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✍️ By: Team BC1.NL
UN youth representative for sustainable development
During the UIT Week in Utrecht, where new students get acquainted with the city, Martijn Visser shares why he is committed to sustainable development. The 25-year-old Martijn represents Dutch youth at the United Nations.
From a guest lecture at school to a talk with the Prime Minister
Together with colleagues from the National Youth Council, Martijn works to raise awareness among young people about the importance of sustainable development. They give guest lectures at secondary schools and engage with youth organizations, encouraging them to take more action on sustainability. Additionally, they serve as a bridge between young people and policymakers, including Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
From vocational pupils to university students
Last June, Martijn and a colleague cycled on a tandem from Nijmegen to The Hague. During their week-long journey, they spoke with hundreds of young people. These youth were from various schools, ranging from first-year Preparatory vocational secondary education students to university attendees and everything in between. By asking questions like “What does sustainability mean to you?”, “How do you envision the future?”, and “What kind of future do you want?”, they engaged in meaningful conversations and gained insight into the thoughts and concerns of the younger generation.
Martijn wants to contribute to the goals for 2030
Martijn is dedicated to contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to be achieved by 2030. Martijn shares, “A world without hunger, where climate action is truly addressed, and where every child can go to school, that’s my dream, and I want to help make it a reality.”
An email about sustainable fashion became a project day
Martijn recalls an example of a young girl who emailed him for help. She wanted to start a sustainable fashion initiative at her school, but her teacher wasn’t supportive. She reached out to Martijn and the National Youth Council for assistance. “As a result, we sat down with her and developed a project,” Martijn explains. “We organized an entire day involving all the students at her school.”
Every two years a new youth representative is sought
Martijn’s two years as a UN Youth Representative are nearly over, and the vacancy for a new youth representative is now online. Are you between 16 and 26 years old and passionate about contributing to sustainable development? Check out this link for more information. As for what Martijn will do next, he’s not sure yet, but it will certainly involve sustainability.
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