By Gloria Anderson

My journey to the United States for the Summit of the Future was an incredible experience filled with powerful moments, inspiring meetings, and opportunities to connect with global leaders committed to shaping a brighter future for youth around the world. As a representative of the Action Programme for Global Youth Development, I was honored to engage with various stakeholders at the United Nations and beyond, advocating for youth-driven solutions and digital empowerment.

September 19: Meeting with UNICEF USA and Generation Unlimited

The journey began on September 19th with a significant meeting at the UNICEF USA offices, where I had the privilege to sit alongside the Director of the World Youth Development Forum, the Director of the All-China Youth Federation, and the Chinese delegation. We met with the Deputy Director of Programmes at Generation Unlimited and the Programme Specialist for youth engagement. As a representative of the Action Programme for Global Youth Development, I left the meeting with a strong belief that this partnership between Generation Unlimited and the World Youth Development Forum will greatly empower youth globally, enhancing efforts to reduce poverty, address inequalities, and create a better world.

September 20: Engaging with African Youth at the Summit of the Future

On September 20th, I attended a side event organized by the African Union under the theme 'Our World, Our Future: African Youth and the Summit of the Future - Transforming Africa with Youth-Driven Solutions.' It was an opportunity to share my insights on the importance of African youth leaders advocating for the implementation of policies that drive the development of our continent. Later that day, I participated in the Action Day 1 opening ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters, which featured a high-level dialogue with the UN Secretary-General. The day concluded with a session focused on 'Intergenerational Solidarity and Equity for a Shared Future,' where we discussed bridging generational gaps to create a more inclusive society.

September 21: Keynote Speech and Meeting with Felipe Paullier

One of the highlights of my journey was on September 21st when I had the honor of delivering a keynote speech at the Summit of the Future Action Days - China Pavilion on the theme 'Path to an Inclusive Future.' My talk focused on 'Leveraging Technology for Social Good, with a Focus on Marginalized Groups.' It was a privilege to share the stage with distinguished leaders like Ms. Ningning XIAO, Ms. Xiangyi WANG, Dr. Raj Chintaram, and other global change-makers. My message was clear: in the 21st century, digital access should be recognized as a fundamental right for everyone, particularly for underprivileged youth, to ensure they can access global and local opportunities.

Additionally, it was a great honor to meet with Mr. Felipe Paullier, the Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs at the United Nations Youth Office. I had the invaluable opportunity to share the impactful work we do at TEDI. Engaging with such a key figure in youth affairs reinforced my belief in the importance of our mission and the global support required to uplift youth around the world.

After the Summit of the Future, the World Youth Development Forum graciously allowed me to extend my stay in the U.S., which opened up more opportunities to strengthen partnerships and collaborations that are vital to our mission at TEDI. 

Back at Drexel University: Strengthening Ties

Returning to Drexel University felt like a homecoming. This institution holds a special place in my heart due to its incredible support for me and the TEDI team. Just two weeks prior, the Drexel group was in Tanzania for the implementation of our two computer lab projects in Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. It was a joyous reunion when I surprised the students by showing up in Philadelphia! The Mandela Washington Fellowship played a key role in connecting me to this supportive family, and I am beyond grateful for their unwavering belief in our mission.

Expanding Our Partnership with Drexel TechServ

During my visit to Drexel TechServ, we were thrilled to take our partnership to the next level. Drexel TechServ has now expanded its support to include six projectors and six laptops, which I will be taking back to our schools in Tanzania. They also prepared 80 desktops ready for shipment to Tanzania, enabling us to establish five to six new computer labs.

The most exciting part of this expanded collaboration is their commitment to providing 100 to 150 computers annually. This will allow us to set up 10 to 15 computer labs each year, significantly scaling our efforts to bridge the digital divide in Tanzanian schools. The impact of this partnership is profound, as it will empower thousands of students with the digital literacy skills needed to thrive in today’s world.

Engaging with International Students at the University of Pennsylvania

I also had the privilege of serving as a guest speaker at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. Engaging with international master's degree students on the challenges and opportunities in global education was a rewarding experience. We explored innovative teaching methodologies, the importance of digital literacy, and the role of entrepreneurship in education. The enthusiasm of these future educators reinforced my belief that the next generation of leaders will be well-equipped to drive transformative change in education worldwide.

Inspiring Innovations at the Makers Fair 2024

One of the highlights of my extended stay was attending the Makers Fair 2024 organized by 901_education in Philadelphia. Witnessing their innovative approach to education, especially in design thinking, digital skills, 3D printing, and laser cutting, was truly inspiring. Their dedication to preparing young minds with practical, future-ready skills was a powerful reminder of the impact that hands-on education can have in shaping the creators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

Looking Ahead: Building a Legacy of Digital Empowerment

As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for the support of the World Youth Development Forum and partners like Drexel University and Drexel TechServ. Together, we are not just building computer labs; we are building a legacy of digital empowerment that will transform the lives of underprivileged youth in Tanzania. By equipping more schools with digital tools, we are opening doors to new learning opportunities, improving educational outcomes, and enhancing students' ability to compete in the global landscape.

This journey has been a testament to the power of global partnerships and the incredible potential we unlock when we come together with a shared vision. I look forward to what lies ahead as we continue to empower youth through education, technology, and collaboration.