Reflecting on My Role at International Youth Conference, Climate Week NYC, and the Shot@Life Fall Summit
In the realm of global advocacy, few moments are as impactful as the opportunity to speak for those who often go unheard. As the Global Goals Ambassador for the United Nations Association of the United States (UNA-USA), representing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1 — No Poverty, I had the profound honor of addressing audiences on global platforms, including the International Youth Conference (IYC) and the Shot@Life Fall Summit, and having attended Climate Week NYC. These events brought together leaders, changemakers, and advocates to discuss and address some of the most pressing challenges humanity faces, such as poverty, climate change, and public health. Through these experiences, I witnessed the power of collaboration, learned from other global leaders, and amplified the voices of marginalized communities, particularly children in conflict zones.
International Youth Conference (IYC)
From September 26 to 29, in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly and Summit of the Future, I had the privilege of serving as a speaker and panelist at the International Youth Conference. My session, “Perspectives from Youth in High-level Spaces,” moderated by Andrea Cuéllar Medina, was an incredible opportunity to share insights on poverty as a fundamental human rights issue. This theme resonates deeply with me as I know firsthand the struggles faced by marginalized communities. Having fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at a young age as a refugee, I have carried the weight of these experiences throughout my life and work. Now, residing in the United States, I am committed to championing causes that seek to end extreme poverty for millions of individuals globally.
As I addressed the panel, I underscored that poverty is not merely an economic issue—it is a direct violation of human rights. Every child deserves access to basic needs such as food, clean water, healthcare, and education, yet millions in conflict-affected regions such as Eastern Congo are deprived of these fundamental necessities. The panel was a collaborative space where I had the honor of learning alongside fellow speakers such as Rory Mondshein, and Maria Udalova, two inspiring leaders who continue to drive important global conversations. Together, we explored how today’s youth can play a pivotal role in shaping more inclusive, equitable systems for future generations.
One of the most memorable moments for me was honoring the legacy of Luc Nkulula, a renowned human rights activist from the DRC. Luc was a member of L.U.C.H.A (Lutte Pour Le Changement), a movement that was the recipient of the 2016 Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award, due to their fervent advocacy for peaceful protests and government accountability in the Congo. Tragically, Luc was killed on June 10th, 2018, due to his fearless activism. However, his spirit and mission continue to inspire me. During the conference, I shared Luc’s story to emphasize the importance of youth engagement in human rights advocacy. He fought for access to clean water, education, and freedom of speech—rights that are still denied to many in places of conflict. As a Global Goals Ambassador for SDG 1, I am driven by the need to continue Luc’s legacy, advocating for the world’s most vulnerable populations and ensuring that future generations are empowered to lead the fight against injustice.
Climate Week NYC
In tandem with the International Youth Conference, I also attended Climate Week NYC, which ran from September 22 to 29. This week-long series of discussions centered on climate justice, social justice, and environmental sustainability, with particular attention to how these issues intersect with economic inequality. One key takeaway from the event was that the fight against climate change is inextricably linked to the fight against poverty. Environmental degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities—particularly those living in regions like the Congo, where access to clean water and sustainable agriculture is increasingly threatened by environmental changes.
During the conference, several groundbreaking initiatives were discussed. One that particularly stood out to me was Egypt’s development of a 2000-kilometer high-speed rail system, which will connect 60 cities, provide public transportation access to 90% of the Egyptian population, and create 40,000 jobs. This project not only highlights the importance of infrastructure in addressing economic inequality, but also underscores how sustainable development efforts can simultaneously tackle poverty and climate resilience. By providing access to jobs and transportation, this initiative sets an example of how countries can align their economic and environmental goals.
The convergence of financial, indigenous, and political leadership highlighted the importance of collaborative solutions for climate justice. Amalgamated Bank showcased ways financial institutions can champion economic and social equity by supporting labor rights and funding climate initiatives in marginalized communities. This message resonated with Sonia Guajajara, Brazil’s Minister of Indigenous Peoples, who underscored the vital role of indigenous knowledge in environmental stewardship. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern echoed this sentiment, calling for global cooperation and actionable leadership to address climate challenges. Together, these leaders exemplified the transformative power of diverse partnerships in forging a just and sustainable future.
I was also inspired by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ongoing initiatives for lead pipe removal. Under the leadership of Administrator Michael Regan, the EPA’s comprehensive approach aims to eliminate lead service lines within a decade. This initiative is particularly crucial for low-income, Black, and Brown communities that are disproportionately affected by contaminated water and its associated health crises. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and the EPA’s efforts exemplify how public-private partnerships can facilitate systemic change for the most vulnerable populations.
Shot@Life Fall Summit
The Shot@Life Fall Summit was another highlight of my journey during this period. As a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I have seen firsthand the devastation caused by conflict, famine, and extreme poverty. Shot@Life, an initiative of the United Nations Foundation, advocates for childhood immunization in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions, including the DRC, Ethiopia, Uganda, and South Sudan. This campaign focuses on ensuring that children in refugee communities have access to life-saving vaccines—something that, for many, is often out of reach due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
One of the most insightful sessions during the summit was led by Dr. Pedro Kremer, who presented Zipline’s revolutionary vaccine delivery system. Zipline utilizes drones to deliver vaccines to remote areas where traditional infrastructure, such as roads, is either nonexistent or impassable. The ability to transport vaccines quickly and efficiently via drones, even in adverse weather conditions, has been a game-changer in ensuring that vaccines reach mothers and children in need. In regions such as eastern Africa, where healthcare resources are scarce, this kind of innovation can mean the difference between life and death for countless children.
Another session that resonated deeply with me was “Innovating to End Polio: Mobile Payments for Health Workers,” presented by Anasthasie Tudieshe. This session conveyed the importance of providing health workers with secure and reliable wages, which allows them to continue their critical work of distributing vaccines in hard-to-reach areas. In regions experiencing extreme poverty and conflict, such as the Congo, health workers are often the last line of defense against preventable diseases like polio. The Gates Foundation’s work with mobile payment systems ensures that these workers can support their families while delivering life-saving services to the most vulnerable.
For me, the Shot@Life Fall Summit was a deeply personal experience. Having come from a country that continues to struggle with political instability and poverty, I comprehend the degree to which it is essential to invest in health and education for children. Every $5 raised through this campaign provides two critical vaccines for a child in need—vaccines that can protect them from diseases such as measles, polio, and pneumonia. The work being done through Shot@Life has the power to transform entire communities by giving children the chance to live healthy, productive lives.
Conclusion: One Step, One Conversation, One Act at a Time
As I reflect on these three incredible events, I am reminded that the work to end poverty, protect our environment, and ensure equitable access to healthcare is ongoing. These are not challenges that can be solved overnight, but with sustained commitment, collaboration, and innovation, we can make meaningful progress. The International Youth Conference, Climate Week NYC, and the Shot@Life Fall Summit each served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when individuals, organizations, and governments come together to address global issues.
As the Global Goals Ambassador for SDG 1, I am humbled by the opportunity to be a voice for those who are too often silenced by poverty, conflict, and inequality. The journey is far from over, but with each step, conversation, and act, we are moving closer to a world where every child can grow up free from the shackles of extreme poverty. Together, let us keep pushing forward, guided by the belief that a more just and equitable future is not only possible but necessary.
