Contestants were asked to use new media and social networking websites to engage a new global audience on the work of the United Nations. Six entries from around the world were selected, and the winners were flown to New York for a special tour of United Nations Headquarters. Youna Angevin-Castro caught up with one of the winners, Melbourne-based Connor Parker.

Why did you enter the Citizen Ambassador video contest in 2010?
I’ve always been interested in global issues and the work of the United Nations, and I felt that this would be a fantastic opportunity to learn more about, and participate within, the organisation. I also have a specific interest in the Millennium Development Goals and was keen to participate in a discussion about the future of the programme and do what I could to help make the targets become a reality.

Your video entry emphasised the need for people around the world to work in unity to eliminate global poverty. Do you believe that this will be achieved in your lifetime?

I think that we will see the end of poverty at some point in the future, whether this will happen in my lifetime is difficult to say. Globally,  we’ve made huge steps in assisting impoverished nations move toward sustainability through unity, and the Millennium Development Goals are a testament to that fact.

However, a big part of this unity lies with individuals around the world, not necessarily governments. Increasing the rate of change relies on the attitudes of ordinary people.

Democratic governments are built to serve their citizens and act on their interests, and if the majority of global citizens prioritise overseas development in their political agendas, governments will have no choice but to increase aid spending. The polling booth is one of your strongest tools when it comes to dictating a government’s action on poverty, and is a surefire way you can help create a global network of governments and individuals passionate about reducing global poverty.

Describe the experience of flying to New York and meeting with Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon?

I still can’t believe my luck sometimes, to be honest. Seeing the work of the United Nations first hand was a truly enlightening experience for me, and has only served to increase my desire to be part of a global network for change.

One of the most astounding parts of my experience was the dedication and diversity of people employed at the UN. People from all over the world were represented, and all of them shared a moving, fundamental belief in the mission of the organisation. Working with them was an honour and an opportunity that I will always appreciate.

Meeting the Secretary-General was almost surreal. Despite an entourage of assistants and security, Ban Ki-Moon himself was down-to-earth and real, a combination so unfortunately rare in many politicians. He took the time to speak to each of the six Ambassadors individually, sharing insights on development and global networking.

What I took away from the experience was, more than anything, a feeling of hope. It can be incredibly disheartening to hear the horrific statistics and realities about poverty, but knowing all those people are up in New York working overtime to help those most in need is inspiring.

What have you been doing since the contest results were announced?

Having graduated high school just over a year ago, I still feel a strong connection with the school system, so naturally I’ve been looking into using the education system to encourage positive attitudes towards development in Australian students. I’m looking at merging several local school groups into a larger, more effective force for change, and helping ignite passion about development in young people. I’m very excited about where this road could take me.

In your opinion, how important is it for young people to be involved in global issues?

I think young people are a critical and often-overlooked force for global change on both a short and long term level.

Statistically, younger generations have the fewest reservations dealing with social change and can be a valuable resource for discovering new solutions to old problems. Young people are also at a stage in their life in which they are most willing to expose themselves to learning processes. Encouraging globally empathic values in young people works toward creating a society in which the majority of citizens are able to affect positive change on global issues, whether through public, corporate or personal means. If young people understand their capacity for change, they open themselves up to a lifetime of positivity and an outlook which can change lives.

Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

I try to keep my options open for the future, but ideally I’d like to have a role to play in global development. Whether that be on a corporate, government or personal level I couldn’t say, but I’m determined to do my bit to make an impact on the world in the most positive way I can.

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About the author

Youna Angevin-Castro