Last week, Red Nose Day was joined by three of today’s most inspiring youth leaders to hear their perspectives on the current global economic, health, and social crises and how, together, we can build a better future.

The event was held on International Youth Day, a United Nations day that seeks to celebrate and mainstream young peoples’ voices, actions and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal and equitable engagement. In supporting this year’s theme of “youth engagement for global action,” we spoke with Shamya,, Ibraheem, and Shomy, who are youth leaders and activists from across the globe, about what they’re doing to impact the world around them, and what their hopes and commitments are for the future.

Watch the conversation below:

In Conversation with Today’s Youth Leaders

Learn more about the youth leaders who joined us during the Instagram Live:

Shamya

Shamya is a powerful speaker, an effective leader, and on her way to becoming a global citizen. She hopes to pursue a career in both Mechanical Engineering and public speaking, as she feels she has the voice to help those who cannot speak. Shamya is involved with Figure Skating in Harlem – the only organization for girls of color that combines the power of education with access to the artistic discipline of figure skating to build champions in life. Figure Skating in Harlem is a grantee of Red Nose Day partner Laureus Sport for Good.

Ibraheem

Ibraheem is a Fellow with Narratio, a platform for youth empowerment, and a junior at Syracuse University studying to become a social worker. He is a former Kenyan refugee who fled from war with his family. After settling in Kakuma for ten months, Ibraheem and his family were given the opportunity to go to America. Syracuse has become a second home that he has helped cultivate with service through Interfaith Works and the Islamic Society of Central New York. He wants to dedicate his life to social work as a way of giving back to the community.

Shomy

Shomy is a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) activist from Bangladesh, with a vision to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for everyone. She is the Founding Co-Chair of the youth organization Awareness 360, and the recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold) from President Barack Obama for her outstanding contributions in community service.

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