The youth co-organisers

Alina

I am Alina Opanasenko from Kiev, Ukraine. Currently, I am studying Foreign Policy and Diplomacy at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine. Earlier in 2011, I was motivated to participate in the OECD’s 50th Anniversary Video Competition because I wanted world leaders to see what perception of ‘progress’ young people have today, and I wanted to encourage my peers to be active as well, because every story matters and as someone said, “Even if you are not on top, you are still in the game”. Politicians, diplomats, private sector investors and NGO leaders do try their best - but we can all do much more. In my experience, when co-operation exists it enables things to happen that otherwise would not be possible. This is why we have launched the OECD’s 2012 Youth Competition. So let's start brainstorming and let's start asking ourselves how we can help, how we can inspire!

Desireé

Hola a todos! I’m Desireé Quinteros, a 24 year old Peruvian with a Bachelor in Economics and a great belief in youth-changemaking. I recently started as a junior consultant at the OECD in Paris, working on improvement of public governance in the Latin America region. But, I’m also an entrepreneur: I co-founded a social-business in Lima, Peru that uses its profits to finance medical treatment for poor children. I believe in youth power to deliver positive change, so that's why I am part of this Global Youth Competition, as well as to help young people think globally about some of the most important topics for us today. What can we do to bring about social change that is fair, equitable and sustainable? It’s time to answer questions like this, and to let the world know what youth have to say. So let's take action and get involved! Read my blog article on Education Today!

Hew

Hey, my name is Hew Sandison. I'm a 19 year old film student from Canberra, Australia. Ever since high school I've been involved in philanthropic projects that aim to educate young people about the world around us and the contributions that we can make to improve the well-being of our fellow citizens. As a young person, I feel that society sometimes undermines our contribution, so that's why I'm working hard with my friends here and with the OECD to offer you a chance to make your voice not only heard, but considered. Like everyone involved in this competition, I know that today's youth will need to work together to solve the problems of the coming years, and I believe that it is never too early for us young people to get stuck into the most pressing issues. So let's relish in this opportunity to do something awesome for the world!

Javier

Hi, I am Javier Elias. I am 25 years old, from Lima, Peru and won first place in the OECD's 50th Anniversary Video Competition. I have a Ba in Communication Studies and I am very passionate about expressing my ideas in order to make positive changes. The 2011 video competition was the perfect opportunity to achieve this. Winning it meant the opportunity to attend the 50th Anniversary OECD Forum in May, 2011 and to see how political leaders, as well as representatives from business and civil society, come together to discuss ideas and solutions to create better policies for the world’s future; it really changed my life in the best way and convinced me that young people such as us need to participate too. We want to be heard and this is our chance. Participate in this new OECD Youth Competition and help make this a better world for all of us.

Stephanie

I'm Stephanie Villadiego. I'm 22 years old and from Bogotá, Colombia. I studied Political Science and currently work at a major Telecommunications Company in my country, in charge of analyzing and addressing the impact of the company's operations on Human Rights. I'm involved in this Competition because I'm fully convinced that us, young people, can do more than we think we can, and that what we lack are not the means but the conviction and commitment needed to fight for a cause. The world's sustainability must be our ultimate goal, but as it might sound too ambitious, I invite you all to take the first step, engage in this competition, and show the world what youth can do.

Vidhya

Hello! I am Vidhya Priyadarshini. R, a 21 year old engineering student at Sona College of Technology, Anna University in Salem, India. The challenge and opportunity, as well as the OECD's motivation to listen to youth on global issues, was what drew me to the previous OECD Video Competition (where I won a 'special mention' award). Youth is traditionally characterised by a fresh, fearless, positive and highly energetic approach that can help us to achieve our goals in life. That’s the reason why around the world we are saying ‘Youth Can!’ By nurturing and channeling this enthusiasm, young people can build a better future with better policies. The OECD provides a platform for showcasing your ideas to the world. Now pool your thoughts into a video and let your idea be the reason for the world to smile tomorrow!

Watch the videos we made that won the OECD's 50th Anniversary Video Competition!