On August 3, young people hailing from around the world descended on New York City to attend the 9th Annual UN Youth Assembly. In support of this event, I am filled with pride and excitement that PepsiCo is supporting 15 Arab Youth leaders to take part in what is now known as the ‘PepsiCo Arab Youth Delegation’. Our delegation consists of youth leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia and Algeria. (View a slideshow of the PepsiCo UNYA delegates during the week’s activities, or read the related press release.)
Arab youth leaders joining the PepsiCo delegation to the UNYA were selected based on their demonstrated passion for driving the UN MDGs and championing humanitarian causes, as well as their contributions to improve their local communities. All of them have previously worked on successful local and regional projects advancing their communities in the areas of social development with a focus on the 8 MDGs including poverty eradication, education, environmental protection and creating partnerships for development.
In total, 23 applications were received through youth organizations across the region out of which PepsiCo chose the top 15 based on their achievements. Applicants were not affiliated with the PepsiCo company, our employees or our business partners. These young people will spend a few days in New York meeting each other and sharing stories about their lives, attending UN lectures and workshops as well as special events and exploring one of the most interesting and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Equally important, their experience will inform, educate and empower them to identify viable approaches to achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals (UNMDGs) – the corner stone of the UN’s approach to improving the lives of millions of people across the globe.
PepsiCo AMEA UNYA Delegates
PepsiCo UNYA Delegates
Thinking back to the limited opportunities that were available in my youth, programs like this would have been a real dream, and it amazes and delights me that such opportunities are now possible. These sorts of cultural exchanges spread good ideas and foster a sense of global community and shared responsibility. To have it operate under the auspices of the UN, and to have the youth attending lectures and workshops, learning from experts in international relations and international development, elevates this Youth Assembly to a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity for these young people.
The things these youth leaders will learn will be invaluable to them as they proceed through the remainder of their lives, or as they venture out into new chapters and experiences. They’ll see how their struggles are similar and different to those from other cultures, and they’ll hopefully come back filled with encouragement, new ideas, and the drive to break down any barriers that may stand in their way in advancing their societies.
As one of the leaders at PepsiCo, our company’s global support for this initiative makes me extremely proud. My wish for every young leader in PepsiCo’s delegation is that they make the most out of this golden opportunity.
