Welcome to One Young World from the Ambassador Community

Welcome from Svenja Wegfahrt, Coordinating Ambassador for Europe 1. 

Hi, I'm Svenja!

What does it mean to be a One Young World Ambassador? How has OYW enriched/scaled/improved your work?    

It's a great responsibility to be an OYW Ambassador. Returning from the Summit and not doing anything is not an option. We have the duty to carry the messages we received out into the World the embrace change, to make this world a better place. It has enriched my daily life, as it gives me purpose and leads to meaningful actions.

The best part about the Summit experience?    

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

Top tip(s) to make the most out of the Summit.

  • Connect with other people and not just the people you know.
  • Come prepared! Read as much as possible about the speakers and the SDG's.
  • Go to as many side stage discussions as possible.
  • Let your emotions flow. 

Once the Summit is over, what's your advice to new Ambassadors?    

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

Why is the community aspect of OYW so important? What differentiates it from other communities?    

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.

What's the best part about being a Coordinating Ambassador?

It gives me hope. I get to see so many great people and projects, that it gives me hope that our generation can save this World, if we want.

Welcome from Luciana Vilar, Coordinating Ambassador for Oceania.

Hi, I'm Luciana! 

What does it mean to be a One Young World Ambassador? How has OYW enriched/scaled/improved your work?    

You become part of a community that inspires you and makes you proud every day. 

The best part about the Summit experience?    

The overwhelming experience of being exposed to touching stories and amazing people.    

Top tip(s) to make the most out of the Summit.    

Prepare first: know your ‘why’ and what your goal is before arriving. Then engage with your community of home country prior to the summit so that during those intense days you can focus on meeting many new people. Prepare to not sleep a lot! Make the most out of the experience and enjoy the dinners and outings with newfound friends.     

Once the Summit is over, what's your advice to new Ambassadors?    

Stay connected with the community locally and drive something together to amplify the impact and strengthen the OYW brand at home. And make sure you earn a return ticket to the summit next year!

Why is the community aspect of OYW so important? What differentiates it from other communities?    

OYW is different because It's very global and that diversity ends up providing so many different viewpoints that you will grow out of your shell, deconstruct whatever social context you grew up in and reconstruct yourself as a better citizen of the world.

What's the best part about being a Coordinating Ambassador?    

Giving back to OYW and what it represents. Connecting incredible people and hosting events that are very impactful and make you feel more fulfilled in life. 

Welcome from Saida Ibrahimava, Coordinating Ambassador for Eastern Europe/Asia. 

Hi, I'm Saida!  

What does it mean to be a One Young World Ambassador? How has OYW enriched/scaled/improved your work?    

One Young World Ambassador is an outstanding passionate change-maker driven by the ideas of a better, sustainable world but committed to immediate action.

One Young World has opened for me a whole new world of brilliant young leaders from all possible countries and territories of the world. For me as an NGO leader, it created almost infinite opportunities for collaboration, joint actions, partnership and, as a result, bigger impact and scale of the activities and programs. For me personally, One Young World became a platform for inspiration, unity and hope for the future. "    

The best part about the Summit experience?    

The most precious thing about the Summits are the Delegate speakers as they share their touching, challenging, heartbreaking, brave and always important stories. These are the stories that stay with you forever, they impress you and they make you think; they urge us to action. This feeling takes hold every time you attend a Summit. 

Top tip(s) to make the most out of the Summit.    

  • To socialize with the community and delegates before you go to the Summit. This will help you to make a better strategy of your limited time at the event. You can check the Facebook group created for the delegates before the Summit to do your early networking plans. You can get familiar with other delegates from your country by attending the send-off event. There you can meet your Ambassador community that you will become a part of after the Summit is over, network and receive some good advice. In case you want to get familiar with the delegates from other countries, you can use the OYW search engine through your personal account on the OYW website.
  • While at the Summit, prepare for a very intense schedule, multiple stages with speeches and simultaneous activities. You would like to make yourself familiar with the program and plan your time accordingly, so you don't feel you have missed out important bits of information. 
  • Enjoy, be open-minded and absorb the awesomeness of what is going on around you. This is an amazing moment!

Once the Summit is over, what's your advice to new Ambassadors?    

If you didn't meet your OYW community and Coordinating Ambassador of your region during the send-off event, you should definitely try to meet them in person at the Summit. Your Coordinating Ambassador will introduce you to the events, activities and people in the community, giving you a possibility of more participation. This will open up many opportunities on how to be engaged in One Young World locally, regionally and globally.    

Why is the community aspect of OYW so important? What differentiates it from other communities?    

The OYW Community gives a sense of continuity to the One Young World mission long after the Summit is over. It creates life-long connections for individuals and sets up an actively participatory environment. It gives you an opportunity to highlight your work or your project, network and raise awareness. It's a place for initiatives and experiments in a well-organised manner. 

What's the best part about being a Coordinating Ambassador?

Being a Coordinating Ambassador is a challenging but very rewarding position. It allows you to build connections first between Ambassadors of one country, then connections between Ambassador communities of different countries and then to unite regions. Watching how earlier disconnected parts of a region can then learn to communicate and cooperate is truly joyful.                         

 

Welcome from Emmanuele Marie Parra, Coordinating Ambassador for Asia. 

Hi, I'm Emmanuele!.  

What does it mean to be a One Young World Ambassador? How has OYW enriched/scaled/improved your work?    

Being part of the One Young World means that you have a family in every corner of the world! It has added colours to my life, I was deeply inspired by the young changemakers I've met at the Summit and they fueled my passion to give back to the community by volunteering, and continue the fight against human trafficking in the Philippines. 

The best part about the Summit experience?

The best part of the Summit was the Opening Ceremony - it's the time where you'll first meet the Ambassadors from all around the world, be inspired from the amazing Counsellors, cheer for your country during the flag-raising, and you'll get a glimpse of the culture of the host country!    "Don't be shy - get out of your comfort zone and interact/collaborate with other Ambassadors. 

Top tip(s) to make the most out of the Summit.    

Believe in yourself. I had the "impostor syndrome" when I first attended OYW in Colombia because I was surrounded by amazing young leaders who have made a significant impact on their society. I asked myself "Why am I here? These people have done such amazing things, and I am just a regular volunteer - not even part of my regular job" But then I realized that Thomson Reuters, my corporation, chose me over a hundred applicants because they believed in me. They saw the impact of my volunteer works both inside and outside of our company, and that convinced me that I belong to be here.

Once the Summit is over, what's your advice to new Ambassadors?    

Arrive on time and get enough sleep - Every second at OYW Summit is very important. Better arrive on time and get enough sleep so you won't miss anything! 

Stay connected and raise the flag of OYW in your country - OYW offers a lot of opportunity after the Summit, so please don't lose connection to OYW and grab those opportunities.     

Why is the community aspect of OYW so important? What differentiates it from other communities?

One Young World is a family - they will be forever by your side to support you no matter what.          

What's the best part about being a Coordinating Ambassador?

The best part about being a Coordinating Ambassador is meeting people from 10 different countries in Southeast Asia. Learning their culture, language, and being able to connect Ambassadors who have the same advocacy.     

 

 

Welcome from Isaac Olufadewa, Coordinating Ambassador for West Africa. 

Hi, I'm Issac!.  

What does it mean to be a One Young World Ambassador? How has OYW enriched/scaled/improved your work?    

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 start by acting locally, and who believe strongly in the beauty of their dream 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 'nothing is impossible'. It has been a process of unlearning, learning and relearning on 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 Gambia, who gave me the insight into how to create a curriculum for a comprehensive sexual education program in my organization; the Slum and Rural Health Initiative, and how to deliver this in schools. Connections such as this have strengthened my work and I have been helped tremendously by the encouragement from fellow OYW Ambassadors.

The best part about the Summit experience?    

The workshops.  I remember learning how to innovate for social good during the OYW Hague Summit in 2018 and these insightful lessons have stuck with me since then. Also, networking sessions during ner was one of my favourite part of the Summit, especially during the Community dinner and tour.

Top tip(s) to make the most out of the Summit.    

  • 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. 

Once the Summit is over, what's your advice to new Ambassadors?    

  • Reach out to fellow Ambassadors and networks you have made within 2 weeks after the summit.
  • Play an active part in the OYW community in their respective region. There is so much to gain from old OYW Ambassadors.
  • Improve the work that you do in your local community using the knowledge that has been gained from the Summit. 

Why is the community aspect of OYW so important? What differentiates it from other communities?

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!

What's the best part about being a Coordinating Ambassador?    

Being a coordinating Ambassador has given me the opportunity to do what I love doing best which is connecting with fellow Ambassadors, networking with experts/policymakers in my region and building a unique community of young people who are committed to the progress of one another. 

 

Welcome From Erik Parigger, Coordinating Ambassador for the Netherlands. 

Hi, I'm Erick!  

What does it mean to be a One Young World Ambassador? How has OYW enriched/scaled/improved your work?

Although officially I am not a One Young World Ambassador, being directly associated with the network (as I worked for the HQ team for 3 years) opens many doors and facilitates new connections. OYW is becoming a household name in the area of youth inspiration and empowerment and whether people have attended or not, they are always keen to connect and work with (other) Ambassadors. 

The best part about the Summit experience?    

The international element. Being able to meet with people from countries you would otherwise never meet, and learning about different cultures and customs. The Delegate Speeches are always my favourite bit - as I am impressed to see what young people have achieved at such a young age.

Top tip(s) to make the most out of the Summit.    

  • Start your Summit days early. The Summit days are certainly long but you want to get the most out of them!
  • Drink lots of water (and pack some snacks). Stay hydrated and keep yourself going - this is a truly unique experience so make sure you are energised to take it all in.
  • Set targets before the Summit - what do you want to get out of this experience? Who do you want to meet, what do you want to discuss? Try to connect with fellow Delegates ahead of the Summit via Facebook and other means.
  • Attend some sessions that are outside of your usual interests and reserach. Maybe you will gain new insights. 
  • Bring business cards and take peoples names so you may connect with others via LinkedIn!
  • Don't plan on other meetings or other engagements during the Summit days which are not part of One Young World. This is truly a unique opportunity, and should you wish to see other parts of the city/country or meet with other people and organisations, you could do this outside of the Summit days to make the most of both.

Once the Summit is over, what's your advice to new Ambassadors?    

Connect with your Coordinating Ambassador (CA) as soon as possible. Whether you have a fully developed idea or are looking for new connections, the CA is there to assist you! In turn, they fully appreciate active participation and input from the community - they cannot do it alone!

Why is the community aspect of OYW so important? What differentiates it from other communities?    

The energy and drive in this Community is truly unique - nearly every person in the Community is driven to make impactful change, and each person brings unique skills and insights. Add in the fact that every country on the globe is represented, and it makes a unique community.

What's the best part about being a Coordinating Ambassador?

The honour of representing/coordinating a regional community of impactful changemakers. The doors it opens and the opportunities it offers. The strong connection with the OYW HQ team.

 

Welcome From Rafael Angelo, Coordinating Ambassador for Brazil. 

Hi, I'm Rafael!

What does it mean to be a One Young World Ambassador? How has OYW enriched/scaled/improved your work?    

Being an OYW Ambassador means to represent OYW in your region and being a role model for other young leaders. OYW community helped me to work with young, passioned and engaged leaders and to create greater projects with bigger impacts.

The best part about the Summit experience?    

Inspiring speeches and network.

Top tip(s) to make the most out of the Summit.    

Be open-minded, disconnect from your rush routine, talk and connect with as many people as you can during the event, be 100% dedicated to the Summit.

Once the Summit is over, what's your advice to new Ambassadors?    

Don´t get in the trap of the ‘rush’ routine. Connect with the other OYW Ambassadors and find a Project that is connected with your passion to make a good impact on society rather than head straight into something that may not be as sustainable.

Why is the community aspect of OYW so important? What differentiates it from other communities?    

OYW community is made of young, passioned and engaged leaders. All of them have this strongly connected vibe and have the same purpose: how can I create a big impact on society?

What's the best part about being a Coordinating Ambassador?    

Being able to make real what matters. Being able to create good projects and count on a team of great leaders. Being part of such an amazing team.

 

Welcome from Nousheen Nower Zoarder, Coordinating Ambassador for Asia.  

Hi, I'm Nousheen!

What does it mean to be a One Young World Ambassador? How has OYW enriched/scaled/improved your work?    

Being part of the OYW network means I have access to change-makers in every part of the world, across every sector. The most important way the network has improved my work is through collaboration. I could leverage the network and bring in its expertise in projects that I have worked in. My fellow ambassadors have introduced me to key resources persons who I could reach out to for policy advice, project consultation, and even career advice. In fact, individuals within the community have mentored in one way or other at different points of time.

The best part about the Summit experience?    

Attending the workshops and the Q/A sessions after the plenary sessions, and meeting the delegates and ambassadors who are doing incredible work in their communities. 

Top tip(s) to make the most out of the Summit.    

  • Rest up well before the Summit starts (it will be a very hectic few days! once it starts)
  • Make a list of what you want to get out of the Summit (whether that is making new friends, finding collaborators to scale your project, PR for your brand/project, meeting people who work in the same field as you etc.)
  • It's a Marathon, not a Sprit. So pace yourself. Recharge at the end of the day
  • Make a few friends before you get to the Summit but DO NOT hang out with only those people during the Summit.
  • Go through the Summit schedule carefully. Prioritize which sessions you MUST attend, which ones you WANT TO attend, and which ones you can let go off. While the plenary sessions are very important, so are the workshops, breakout sessions, and networking. You need to know which are the most important aspects of the event for you. There is no one "right" answer to this.
  • Make sure you are at least acquainted with the delegates from your city/country. They are the ones you are most likely to collaborate with.
  • BE RESPECTFUL of others' time and effort. Especially with speakers, if you have the opportunity to network with them, be sure not to take too much of their time with trivialities.

Once the Summit is over, what's your advice to new Ambassadors?    

Tap into the fresh post-Summit energy. Take OYW back to your company/city/country. The positive energy is contagious and your enthusiasm about the Summit and what you have learnt there might prove beneficial for your team's morale. 

Don't lose touch with your fellow Ambassadors: especially the local and regional ones. Make ""Communication"" your goal, not ""Engagement"". The key difference between the two is through communication you can end up launching projects that you had previously wanted to; you might be able to leverage this network to scale up your project or finally find that one consultant that changes the trajectory of your team's work.

Try to meet up often for "social good" or for the benefit of the greater community. A vast majority of the delegates attend OYW on corporate sponsorship or scholarship. That puts on the ambassadors a responsibility to not only make the best of their time at the Summit but also to give back to the community back at home.

Whenever you are travelling to a different city/country, make an effort to meet-up with the OYW Ambassadors. Learn about their work and what they are up to. This will help you have a better insight about the community and you will have more people you can reach out to (in a personal capacity) for help or advice.

Why is the community aspect of OYW so important? What differentiates it from other communities?    

The Summit works only as of the starting point of a very long amazing journey. The real work starts post-Summit. If someone truly wants to make a difference post-Summit, the community is what will keep them going. The most important aspect of this community is how diverse it is: it's got individuals from almost all the countries and from all walks of life. 

What's the best part about being a Coordinating Ambassador?    

The best part about being a CA is getting to know the Ambassadors better and becoming their friends. You get to learn about what they are interested in and what challenges they are facing. This puts you in a unique position to help others collaborate. For each Ambassador stuck in a bottleneck, there are two that you would know (within the OYW network) who can help them get out of it. It is also incredibly rewarding to see how this simple intervention can help people scale their project or have a better impact.

  

Welcome from Scott Lehman, Coordinating ambassador for the United States of America. 

Hi, I'm Scott!  

What does it mean to be a One Young World Ambassador? How has OYW enriched/scaled/improved your work?    

It means being a part of a broader family all focused on making the world a little better for all of us.

The best part about the Summit experience?    

The lessons learned from the talks and new friendships forged.

Top tip(s) to make the most out of the Summit.    

Create an action plan that you can execute when you get back.  Focus on building a few lasting relationships. You don't have to do anything immediately, but listen and digest everything you can.  The ideas you hear in that summit week will stay with you and inspire you at different times in your life, long after the summit has taken place.

Once the Summit is over, what's your advice to new Ambassadors?    

Keep in regular communication with others, plan meetups, create projects you can action, be proactive (the community will give back a multiple of the energy you give, 0x0=0. 

Why is the community aspect of OYW so important? What differentiates it from other communities?

The international reach of the network and the common passion to do good better.

What's the best part about being a Coordinating Ambassador?    

Meeting all of you amazing humans!  I just wish I could do it full-time!

 

Welcome from Jason Pareja, Coordinating Ambassador for LATAM. 

Hi, I'm Jason!.  

What does it mean to be a One Young World Ambassador? How has OYW enriched/scaled/improved your work?    

After the life-changing experience of attending the OYW Summit in Bangkok, I felt more confident and empowered about my long term plans of doing something big that would be of benefit to my country. 

The best part about the Summit experience?    

The Speakers and the Ambassadors

Top tip(s) to make the most out of the Summit.    

Networking!

Once the Summit is over, what's your advice to new Ambassadors?    

Keep engaged with the community. Connect with ambassadors who share your aims, goals and purpose.

Why is the community aspect of OYW so important? What differentiates it from other communities?    

It is the key component in order to maintain the momentum after the summit. The community in LATAM ambassadors is so united, unique and diverse. It is an honour to be part of it. 

What's the best part about being a Coordinating Ambassador?    

Meeting brilliant ambassadors every day who are doing amazing things for their countries... It's priceless and inspiring. I love it. 

 

Welcome From Dehydys Pimentel, Coordinating Ambassador for Europe 2

Hi, I'm Dehydys  

What does it mean to be a One Young World Ambassador? How has OYW enriched/scaled/improved your work?    

Having the motivation and empowerment to drive the world towards the fulfilment of the SDGs. It means having a support network and the knowledge of the great initiatives going on around the world to build on and join in order to execute the change.

The best part about the Summit experience?    

The amazing feeling that you can change the world, provided by the inspirational talks and meeting other ambassadors. 

Top tip(s) to make the most out of the Summit.

Talk to people, do some prep before you go on what you want to get out of it. 

Once the Summit is over, what's your advice to new Ambassadors?    

Use the energy to do something back home and keep the connections that you have made during your time as a delegate. 

Why is the community aspect of OYW so important? What differentiates it from other communities?

It’s the essence of its power and the reason why it’s so effective. 

What's the best part about being a Coordinating Ambassador?    

You get to learn more about people in your region and have the ability to keep inspiring and impacting the community. 

 

Welcome From Maria Villela, Coordinating Ambassador for LATAM

Hi, I'm Maria!  

What does it mean to be a One Young World Ambassador? How has OYW enriched/scaled/improved your work?    

For me, it’s about being part of something larger than yourself. It is knowing that you have ambitious, clever friends all over the world that are working tirelessly to make a better world. It is about knowing that when you need help, someone somewhere wants to help you. 

The best part about the Summit experience?    

The best part is living the moments that photographs cannot transmit but that will change your heart forever. Be present, you will be grateful to yourself for not missing out. 

Top tip(s) to make the most out of the Summit.    

  • Bring a bottle of water you can refill. 
  • Bring a scarf if AC makes you cold. 
  • Be there early to get the best seats. 
  • Bring a power bank and an adaptor for your charger. 
  • Get good rest but don’t miss the dinners! 
  • Don’t be shy. Just introduce yourself. 
  • Use social media or the OYW app to store contacts and info of organizations or people you want to stay in touch with after the Summit. 
  • Prepare an elevator’s pitch if you are there to promote a specific project or org. 
  • Don’t be afraid to ask people to repeat what they said slower for you. You don’t need to be an English native speaker to make new friends and meet people from all over the world.

Once the Summit is over, what's your advice to new Ambassadors?    

Become part of your local community. Don’t miss the meetups, caucuses, parties... read the monthly newsletter and follow your local community on social media. There might be more OYW Ambassadors in your city or near you! 

Why is the community aspect of OYW so important? What differentiates it from other communities?    

We make things happen as a group. Our caucuses and events are made possible because a diverse group of people come together and organize them together. 

Also, this is not only about sharing stories that come from headquarters or a country far to you. We are interested in sharing your story, in putting you under the spotlight. We want to empower you, support you, and help you in any way that we can. We want to give you tools, ideas and more that are relevant to you.

What's the best part about being a Coordinating Ambassador?    

The best part of being a Coordinating Ambassador is seeing your OYW family from all over the region being recognized and celebrated through our various platforms, either that is getting the AOM title or getting enormous applause after a speech in a caucus. I am proud of our LATAM community and I am so grateful for being part of this team. 

 

Welcome From Lina Montano, Coordinating Ambassador for Columbia. 

Hi, I'm Lina!.  

What does it mean to be a One Young World Ambassador? How has OYW enriched/scaled/improved your work?    

It means to be aware of whats going on in the world and trying to do something about it. It means to be a point of reference amongst friends, family and acquaintances. I feel like I am closer to my community now. I understand their needs and the importance of including them in my daily work. 

The best part about the Summit experience?    

The amazing people you get to meet and connect with. Not only the speakers which are of course amazing but every single delegate has a story worth hearing.

Top tip(s) to make the most out of the Summit.    

  • Check the topics that will be delivered in the keynote presentations and workshops way beforehand and study them so that you are aware of what will come up. 
  • Connect with delegates or ambassadors near you. You can ask your CA to arrange a meeting if the pre-summit one is not enough. 
  • Have questions ready for the panels in between general sessions. 
  • Also, check out the city where the summit is held and find important spots for you such as pharmacies. 
  • Make sure you make a daily budget if you're planning on exploring the city. 

Once the Summit is over, what's your advice to new Ambassadors?    

Make sure that you meet with the community to start working on collaborative projects or even start a new one. 

Why is the community aspect of OYW so important? What differentiates it from other communities?    

Because we, by ourselves, cannot do nearly enough. Communities give you power and impact. The goal of the summit and the way it inspires you and connects you I think is what makes us different

What's the best part about being a Coordinating Ambassador?

Once again,  the people. Not only in my community but other CA. WOW! I'm blown away by how amazing they are, such an amazing group of people. It just makes you work harder and I am so proud of my LATAM team. 

 

Welcome from Mary Helda Akongo, Coordinating Ambassador for East Africa. 

Hi, I'm Mary!.  

What does it mean to be a One Young World Ambassador? How has OYW enriched/scaled/improved your work?    

Being an Ambassador for me means that I have the privilege to be part of a community of inspiring young people from around the world who are creating enormous change. There is a pride that comes with belonging to something that is bigger than me.   As an Ambassador, I am entitled to so many opportunities from One Young World. I get to have access to educational resources, mentors, funding, and a wider network of people. Through OYW, I have been able to expand the work that I am doing and reach a wider audience. Earlier in  April, I was invited to deliver a keynote speech at the OYW University of Bath Caucus Which was in it a great experience because it was the first time that I was delivering a keynote but it was also a chance for me to inspire so many young people. To this day I get messages from some of the students who were in that audience saying how impactful my speech was for the. I wouldn't have been able to do that without One Young World. Recently, I emerged as one of the winners of the 2019 Facebook Social Entrepreneurship which was open to only Ambassadors, as a result, I have executive mentors from Facebook and a grant that is going to enable us to influence market access for more Ugandan women entrepreneurs and also amplify the work that Zimba Women is doing. If being a One Young World Ambassador is not the epitome of heaven then I don't know what else is. 

The best part about the Summit experience?    

Speaking at the summit was the most memorable experiences for me. I was able to share my story and inspire more than 1000 young leaders from over 193 countries. I also proved to myself that I was capable of speaking in front of a large audience of people which is a big deal seeing that I was always afraid of a large number of crowds. That experience also allowed me to meet people who I wouldn't have met hadn't I been a speaker. 

Top tip(s) to make the most out of the Summit.    

Be open-minded. The Summit will blow your mind away: there is so much activity going on, new experiences to have, different types of people to meet, new things to learn and unlearn. You need to open your mind and just immerse yourself in the experience. 

Make a list of the people you want to meet, it could be people that inspire you, people in the same industry as you, people you want to have as mentors etc. One Young World has an app that has information about the delegates, counsellors, speakers etc. There are going to be so many people in attendance, it will be a little more helpful if you identify who you want to meet and reach out to them before so that you can set up meetings. 

Don't forget to have fun. It won't be a summit experience without you having fun with the people you have met. It's a bonding process.

Once the Summit is over, what's your advice to new Ambassadors?    

Follow up with all those people and the connections you made and work towards building genuine relationships. Those people will become your business partners, mentors, mentees, sponsors, friends etc. You will have built trust and long-lasting relationships at the summit because everyone you meet has the ability to positively contribute to your life.

Be active within the One Young World Community. There is so much value that OYW offers and you have to be intentional and towards making the most of it.

Why is the community aspect of OYW so important? What differentiates it from other communities?    

The OYW community aspect of OYW is very important because that is where all the gold and magic is. Being part of the OYW community means you have access to opportunities, mentorship, funding and other things that will enable become better both personally and professionally. What differentiates it from other communities is the fact that It's a tribe of amazing people that accept one another and support each other even in times of need for example when the Ambassadors joined the #OYW4Sudan campaign and supported their fellow Sudanese Ambassadors through creating awareness on the Sudan crisis, donating, signing petitions etc. This community has become a huge part of my life that I am very grateful for. 

What's the best part about being a Coordinating Ambassador?    

I love being a Coordinating Ambassador, it is one of those things that gives me immense joy. Every day I get to work with brilliant Ambassadors who are so passionate about economically, socially and politically developing East Africa. We support each other through sharing opportunities, opening up networks, making each other accountable for our dreams and in the process we get to build beautiful relationships.