I say ACCOUNTABILITY you say ADVOCATES

#TEAMUK (from left) Nazzy Amin, Keya Khandaker and Raf Galdeano (me)

Before getting into the real meat of today's blog post, I wanted to say a little hello from team UK as I realised my first post didn't really do that. We are an eclectic trio, all from different backgrounds and places in the UK. 

In their own words, Nazzy and Keya wanted to introduce themselves, as well as Dan (our fantastic mentor)


Dan:
Hi My name is Dan, I’m a mentor to 3 Advocacy Advocates in the UK.
'I’ve recently returned to the UK from Myanmar (Burma), where I was managing a youth training centre and activism hub for ActionAid. I had the chance to work with youth activists from Burma and across South East Asia, supporting them to engage with democratic reform processes and develop effective rights-based campaigns. Prior to that, I worked for the UK government for 6 years, conducting policy research and influencing policies on topic such as migration, youth violent crime, and local governance.  I enjoy living and working  overseas, travel photography and playing guitar, though my 1-year old daughter takes up much of my free time now!'




Keya: 

Hi my name is Keya Khandaker and I am from the UK and, currently studying International Development BA at Sussex University. From 2010, I have been a member of Plan UK’s Youth Advisory Panel, where I have been able to evaluate the child­centred community development agenda as to challenge any tokenism behind youth engagement. In both an advisory and ambassadorial role, I have seen (and been apart of) the crucial participation and partnership of young people in youth­centered development. In 2014 I took part in the UK Government’s International Citizen Service scheme wherein I undertook a work placement in Bolivia, developing and facilitating microfinance education for young children and their parents. Owing to both my studies and experience in International Development, I am committed to understanding the ways in which we can end the mechanisms that perpetuate poverty and bring about justice for the most marginalised people.


Nazzy: 
My name is Nazzy Amin and I currently work for a charity that helps women who have gone through domestic violence. Whilst being a member of the UK Youth Climate Coalition, The Patchwork Foundation and The National Alliance of Women’s Organisations. My Journey in to International development started when volunteering in a village in Nepal and made me realise this is the sector I want to delve into and from then on I have been an active volunteer in the field. I have campaigned on issues like Gender Inequality and Climate Change; lobbied decision makers and have attended international conferences. I am excited about the Accountability Advocate role and all the opportunities it will bring. I am especially excited to work with young people from across the globe to make sure we hold our governments accountable when the Sustainable Development Goals are being implemented and amplify more youth voices.

Anyway, back to business. I've had a bit of a bad week, life-wise; the combination of packing for university and generally being a capable adult is actually really hard (who knew?). HOWEVER, some pretty exciting (and awful) things have happened. In case you didn't know, or didn't care previously, here is my comprehensive guide to the 

NEWS OF THE WEEK 

1. The Conservative Party annual Conference is now in full swing, and will be until Wednesday. This at first doesn't sound interesting, because who actually cares about the Conservatives? Well actually, because the Conservatives are the ones setting the agenda for the next four years, it becomes extremely important. For example, Jeremy Hunt's defence of the Tax Cuts due to hit the poorest in society. A party conference doesn't sound like it would mean much to non-party members, but actually they act as a platform to strengthen policy, a chance to take Labour voters feeling unrepresented by Corbyn and for, obviously, boosting the image of a party.

2. The US government  has bombed a hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan. This news has shocked me, personally to the core, and has resulted in MSF to withdraw from the hospital. Whatever way you try to spin this, it breaks international law. A leading US commander has claimed 'it was an accident'. Honestly, I don't have words. Give the linked articles a read, come to your own conclusions.

3. On a happier note, Nottingham City Council has announced that all schools in the local area must all include education on porn, forced marriage and FGM. Which is pretty damn exciting, if you ask me. Education in schools about safe relationships, forced marriage and about FGM is where attitudes and stigmas change. If schools can educate pupils, essentially the stakeholders and decision-makers of the future, on these sort of controversial but important topics, then that is a step in the right direction to a world without violence against women.

One last thing before I go, 

THE SDGs HAVE FINALLY BEEN LAUNCHED 

I watched with admiration and jealously on the internet as they were launched, with full knowledge that my friends Wilber and Derick were in New York, in the thick of things. There were lights,pomp and circumstance and celebrity; coupled with an unspoken anxiety that unless governmental commitments are fully actualised, little will change. As The Guardian's Liz Ford writes 'beyond the fanfare there was a quieter recognition that without adequate 
financing, strong data collection and the political will to implement the goals, 2030 will not deliver the transformative agenda desired.' 

I live in hope that there is adequate financing, that data collection is possible, and that political will does not wane. In a way, it is a part of my job as an Accountability Advocate to ensure that these things happen. Without grassroots organisations and every day citizens making sure that the SDGs don't fade from view, it would undoubtedly be easier for governments to ignore the SDGs entirely.

Thanks for reading, I hope to not be so long between now and the next time I write a post. As always, PLEASE PLEASE leave  comments or improvements, I really do appreciate them. :) 

Lots of love, Raf