In 2021, at the age of 12 years, Barbadian Maria Marshall became UNICEF’s youngest Youth Advocate.
The now 14-year-old Harrison College student recently attended the UNICEF Youth Advocates Mobilisation Lab and the Summit of the Future in New York. The lab is a key component of UNICEF’s strategy to engage young leaders in the UN General Assembly. It provides a platform for UNICEF Youth Advocates to share experiences, build networks, and receive training.
We share with our readers Maria’s reflection on her experience at the mobilisation lab.
When I got the news that I was definitely going to be heading to New York to visit the UN headquarters, I felt a mix of both excitement and a touch of nervousness because this was going to be the same place where you watch all those impressive speeches being made. Seeing New York for the first time was quite awesome as the buildings are truly huge and I finally understood the concept of ‘skyscraper’ now. However, amidst the concrete, and bustling loudness, I noticed that there was still a lot of nature mixed into the city life. I found it so funny and a bit comforting to see the pigeons were similar to the ones in my very own Bridgetown.
On arrival at the UN headquarters, I was taken aback by the level of security and sheer number of human beings but they all seemed to know exactly what they were doing and where they were going. We didn’t – but it was exciting. The UN environment was friendly but very busy as there was so much going on every single day. The mobilisation labs were just the same and it was nonstop going but it was so different every day that it was like pulling out a surprise gift each time we were in session. The other children were so engaging, and it was so incredible to meet other children from around the world. I got chances to practise my French and Spanish skills and even learnt some new languages. The other children were really relatable, and it was like being in a classroom with the world. I really enjoyed myself!
We learnt about campaign planning and how to make our own theories of change, which I found so fascinating. Even though I am from Barbados, I can still fit my way and style into what I am learning to create something spectacular that is unique and awesome for my island and Caribbean region.
I think I made friends with fellow advocates that are really kind and do care about the world and the future. I met with UNICEF’s Executive Director and Deputy Director. As I was meeting with people every day, I made connections with my fellow youth advocates and even the staff that was working with us each day.
This particular trip really enlightened me to the fact that children are children, no matter where they are from and we just connect with each other regardless of culture, colour, religion, or country; it does not matter. But there is a need for the adults that have the power to step up and do what is right because we children already know how to work together.
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