Feature Spotlight
Ranako is the YOUNGA 2021 Youth Delegate for Barbados
BY LA SHAWNA GRIFFITH
Twenty-year-old Ranako Bailey has been chosen to represent Barbados as a part of the YOUNGA Youth Delegation 2021 under the theme Re-imagine a better future.
The former student of Queen’s College and St Michael’s School will be representing the island this month where he will contribute to policy dialogues as well as create viable solutions with decision-makers to achieve a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Bailey who is on the verge of completing his degree in International Relations with Economics at The University of The West Indies Cave Hill Campus was selected to represent Caribbean Male Action Network at the YOUNGA Forum, which has been organized by Bridging The Gap Ventures.
He said that being a part of YOUNGA Youth Delegation allows him to address matters that members of the youth face constantly.
“Being a part of YOUNGA allows me to connect, learn from experts and take united action with other youth delegates to address matters to which we as youth must not only have a voice, but act on issues like- equality, climate change, the importance of mental health and the detachment from patriarchy.”
YOUNGA was created by His Excellency Antònio Guterres (the United Nations Secretary-General) who called on all member states to host the largest global conference on the commemoration of the United Nation’s 75th anniversary.
This year YOUNGA will connect 2,030 Youth Delegates from across 130 countries with top-level decision-makers and influencers to co-create solutions to global challenges related to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, partners include The Hult Prize Foundation; Kiss the Ground, IBMZ, AIESEC, Girl Up, The One Campaign, WWF International, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Kode with Klossy, The Resolution Project, the Born This Way Foundation, One Young World, Project Everyone, the UN Foundation and World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
As a part of this international initiative, Bailey will receive access to a free, bespoke four-week leadership and advocacy training program along with curated career advancement and networking opportunities, including virtual Innovation Masterminds, Policy Working Groups, as well as interactive VR experiences. Programming focuses on five thematic tracks that align with youth priorities and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Climate Action and Sustainable Living, Equality and Inclusion, Future of Education and Work, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Peace and Justice.
YOUNGA Founder and Global Chair Kelly Lovell said that their goal is to inspire creativity and innovative thinking for young people to explore new solutions to pressing global challenges.
“Our goal is to inspire creativity and innovative thinking, for young people to explore new solutions to pressing global challenges and bring renewed hope. In the eyes of youth, we are living in a time of crisis for people and the planet. We are moving in the opposite direction from progress as economic and social disparities continue to widen.”
Part of this year’s program included a special youth activation, which was held on September 9th, 2021, along with a charity fundraiser live-streamed from Disney World and presented by the president of Walt Disney World Resorts, Jeff Vahle.
This week Bailey, who is the Social Sciences Representative for the University Of The West Indies Cave Hill Guild, and Youth Network Research Director for the HEY Campaign will be undertaking mastermind sessions focused on activism:
- Youth: A Driving Force for Innovative Lifestyles Under 1.5 Degrees
- Impact Investing: A Cross-cutting Look
- Nature and Spirit: Sustainability Through an Indigenous Lens
- Self-Care Solutions for Youth: A Hackathon, The Future of Ocean Innovation Recovering from COVID-19 and Breathwork: The Power of Self-Healing
He is passionate about encouraging young men to pursue their passions and he is hopeful that by being a part of YOUNGA that he inspires other young men to go after their dreams.