PASSION FOR CHANGE

Felipe Queipo, a Communications Officer at the United Nations Department of Global Communications in New York, commanded the stage. His presence seemed to set the room ablaze with purpose as he embarked on a discourse centred around “The World Needs You.”

Felipe’s journey to this point was far from ordinary. Once a college singer, he serenaded his way through life until the United Nations captured his heart. “I joined the UN, and I fell in love with what I do, and I think I have the best job in the world,” he confided, his eyes reflecting the passion that fuelled his every word. “Fifteen years later, I am the happiest UN officer that you can find. I love what I do. I work with NGOs, and there’s nothing greater than seeing change in the world.”

But Felipe’s path to the UN was no walk in the park. Initially rejected for an internship, he refused to accept defeat. He called the recruiter, convincing her that he was a gamble worth taking.

His fervour extended to his role and to the UN itself, an institution he believed was often misunderstood and vilified. His mission was to uncover the UN’s essence while distinguishing its capabilities and limitations.

Diving into the UN’s illustrious history, he reminded us of its birth in 1945, from World War II’s ashes. “Seventy-seven years later, the UN remains a hope for humanity. The UN has convening power. We can bring people together. But we are not perfect, and we have many challenges,” he shared.

Today, the UN confronts not only geopolitical conundrums but ideological ones as well. Felipe posed a thoughtprovoking question: “How do you fight ideas?” The UN’s approach, as he elucidated, rests upon three pillars – quality education, effective communication, and diplomatic finesse – with youth at their very core.

He delved further, laying bare our responsibility for resource mismanagement, global inequalities, and environmental destruction. “We are not owners of this planet; we are stewards, responsible for it and the people. Our engagement with youth is fundamental because you see things from a different perspective.” Felipe’s narrative resonated deeply with his message. Emerging from a modest background, he imbibed a crucial lesson from his parents: that abundance is best shared. “Find happiness in what you do, but ensure that service is at the core of what you do, that you do it for others. Because when you build societies by serving others, you’re not only growing yourself while becoming a better person. You will probably become the best version of yourself that you can become by putting yourself in the service of others,” he fervently declared.

Acknowledging the world’s clamour for youthful passion, Felipe also extolled the wisdom of older generations who tirelessly paved the way for their voices to be heard. “The most successful communicator is the one that listens the most,” he insisted. Drawing from his journey, he implored young minds to extend patience and empathy to older generations, respecting the battles they waged to secure their rightful place.

In closing, Felipe Queipo’s speech resounded as a poignant reminder that everyone, regardless of age or background, is indispensable in the collective quest for a better world.