Dream: A Pathway to Change (Part II)

 

Delivered by Iman Usman (19) from Indonesia at the 9^th UN Youth Assembly in New York before receiving The Youth Assembly Recognition for Excellence

People have told to me that “serving humanity is like giving life to the lifeless”, but for me, it is not only for the lifeless, but also for ourselves. We can make our life bigger than we can think.

People often say that volunteering and activism only waste time, energy, and even money. But what I learned is this: you will not lose anything by being a giver; instead you will received many things that you never expected.

It is in my wildest dream to be invited to various international forums and have the opportunity to speak on behalf young people. I never expected to earn trust as a consultant for various government projects and United Nation agencies at the age of 19. I never expected have a privilege of invitations by vice presidents, ministers, parliaments in my country due to what my team and I have done. And the most important thing, I never expected to see people smiling because of what I do. It is a blessing to make people feel blessed and happy as they are with you. And finally, I could do something. Each one of us can do something.

In last 3 years, I had the opportunity to travel to dozens of countries, speak, share, and learn from one person to thousands. I am inspired by thousands of children’s dreams around the world and help them to realize their potential, to make the impossible possible, and the unexpected happen.

And one of them is We Are Family Foundation’s Three Dot Dash – Just Peace Summit. I have a priceless honor as one of 31 Global Teen Leader representing 12 different countries and five continents this past March. I meet bright minds with other 30 teen leaders at the Summit in New York. It was great to meet and be connected with these amazing youth, where we collaborate together to amplify our work and encourage millions of people to replicate our positive messages and get involved.

We share best practices, and support each other, even after the Summit has passed. With this global network, all Global Teen Leader alumni have already made a direct impact to more than 4 million people globally, and the numbers keep growing. It is interesting and enlightening to see the power of youths, and how their passion can impact mother earth. We connected because of our same hopes, compassion, courage, and passion.

We are so blessed to be part of Generation21, to be the generation who lives in 21^st century, with all technology supports around us, that make it easier for us to do something collectively and globally. A borderless world But it also provides various challenges that we have to overcome. We can convert challenges into opportunities.

Being part of these movement brought me many surprises in life. I do believe that there are still more surprises ahead, but that’s not the point. The point is, the more people appreciate youth involvement, the better a sign it is for youth to be heard and get the opportunity to be a part of the solution. What I believe is that opportunity itself is not ascribed, it is not something that we have to wait for – we can create our own opportunities. Just keep your eyes open.

Once more, I would like to say, that this moment is very meaningful for me. Thank you to everyone who has supported me since the beginning. Thanks to my mom, my dad, my family, my coaches, and my friends who always believe in me. I would like to thank and receive this recognition on behalf of other undiscovered young people around the world who did something to change their life. You all are my greatest inspiration.

I enjoy my pathway to making a difference and this is the way I want to be remembered.  You may also have your own pathway, because there is no rigid template in change. Let’s start by dreaming, exploring our talents, doing something small, then trying to reach further, reach more people, and eventually it will be not only your movement, but also a social movement, a global movement. I do believe that any exploration of talent and passion can contribute to social changes. A small action that is conducted by a single individual will consistently make other people follow it, and then it has real impact. Never limit yourself. Never underestimate yourself because we are young. We can change the world.

If a 10 year-old boy with nothing attached to him could ignite something, why can’t you. He had a dream, and you have a dream. Think Big, Make it Happen! I will wait for another story from YOU! Thank you.