Today the world celebrates International Youth Day and the power of young people.  In recognition of this day, I recently spoke with Ahmad Alhendawi, the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth.  Excerpts from our interview are below.  This has been lightly edited for length and readability. Jenni Lee: Can you describe your role as the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, and what are your goals in the position? Ahmad Alhendawi: I first work to bring the

When I think of the United Nations, the first images in my mind are often the iconic UN headquarters building in New York, or news photos of heads of state speaking in the General Assembly Hall, or delegates listening intently to translations of speakers from other nations. These images represent one of the most important functions of the UN – the only institution that brings together all nations to discuss the big issues, to negotiate

The UN Foundation is excited to partner with the Millennial Trains Project (MTP) because entrepreneurs serve as a great catalyst for social change. Last week, our Resident Entrepreneur Elizabeth Gore joined 24 enterprising millennials for MTP’s inaugural 10-day transcontinental train journey from San Francisco to Washington D.C.  These 24 entrepreneurs are currently traveling across the country, stopping in seven cities along the way, to advance projects that benefit local communities. Below is a brief Q

1.Spend a semester at an overseas campus.2.Spanish is the new Mandarin.3.Under promise and over deliver.4.Switch from iOS to Android.5.Never use more than ten PowerPoint slides.6.Pursue moments of joy, not permanent happiness.7.Challenge the known.8.Embrace the unknown.9.Keep playing the ukelele.10.True learning starts after you graduate… Read the next 10 thoughts here. Editor’s Note: Throughout August, top bloggers are using their voices to help protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases as part of “Blogust,” a month-long digital dialogue organized

The International Day of Peace is exactly one month away, and over the next 30 days, we’re celebrating those who dedicate every day to peace: United Nations peacekeepers. More than 113,000 men and women from 116 countries serve as UN peacekeepers. They’ve left their homes and put their lives on hold to protect people they’ve never met and drive out violence from some of the most dangerous places in the world. Just this month, peacekeepers

Today, 1.3 billion people in the world don’t have access to electricity.  According to the International Energy Agency, more than four-fifths of these people live in rural areas and more than 95 percent live in sub-Saharan African or developing areas in Asia. Why does this matter?  Here are five reasons: Powering Education: Electricity provides heating, cooling, and lighting so students can learn.  Schools can stay open later, providing a space for students to study and