Welcome to One Young World from the Ambassador Community

Welcome from Isaac Olufadewa, OYW Coordinating Ambassador for West Africa

Hi, I'm Isaac!

I have a passion for Public Health/Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Technology/ICT use in Medicine. 

About 30% of Nigeria’s total population, estimated at about 180 million, are young people between the ages of 10 and 24 - many of whom are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs/HIV), unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortion and death due to lack of sexual health information and services. 

For over 8 years now, I have consistently worked on Adolescent Reproductive & Maternal Health Issues through volunteering with organisations and as the Founder of Slum and Rural Health Initiative (SRHIN), where we take healthcare to under-served African communities.

As a medical doctor, I have developed my skills in Reproductive Health advocacy, research and resource mobilization while devising innovative solutions to address the health challenges in suburban and rural communities across several states of Nigeria.

OYW: What does being a One Young World Ambassador mean to you?

IO: A One Young World Ambassador is an influential, impactful and inspiring young leader who is at the forefront of creating a better future. They are ethical leaders who see challenges or problems as opportunities, who think global but starts acting locally, and who believes strongly in the beauty of their dreams for a better and fairer world.

Being a One Young World Ambassador has been a transforming experience for me! The exposure to amazing projects around the globe being led by young forward-thinking leaders has strengthened my belief that 'impossible is nothing'. It has been a process of unlearning, learning and relearning how to be a better social innovator.

Networking with like-minded individuals has expanded the work that I do. For instance, meeting someone like Fatoumatta from the Gambia who gave me the insight of creating a curriculum for the comprehensive sexuality education program my organization (Slum and Rural Health Initiative) deliver in school has strengthened my work. I have been helped tremendously by the encouragement from fellow OYW Ambassadors.

What was the best part of your One Young World Summit?

The workshops are the real deal! I remember learning how to innovate for social good during the OYW Hague Summit in 2018 and the insightful lessons have stuck me.

Also, networking sessions during dinner was one of my favourite part of the Summit, especially during the Community dinner and tour.

Share your 'Top Tips' for making the most out of the Summit experience?

  • Depth is much more important than breadth. Making 10 close friends is better than having 100 acquaintances during the summit.
  • Tell more of your story is better than giving more of your business cards.
  • Networking starts even before the summit begins. Start networking with delegates now!
  • Reach out to your coordinating Ambassador ahead before the summit for connections with fellow delegates from your region
  • Participate in workshops
  • Try to network with people from outside your region

What is your key piece of advice to new One Young World Ambassadors to take home with them post-Summit?

Play an active part in the OYW community in their respective region. There is so much to gain from old OYW Ambassadors.

What's unique about being part of the One Young World Ambassador Community?

OYW community is part of the OYW experience - it is a group of supportive young people who are united by a common purpose - to create change in their community. Apart from the networking sessions, meetups and caucuses, what makes the community unique is the fact that it is a supportive government of young people by young people for all the people in your region!

Welcome from Svenja Wegfahrt, OYW Coordinating Ambassador for Germany

Svenja Wegfahrt

Hi, I'm Svenja!

I am a Senior Key Account Manager at CHANEL, responsible for the business development of retailers in the German fragrance and beauty market. 

I have always been extremely passionate about the topic of CSR, growing up in Third World countries like Kenya, Pakistan, the Philippines and South Africa, experiencing hunger and misery at a very young age. When I am not working, I find my escape in fly fishing. Being born in the Italian Alps, I had an early connection to nature and have a deep intrinsic motivation in preserving our precious environment.

As an employee of a big company, I want to show that you do not need to quit your job to make a difference. Companies have the resources and great leaders that can show the world how sustainable business models can have an impact. We all care, but how do we engage people outside of this, who did not experience OYW? Everyone can give a little of themselves, not just money, but time, network, skills, passion etc.

OYW: What does being a One Young World Ambassador mean to you?

SW: It's a great responsibility to be an OYW Ambassador - coming away from the Summit and acting on what you learnt is simply not an option. We have the duty to carry the messages we receive out into the world to embrace change, to shape a better future.

Being a One Young World Ambassador has enriched my daily life - it gives me purpose and leads to meaningful actions.

What was the best part of your One Young World Summit?

The amazing network of young leaders, who collectively want to make a change.

Share your 'Top Tips' for making the most out of the Summit experience?

  1. Connect with other people, not just the people you know.
  2. Come prepared! Read as much as possible about the speakers and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
  3. Go to as many side stage discussions as possible.
  4. Let your emotions flow...

What is your key piece of advice to new One Young World Ambassadors to take home with them post-Summit?

Go back and find a sponsor who supports your ideas and initiatives.

What's unique about being part of the One Young World Ambassador Community?

You feel connected to people who think like you and share the same values. It's one big family and there are no barriers when approaching new people.

You feel the real commitment in the community even after coming back from the Summit.

 

Meet your global team of Coordinating Ambassadors

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Svenja Wegfahrt