Colombia Countdown | One Young World Conference
Hear from Sinead Fox-Hamilton, Young Chartered Star 2017 who is in preparation for her trip to Colombia next week 4 – 7 October.
It’s hard to believe that in just a matter of days I will be taking to the skies and heading for the 2017 One Young World Summit in Bogotá, Colombia representing Chartered Accountants Ireland as part of the Chartered Accountants Worldwide delegation.
I entered the Chartered Accountants Ireland Young Chartered Star open competition back in July, which was offering a once in a lifetime opportunity, being a place at the One Young World Summit in Colombia, and was delighted to hear the fantastic news in August that I had won and was selected to attend. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of excitement and of course practical organisation in the build up to my departure on 1 October.
There is so much to look forward to as my research and all the information provided to date suggests that the One Young World experience is one like no other. This preeminent global forum has been an annual occurrence since 2010 and it gathers together over 1200 young people from more than 190 countries, empowering them to make lasting connections to create positive change. At the Summit delegate’s debate, formulate and share innovative solutions for pressing issues the world faces. Previous Summits have been held in London, Zurich, Pittsburgh, Johannesburg, Dublin, Bangkok and Ottawa. They are ground-breaking events that offer decision makers a powerful insight into critical global issues and emerging trends affecting younger generations.
At past Summits delegates have enjoyed hearing from impressive speaker line-ups that have included Justin Trudeau, Emma Watson, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Sir Richard Branson, Meghan Markle, Jamie Oliver, Jack Dorsey and Mary Robinson to name but a few. This year’s speaker listing does not disappoint by comparison and examples include Kofi Annan, Sir Bob Geldof, Professor Muhammad Yunus, Paul Polman, AnnaLynne McCord, Doutzen Kroes, Tinie Tempah and fellow Chartered Accountant Ronan Dunne (EVP and Group President at Verizon Wireless). The calibre and quality of the speakers is exceptional and it will be a real privilege to have the chance to listen to their inspirational presentations over the course of the Summit.
Outside the formal agenda I will also have the chance to meet and get to know the other Chartered Accountants Worldwide delegates attending which I am very much looking forward to. It will be exciting to have the chance to connect with my fellow like-minded professionals as we should be able to have some really interesting conversation around how we as Accountants can help contribute to positive change. Having the involvement of representatives from various origins and cultures will ensure discussions embrace diversity and address points from a global perspective. It will be good to return home and share the learnings and ideas from these brainstorm sessions.
In addition to all the actual Summit activity the chance to visit Bogotá, the Colombian capital, is something that I am very much excited by having never previously visited South America. Bogotá has been quoted as being one of the fastest developing and emerging cities and it offers visitors the chance to experience a rich and vibrant multicultural metropolitan steeped in history. I am led to believe the Summit opening and closing ceremonies are a spectacle and are reflective of the host regions culture and heritage so these experiences will no doubt be a highlight of the trip.
As my final countdown to Colombia begins, my anticipation for the big trip ahead mounts all the more. It is an absolute honour to have the chance to attend this year’s Summit as the Chartered Accountants Ireland representative and I will certainly endeavour to be an excellent ambassador for our profession and brand.
Follow Sinead on Twitter at @sfoxhamilton to keep up to date on her adventures at One Young World.
