#COP21Series: My Interview with His Excellency Stephane Gompertz

His Excellency Stéphane Gompertz inspecting a guard of honour

My first guest on #COP21SERIES is His Excellency Ambassador Stéphane Gompertz. An accomplished diplomat, a Climate veteran and an astute negotiator who has seen it all. He has attended 10 out of 21 COPs. He joins me from Paris France as he shares his experience with Climate mobilization and negotiations. He has just finished final Bonn climate change negotiations and he assures me how the France-the COP Presidency will deliver a successful and historic 21st Century climate deal.

Through the interview, he gives promising revelations that gives us hope that war on Climate change is not yet lost. His trips across Africa and Middle East speak of a man who wants the world leaders to act on Climate change with utmost swiftness before everything gets out of hand. I believe you will find this interview very interesting.

#UN70: My Stroll with Elyx, United Nations Digital Ambassador

Elyx is the United Nations’ first digital ambassador, and its job description is, One, to smile; two, to carry the message of the UN around the world; and three, to smile again (Lol)

As we celebrate United Nations Day, today October 24th, I take a stroll with the brain behind this wonderful project, Elyx, to discuss animation as a force for good and Elyx’ journey around the world carrying out his duty as digital ambassador.

Watch out! Elyx might be visiting your city soon!!! Here’s my stroll with Yak and Elyx.

Global Dignity Day 2015: My Stroll with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway

Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, is the heir apparent to the Throne of Norway. In 2003 he was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with a particular focus on the UN Millennium Development Goals and the effort to cut global poverty in half by 2015. As Goodwill Ambassador he travelled to Haiti, Nepal, Tanzania, Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Guatemala, Burundi, Mongolia and Botswana.

A former member of the World Economic Forum’s group, Young Global Leaders (YGL), Crown Prince Haakon in 2006 alongside two other YGLs, Pekka Himanen and John Hope Bryant, founded the Global Dignity initiative, an independent, non-political organization that promotes the universal right of every human being to lead a dignified life.

In course of this stroll we looked back at the MDGs and projected into the future with the SDGs juxtaposing them with the need for each and every one of us to live dignified lives as we all work towards the betterment of this place we call home, earth.

You can click here to listen or download our full conversation on #TheStrollPodcast or read a summarized transcript below:

OPPORTUNITY: Internship for Writers Resident in Port Harcourt

Do you love writing?

Are you resident in Port Harcourt, Nigeria?

Lunaris Review Calls for Submissions

Lunaris Review , a Journal of Art and the Literary, is an online quarterly Journal based in Nigeria with the ultimate goal of bringing together creative minds to a common platform of artistry and beauty while providing the audience a satisfying read. The journal features fiction (flash fiction and short story), creative nonfiction, essays, poetry, artworks and photography by established and emerging writers and artistes all over the world.

OPPORTUNITY: Voices of Youth Blogging Internship [Deadline: Oct 30]

Are you between the ages of 14 and 24? 

Do you care about social, cultural, political and economic issues?

Are you interested in improving your blogging and digital media skills?

This is your chance to apply for a 3 months blogging internship with Voices of Youth - UNICEF's vibrant online youth community.

We are looking for 10-15 young people from across the world - fluent in English - who will blog at least once a week and participate in online discussions on the platform.

During the internship you will receive regular feedback on your writing, get access to tips&tricks on how to write a good blog post and exchange ideas with other blogging interns. At the end of the internship you will have improved your blogging skills, gained new insights into global development issues and been connected to a network of international young bloggers.

#WorldsLargestLesson: My Stroll with Sir Ken Robinson

I have been trying to interview Sir Ken Robinson for the past 3 years, and I wouldn’t have been worried if I had to wait a lifetime to eventually do a stroll with him because he’s just incredible. And many thanks to the guys at Project Everyone for making this happen. 

Just in case you’re from a rock somewhere in Mars, and you’re asking who’s this Ken Robinson anyway (because only someone from Mars will ask that, Lol).Well, Sir Ken Robinson is an internationally recognized leader in the development of creativity, innovation and human resources in education and in business. The videos of his famous 2006 and 2010 talks to the prestigious TED Conference have been viewed more than 25 million times and seen by an estimated 250 million people in over 150 countries. His 2006 talk is the most viewed in TED’s history.

Ken was diagnosed with polio at age 4, but he defied all odds to find his own element which has distinguished him in his field and made him internationally relevant and highly sought after. He works with governments and educations systems in Europe, Asia and the USA; with international agencies, Fortune 500 companies and some of the world’s leading cultural organizations.

In course of this stroll, we discuss how he wrote the script for the World’s Largest Lesson which will teach kids and teens all over the world about the SDGs and the part they can play, as well as his recent book “Creative Schools: The Grassroots Revolution that's Transforming Education"

What more can I say? Enjoy this inciting conversation with Ken. You can either choose to download it on the stroll podcast or read the summarized transcript below.

PURPLE STORIES: World Mental Health Day 2015

In September 2014, Carol Todd, mother of late Amanda Todd, wrote a guest post for World Suicide Prevention Day. In that post, which was edited by Mary Ajayi, Carol said, "It is time to continue talking more openly about mental health and suicide. It will not go away on its own...."

#PurpleStories is a product of that advice. 

OPPORTUNITY: Do You Know a Nigerian Star? Enter Konnect Africa's Online Writing Competition! [Deadline: Oct 21st]

Is there any person that makes you burst with pride at being Nigerian? Who do you know that is selfless, passionate, purposeful and patriotic?

There are Nigerians with Green and White blood flowing through their veins who are making a difference,unsung heroes across the length and breadth of Nigeria, and it is imperative that we AWAKEN the SPIRIT of PATRIOTISM in the hearts of NIGERIANS everywhere as we celebrate our 55th Anniversary… And in addition, INSPIRE and ENCOURAGE the next generation of African Writers.

THE TEACHER IN US

By Tim Nwaobilo

Growing up there was this popular saying: A teacher's reward is in heaven. I wonder who doesn't expect a reward in heaven, at least if one gets there. It's been a while I heard such unfair and unrewarding sentence, but has the rarity of such biased statements proved that teachers now have a better fair? 

Well, that is left to be seen. Have they started gaining their rewards right here on earth like most other professionals? My mother was a teacher while I was a kid and I saw the amount of dedication she put into her job. 

There were some characters she necessarily had to develop/use if she was going to be an effective teacher. Briefly, I'll highlight some fundamental traits I think every good teacher possesses. 

GREEN UP NIGERIA

By ThankGod Okorisha

After carefully making my research about the colour Green, I write this article with conviction that my country Nigeria is blessed. One of the colours of the Nigerian flag is Green, you will agree with me after reading this article that Nigeria as a nation is blessed to have Green as one of its national colours. Listen, Read and Watch as Colour Green takes you into his world and tells you why he is the best colour amongst other colours.

FREE e-BOOK: "Smart Photography with your Smart Phone" by Tony Cece

In today’s mobile society, we are shooting pictures and videos almost on a daily basis. These powerful little devices in our pockets, purses and man-bags allow us to instantly access, create and distribute media to our friends, family and the world! 

Filled only with smartphone photos, this book will teach you simple ways to take better photographs. You can harness the power of these techniques to make great pictures and tell visual stories. Smartphone. Smart Photography.

FROM CHIBOK TO WASHINGTON: How One Man is Fighting Terrorism with his Good Deeds

One of the orphans being welcomed to America by one of the Chibok girls and Emmanuel and family last weekend.

By Ebenezar Wikina

Just like every viral news story that has come before it, #BringBackOurGirls seems to be far from media attention over one year after this hashtag got the world talking. However, it is important to note that the negative effect of terrorist activity in Nigeria's North-East is far from  over, as orphans, IDPs, Widows, widowers are all trying to gather the pieces of their lives back together.

I recently stumbled upon a Facebook post by a man named Emmanuel Ogebe, and in that post he described how he has been able to help a dozen of girls from Chibok, some of who have been made orphans, no thanks to the stupid action of merciless terrorists in Borno state, Nigeria.

I couldn't help but beg for his permission to reblog this post to inspire each and every one of us to strive to do something that will touch the lives of those around us who are in need. 

Hear Mr Ogebe:

OPPORTUNITY: WCF's Sports Journalism Programme for Students [Deadline: Oct 20]

Student journalists from around the world can apply for the program.

The World Curling Federation (WCF) is accepting applications for its sports media trainee program. Eight students will be selected to be immersed in the journalism, photography and TV production departments of the 2015-2016 curling championships.

OPPORTUNITY: New Media Writing Prize 2015 [Deadline: 27th Nov, 11th Dec]

The New Media Writing Prize showcases exciting and inventive stories that integrate a variety of formats, platforms, and digital media. This international prize is now in its 6th year.

The prize encourages and promotes the best in new media writing and is leading the way toward the future of the ‘written’ word and storytelling. In the past five years, the NMWP has attracted entries from the very best and most innovative writers in the field.

#UN70: My Stroll with Noella Richard, UNDP Youth Policy Specialist and Co-chair of the UN Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development

Noëlla Richard leads UNDP’s global work on Youth in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support in New York, in charge of the coordination of UNDP’s work on Youth, and the co-chair of the United Nations Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development for 2015-2016.

She previously served in UNDP’s Democratic Governance Group as Special Assistant to the Director, and as Democratic Governance Specialist, co-leading UNDP’s Global initiative on Gender Equality in Public Administration.

Prior to UNDP Headquarters, Ms. Richard worked for the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations, UNESCO, the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, the French Ministry of Finance, the Paris Economic Council for Sustainable Development and UNDP Country Office in Morocco.

Ms. Richard was educated in France, Morocco, Spain and Argentina. She graduated from the Institut d’Études Politiques ‘Sciences Po’ in Paris and holds a second Master’s degree in Development, International Cooperation and Humanitarian Action from Sorbonne University.

Noella joins me from New York, and we discussed the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, the #SDGs, and much more. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

You can either chose to listen or download this interview on #TheStrollPodcast, or read transcript below

United Nations General Assembly 2015: Brief Programme Guide and How to get involved via Social Media.

Interested in what is going down this week in New York at the United Nations General Assembly? Not too worry, we have put together a small guide on what will be going down and how you can participate virtually.

First, here’s a brief programme run down:

#YALI2015: My Stroll with Nkem Azinge

“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves” ~ James Matthew Barrie

I feel so much peace after completing this stroll because, I didn’t want to break the “twin code”—if there’s anything like that—by strolling with Nkechi Azinge but not strolling with her twin sister, Nkem. Besides that, Nkem’s story just like Nkechi’s, is very inspiring and it’s just fascinating to see how both of them, with two different personalities, complement each other so well, and are soaring at the very peak; inspiring other young Africans to reach for their potential and shine.

Nkem is a 2015 Mandela Washington fellow, and being the major inspiration behind the establishment of the Sickle Cell Aid Foundation (SCAF), she has worked with her sister, family and friends to raise the awareness of sickle cell in Nigeria. 

In course of this stroll we discuss how she was able to conquer sickle cell, her experience at the 2015 Mandela-Washington Fellowship, the strides of SCAF, and much more. You can either choose to read this summarized transcript, or download the full interview on The Stroll Podcast.

[Report] MUN-VoN Commemorates International Day of Peace 2015

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. This day offers an opportunity to pause, reflect and consider how best to break the vicious cycle of violence that conflict creates.

As a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples, Model United Nations Volunteers Network(MUN-VoN) commemorated the 2015 International Day of Peace with a Peace Education and Capacity Building Outreach with Secondary School Students in the City of Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria.

OPPORTUNITY: What Africa do You See?

"The Africa I see" seeks to share Africa and the good happening around us and what we want to do to make it better. A positive outlook. This it does through pictures and people stories. Contributors can share a picture and the story to it.