My story at the IYC is about learning, exploring, leadership, challenges and most importantly--making friends from among the most inspiring youth that this planet has.

I got involved at a rocket speed--suggesting the software behind this website at the first meeting. I rapidly took on a leadership role and made some great friends. My involvement started out as part of the planning committee for the 7th Annual Youth Assembly but progressed to Director of Communications. During my term, I worked to set up our website and social media presence.

Successes:

My key achievements include growing the IYC facebook to just over 5000 followers and the website to 3000 

Message?

When you meet a new family of young people--like the IYC is to me, you quickly realise that being involved is not merely showing up to the meetings. There is a lot to be done. I know that everyone realizes it. I just finding articulating things makes it easier for me to take action and do it ;)

Learning so far While interaction and participation are laudable...it is essential for us all to focus on the important tasks at hand, the details we actually need to accomplish to make this event happen. It is essential to keep people informed and involved in idea brainstorming...but nothing can be achieved if that becomes the focus.

The Plan

I resigned from the Executive Board of the International Youth Council in June 2012 due to my role as the Organising Partner for the UN Conference on Sustainable Developments Major Group of Children and Youth (http://www.uncsdchildrenyouth.org/).

However, I still believe in the concept behind the IYC and count many of its members as close friends.

My hopes

I want to see young people opening national Chapters all over the world and participate in their communities to build a better future for all of us. We are the current generation and we cannot forget the future ones that are being born. We cannot forget the older generation who will be leaving this world behind and will be impacted by their unsustainable habits. We need to be unified, friendly and work together to achieve concrete change.

What I am doing next?

I continue to advocate for MDG 7 (Ensure Environmental Sustainabilty. I also am one of the editors for UNEPs publication "Global Environmental Outlook for Youth". I hope to interact and collaborate with the friends I have made from around the world and learn constantly! Most importantly, I will continue to challenge myself regularly!

Thank you for reading this far :)

Saba