Nordic Safe Cities’ Post

Join this event to learn more about local Pacts for the Future as a way for youth and communities to engage in the SDGs

Last week I had the honor to hold a speech at the closing dinner of Least Developed Countries (LDC) Future Forum arranged by United Nations and Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. In my speech I emphasized the opportunities and space for young people to take part in decisionmaking and bringing up their ideas. It is not only the resources provided but also about the values of the society and attitudes towards youth. I encourage decisionmakers to be brave enough to create the space and opportunities for youth. We need to work together for sustainable future and make sure no one gets left behind. You can find my speech from Nuorten Agenda 2030 website: https://lnkd.in/gvXwD9T4. I do not talk that much about my history but there has been certain times where I feel that it is important to share that. The theme of opportunities for youth is personally important to me, because I come from a background where attending these kinds of events was not an opportunity I was even aware of. In our small town of 3500 inhabitants, we did not have a Youth City Council at that time and all in all, the free time activities were quite limited. I am the first University student in both sides of my family and therefore, University was at times painful when people were speeking and acting in an unfamiliar way. And talking about speeches, I held my first public speech at the age of 22 and that was awful. No offense to younger me but seriously, awful. I am grateful for everything I have had the opportunity to participate and also for the background I have. Coming from this kind of background gives me perspective of how people do not start from the same line. Of course, Finland is one of the most equal countries and therefore my perspective comes still from a very privileged viewpoint. I have to say, that I have experienced warm welcomes in many places, no matter my background. I feel extremely privileged which is why I want to share my experience and knowledge as well as promote the equal participation for youth, especially for those with fewer possibilities. We definitely should not leave no one behind, neither on a national nor global level. All in all, it is about the belief and trust in young people and supporting them that matters. That is the most imporant and valuable resource. #sdgs2030 #sustainabledevelopment #youth #youthempowerment #kestäväkehitys

What an incredible experience attending the 10th International Youth Conference: Informal Youth Summit of the Future from September 25-29, 2024, which took place in New York, USA. This event coincided with the United Nations General Assembly and the UN's Summit of the Future. This summit wasn’t just an event—it was a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and creativity, bringing together passionate change-makers from around the globe. We dove deep into discussions on policy inclusion, social development, and global partnerships, all focused on crafting a more inclusive and sustainable future. One of the most significant lessons I took away from IYC10 is that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but are powerful change-makers today. We have the energy, creativity, and determination to drive positive change and build sustainable communities. This summit has fueled my commitment to continue working towards creating opportunities and platforms for young people to thrive and lead. A huge thank you to the IYC Team for organizing such a phenomenal event and for recognizing our efforts with a Certificate of Participation. Together, let's keep pushing boundaries and making our voices heard. The future is bright, and it's ours to shape. Congratulations to my fellow participants! I'm extremely excited to be part of this amazing summit. Thank you to the (International Youth Conference (IYC), UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme), (United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) , IOM - UN Migration, and the (United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) #InternationalYouthConference #YouthSummit #IYC10 #UNSCR1326 #WomenPeaceandSecurity #UNSCR2250 #YouthPeaceandSecurity #CivicLeadership #ChangeMakers #ClimateLeaders #Inclusion #YouthEmpowerment #YouthVoices #MeaningfulYouthParticipation

Important Race Lessons: 💡"It is about race if a person of colour thinks it is about race. 💡It is about race if it disproportionately or differently affects people of colour. 💡It is about race if it fits into a broader pattern of events that disproportionately or differently affect people of colour."* 💡Time and place are critical factors when it comes to the experience of race. As race is a social and power construct based on specific political project. How someone is viewed in one place and time might not be how they are viewed and what they experience elsewhere. 💡Race and Racism should not be used interchangeably. 💡Antiracism work requires activism and education. They are not the same either. These are some of the key takeaways from a recent keynote by Aminkeng A Alemanji (PhD) Director of Social Exclusion Masters Programme Abo Akademi, Turku, Finland. An absolute highlight ✨of Day 1 at SIETAR Europa Conference. Incredibly powerful. Inspiring us all to do the work. Even though it’s often uncomfortable. Thank you Bastian Küntzel and the whole program committee for organizing. #InterculturalCompetence #SIETAR #Antiracism #Diversity #Inclusion #Learning * ljeoma Oluo, So You Want to Talk About Race (2018)

Thanks for this summary of the key takeaways from the keynote. I wasn't able to follow all of it but I think it was recorded and will become available soon. #IESEGresearch #IESEGCares

The International Youth Conference cohort 10 is a highly anticipated event that brings together young people from all over the world to discuss global issues, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions. This year's conference will take place in a beautiful beach resort, making it the perfect setting for young leaders to come together and make a difference. With engaging workshops, inspiring speakers, and plenty of networking opportunities, the International Youth Conference 10 promises to be a life-changing experience for all attendees. From climate change to social justice, participants will have the chance to delve into a wide range of topics and gain valuable insights into pressing global issues. Beyond the conference sessions, attendees will have the chance to explore the local culture, participate in community service projects, and build lasting friendships with like-minded young people from around the world. The conference will also showcase the talents and creativity of youth through art exhibitions, performancs, and a wide range of other activities. As the sun sets over the ocean, participants will come together for evening events, where they can relax, unwind, and reflect on the day's discussions. These moments of connection and camaraderie will deepen the bonds between participants and create a sense of unity and purpose that will carry on long after the conference has ended. Overall, the International Youth Conference cohort 10 promises to be a transformative experience for all who attend, offering a platform for young leaders to come together, learn from one another, and work towards a brighter future for all. #InternationalYouthConference #GlobalLeadership #YouthInDiplomacy #FutureLeaders #GlobalAction #AYSP #UNGA79 #SoTF #IYC10, #climateaction #unsummitofthefuture #UNGoals #SDG2030, #IYCforYouth10

🇺🇳 August 12 - International Youth Day Watching this video, I feel emotional thinking about the impact our initiatives have had ❤️ I am thrilled to witness the incredible outcomes of our initiatives in #Pollica over the past two years. In Pollica, we organized the first boot camps of the UNESCO ICCAR and ECCAR international networks. From the participants of last year's edition, numerous projects have come to life, including the idea for this European edition of the boot camp currently taking place in Chisinau, just a few kilometers from the Ukrainian border. In these moments, we are experiencing profound dialogues, building bridges, breaking down walls, and nurturing ideas for healthy cultural revolutions. Today, I want to celebrate the power of collaborations like the one born with the ICCAR and ECCAR network of UNESCO, led by BENEDETTO ZACCHIROLI, and its amazing supporters like VERBE ET LUMIERE VIGILANCE and Fondazione Marchesini ACT. I also want to highlight the power of examples, role models of visionary mayors, and educational territories like Pollica, which has welcomed us and inspired seeds of change that have borne fruit in places far from us, like Montevideo, São Paulo, or Chisinau. 🇺🇳 Let's remind that half of the people on our planet are 30 or younger, and this is expected to reach 57% by the end of 2030. A survey shows that 67% of people believe in a better future, with 15 to 17-year-olds being the most optimistic. The majority of people agree that the age balance in politics is wrong. More than two-thirds (69%) of people across all age groups agree that providing more opportunities for younger people to have a say in policy development would improve political systems. Globally, only 2.6% of parliamentarians are under 30, and less than 1% of these young MPs are women. 💪 And let's continue to empower our youth and give them the platform they deserve to shape the future! #ICCAR #UNESCO #YouthEmpowerment #CulturalRevolution #Pollica #Chisinau Elisa Carioli Paideia Campus Future Food Institute Stefano Pisani Giorgio Gori Manuela Marsano https://lnkd.in/dvZQfDj4

🌟 Celebrating #NAIDOC Week 2024 with LassWho 🖤💛♥️ As we come off the back of a busy National Reconciliation Week 🖤💛♥️ where our speakers delivered powerful cultural sessions and storytelling to audiences across the country and world, we are excited to dive into NAIDOC Week! NAIDOC is an annual celebration in July that honours the rich history, vibrant culture, and significant achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities but also by Australians all over the country and overseas. We are proud to offer a diverse range of #Indigenous #FirstNations speakers during this significant week. Hearing from First Nations leaders can provide invaluable insights into cultural understanding and reconciliation. By booking an Indigenous speaker through LassWho for your next live virtual event, you can engage your audience with powerful stories, deep-rooted wisdom, and thought-provoking discussions. Our Indigenous speakers represent a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives, sharing their expertise in areas such as cultural awareness, Indigenous history, storytelling, leadership, and more. NAIDOC Week presents a unique opportunity to create meaningful connections, foster understanding, and demonstrate your commitment to embracing diverse voices within your organization. Our platform provides a seamless experience for booking and managing virtual events, ensuring that your engagement with Indigenous speakers is hassle-free and impactful. Together, let's honour the spirit of NAIDOC Week and promote cultural appreciation within your organization. #NAIDOC2024 #CulturalAppreciation #LassWho #IndigenousSpeakers #Reconciliation #VirtualEvents #CulturalAwareness

Happy International Youth Day!  🎉👏 Today, as we celebrate the remarkable potential of young people across the globe, let's take a moment to acknowledge the inspiring origins of this truly global day. Believe it or not, International Youth Day wasn't simply bestowed upon us. It's a testament to the unwavering power of youth voices. Back in 1991, at the very first World Youth Forum in Vienna 🇦🇹, a spark ignited. It was the young people themselves who championed the idea of a dedicated day to recognise their contributions and champion their potential. This collective vision gained momentum, culminating in official recognition by the United Nations 🇺🇳 in 1999. This is a day to celebrate the incredible journey of youth empowerment! We stand at the precipice of a future shaped by today's young leaders, brimming with innovation and a passion for positive change. Since its inception, it has witnessed countless monumental events and initiatives – from global summits and conferences to grassroots campaigns and digital activism. Each year, young people from all corners of the world utilise this platform to amplify their voices and drive progress on a global scale 🗺. As we celebrate in 2024, let's recognise the incredible strides made thus far. However, let's not stop there. Let us commit ourselves to creating a world where young people can thrive. This is our collective responsibility, and we must work towards it daily by providing ongoing support for youth empowerment. The future is in your hands! 🤝 💙 Source: https://lnkd.in/gWDsVVBE #InternationalYouthDay #YouthEmpowerment #FutureLeaders #YoungProfessionals #UnitedNations

🌍 Proud Project Moment: NET-IDEA - launching our booklet! 🌍 Some projects make you especially proud to be part of, and this is one of those moments for me - launching the booklet we wrote! During the final NET-IDEA (Network of European Towns for Interculturalism, Diversity, Equality & Anti-Discrimination) conference in Botkyrka, April 2024, 60 participants—from 16 cities across six European countries—both youth and adults—came together to co-create a booklet in just under four (!!) hours. The result? A powerful collection of stories, best practices, and policy suggestions focused on fostering intercultural interaction and building a new sense of belonging, with a special emphasis on engaging youth. Take a read and get inspired! A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the NET-IDEA project and the creation of this booklet! 🙌 Cristian Brisacani Rojas Helena Johanna Palmstierna Ola Jubelin Jonas Boutani Werner Malin Johansson Leif Magnusson Eva Calado Simone Pettorruso Mikael Morberg Vanessa Zecchi Åsa Wännström Zanyar Adami Karin Bruce Natsnet Kiflemariam Valeria Salazar Casanova Emanuel ksiazkiewicz Pascal Tshibanda Ingrid Nyman Dani de Torres Barderi (Please help me tag everyone in the comments below!) We’ve also included a methodology section for those interested in using a collaborative writing process to summarize their own projects. If you’d like to explore this approach, I’d be happy to facilitate! 💡 Creating Intercultural Interaction and Positive Narratives to Build a New Sense of Belonging 📖 — A collection of stories, best practices, and policy suggestions. You can download the booklet here: https://lnkd.in/d-ft9g_p NET-IDEA was funded by the European Commission and supported by the Council of Europe. ICEI were the main project managers of the project. The Swedish partnership was led by Interkulturella Städer Sverige in collaboration with Botkyrka kommun and Linköpings kommun. #Interculturalism #Collaboration #Diversity #Inclusion #CommunityBuilding #NETIDEA #GrassrootsApproach #CERVProgramme #EUProjects #Belonging