3 minute read
JOSHUA KARRAS Executive Manager, UNAA – NSW Division
Joshua Karras graduated from the University of New South Wales with an Undergraduate Degree in Vision Science, and quickly came to develop a passion in communication and International Public Health, including the future of Public Health and global health indicators as a whole. For this reason, he was fortunate enough to complete three Masters degrees (International Public Health, Health Management and Public Health Majoring in Infectious Disease Control), whilst conducting research at the School of Optometry and Vision Science and managing a Visual Education Centre for primary school children. As a man of diverse cultural origin, he also engages with organisations which aim to promote and embed multicultural values in our greater community.
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What is your role at UNAA?
I currently hold the position of Executive Manager with the United Nations Association of Australia NSW Division. I’m responsible for creatively conceiving, developing, planning, promoting and executing a wide breadth of events which align with the objectives and targets of the United Nations. Most notably, I design initiatives under the guidance of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 13: Climate Action, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities and Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being. My position requires me to educate, inform and inspire the New South Wales community about these various goals and objectives of the United Nations to make the world a safer and better world for all.
When and why did you decide to become an advocate for UNAA?
I began volunteering with UNAA NSW nearly 3 years ago and began in my current position nearly 2 years ago. My primary driving force was to drive cross sectoral partnership and collaboration to deliver real world results, which maintain relevance on a local, state, national and international scale. I fell in love with the UN mantra “We the Peoples”, which aims to empower the individual to utilise their unique voice and skill set in order to enact change within their community.
What are valuable lessons you have learned along the way in a high-profile organisation?
I’ve learned that when the day is done, it must be known that we the peoples ferociously strived to be better to ourselves, to each other and to our world.
Having faith in people is key to seeing the best in them.
Is there any advice you would like to offer anyone else who may be interested to pursue the same path?
Absolutely. Get educated about topics that matter to you. Volunteer. Take opportunities that relate to your interests and passions.
What motivates you to be a change-maker – especially during these challenging times?
I feel that we as a nation are extremely lucky. The pandemic has catalysed me to work even harder on issues relating to social justice and environmental sustainability, only because so many people don’t have that luxury right now.
Who is your inspiration and why?
Dr Martin Luther King Jnr. He maintained a persistent and unwavering voice of change.
What are the main challenges in your journey with UNAA that stands out and how do you find the motivation to reach a solution that may also inspire others?
Issues include:
Overcoming misinformation about items relating to science
As a Non-for-Profit Organisation, maintaining consistent funding has been a real challenge
I just lean into the fact that I am surrounded by incredible volunteers who will, at the end of the day, do what needs to be done to keep the mandate of the UNAA alive and healthy.
What are your personal goals within the UNAA?
Three goals:
Grow and Expand the organisation
Have people more aware of the works of the UN
Foster a sense of Global Citizenship within the NSW community
What is your favourite pastime when you aren’t working?
I enjoy singing and producing musical videos!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-karras-9ba9385a/
