Chima Talks IDDIP, CANIMUN, Pearson Peace Medal and the Global Citizen Gala Honouring Murad Al-Katib

Working for the United Nations Association Canada (UNAC) has sincerely been a wonderful and rewarding experience. I've always had the passion to be an agent of change. This passion of mine was realised when I was welcomed into UNAC. I can proudly say that since then, I have had the opportunity to work with the smartest and brightest individuals. I have added quality skills and experiences under my belt from assisting with the International Development and Diplomacy Internship Programme (IDDIP).

My responsibilities include assisting the program coordinator to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the programme, marketing and promoting the IDDIP widely across Canada through multiple avenues, researching potential donors to the programme and other administrative duties. The IDDIP has been a rewarding platform for young, talented and unemployed students whom are hired as Junior Professional Consultants (JPC). These JPC’s get the opportunities to develop their skills and fulfil their potentials in an International setting. Reading about the works they have done over their 6 month placements in the different geographical continents of the world such as Africa, Asia, Europe and South America has inspired me to do more for my community. Having met and discussed with former JPC’s that have returned back from their placements and found meaningful employment shows that the programme is beneficial to youths.

Assisting with the IDDIP has exposed me to so many opportunities. I've had the privilege of attending the Human Development Report, administered by the United Nations Administrator Helen Clarke, in which I learned so much about the unemployment crisis and trends around the globe. I also had the opportunity to attend the Canadian International Model UN (CANIMUN) which has been a good platform for youths to learn and represent various global communities. One of favorite experience was attending the United Nations Association in Canada's Pearson's Peace Medal award of which Louise Arbour was the 2016 recipient. The award was presented to her by the Honorable David Johnston; the Governor General of Canada. Louise Arbour has been the agent of change everyone can look up to for her role in bringing to justice those who committed crimes against humanity and standing for human rights.

The highlight of my experience was volunteering at the 2016 Global citizens Gala in Toronto. The Gala was organized to honour Murad Al-Katib who is the President and CEO of AGT Foods Incorporated. Murad’s company is known all over the world for the constant supply of value-added pulses, staple foods and food ingredient. Other than that, Murad is a man dedicated to being an agent of change.  Murad’s strong commitment to food security and access to proper nutrition and diet has contributed greatly to poverty alleviation all over the globe. It is also noted that this year alone, his company has provided food for 15 million refugees in Syria. Murad truly deserves this honour for his contribution to making the world a better place.