Third year Politics BA Honours student Kian Richardson has been selected to become a Member of the Civil Society Youth Representatives Steering Committee (YRSC) of the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC), where he will represent the University of Westminster for an initial term of one year starting this March.
The YRSC serves as an advocacy platform for youth aged 18-32 who are working within civil society organisations (CSOs) that are associated with the UN’s Department of Global Communications and have a strong focus on the United Nations agenda.
The Steering Committee comprises of 25 CSO Youth Representatives. In his new position Kian, alongside the rest of the committee, will have the role of advising the UN DGC on strategies to further engage youth-serving civil society organisations and youth-led organisations on advocacy and outreach activities related to the work of the United Nations and sustainable development. This can include supporting the UN DGC in the development of youth-centred content, utilising various media platforms, reporting the UN body’s activities and impact, and designing and implementing youth-led briefings.
Reacting to his selection to this Steering Committee, Kian said: “It is a privilege to serve on this committee alongside some extraordinary young people from around the world. As a member of the Committee, I am determined to make working with and engaging in the work of the United Nations more inclusive and attainable for all.”
This opportunity has been mobilised through the University of Westminster’s recent endorsement as an Associate of the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC). The UN DGC is a UN body that works to strengthen the UN’s civil society and youth engagement and is devoted to supporting the efforts of its associated organisations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It has recognised the importance of youth as key drivers in sustainable development and the progression towards a sustainable future and provides young voices a platform to mobilise their ideas. The Associate status also provides a major international platform for the University to publicise its work towards achieving the SDGs and also offers Westminster students and staff access to UN events, such as the first UN International Academic Conference on the SDGs which was attended by a group of Westminster students, including Kian, last October in the US.
Kian’s recent selection is a great example of how Westminster’s partnership with UN DGC is opening up incredible learning and career opportunities for students, enhancing the university’s international reputation and reach, while facilitating the university’s broader contribution and commitment to sustainable development.
For more information about the university’s engagement with the UN please contact Dr Sahar Taghdisi Rad.
Learn more about the University’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
