UN PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN CYPRUS (UNFICYP) YOUTH CHAMPIONS: Environment & Peace (Key Speaker)

Abstract

With EU support I'd lead a team of sustainability experts to develop and implement a motivational and trust gaining approach that brought global experts, city decision makers, industrial partners and stakeholders together to co-create a future sustainable city vision. This would be known as the ‘City-zen Roadshow’. An approach, widely published and implemented, and recognized by the European Commission as an example of best practice for its societal impact, replication and uptake. Over a five year period this sustainability Roadshow would visit nine cities across Europe, building up significant experience along the way in building international collaborations that are culturally, politically and economically diverse. The most notable being that of Nicosia on the island of Cyprus, the only divided city in Europe. Here I would build a ‘Bicommunal’ partnership of Chamber of Commerce Presidents, United Nations, Mayors, Ambassadors, Universities and numerous SME’s and various volunteer organisations. In recognition of this in July 2020, I would be invited back to Cyprus as a key speaker for their ‘The UNFICYP Youth Champions – Environment & Peace initiative’ (part of the United Nation's 75th anniversary celebration's) to discuss / present how that partnership was made, the experiences along the way, and what were the outcomes of their future city and island vision. The interactive audience would comprise young adults from both sides of the political divide originating from the Turkish and Greek Cypriot zones.

Further information: A youth champion will learn about tackling key issues such as climate change and environmental degradation. You will find out more about the challenges that these issues pose to future generations across this island and to peace, overall. You will participate in trainings organized by prominent Cypriot and internationally recognized environmental groups/organizations, together with UNFICYP and you will be empowered to design and deliver campaigns promoting environmental awareness on topics ranging from preserving the environment in the buffer zone to global climate change.