Being part of the U21 Global Citizens program felt like opening a window to the world. I could see and connect with people from across the globe, each bringing their own stories, struggles, and solutions to the same shared challenges. It made me realize that the issues we face, related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as hunger, climate change, and inequality, are deeply interconnected, and that we each have a role in creating solutions that go beyond borders. 

Through this program, I gained the opportunity to connect with passionate students worldwide, each bringing unique perspectives on how to achieve the SDGs. My favorite aspect was the breakout room discussions, where we could openly share experiences and brainstorm actionable solutions for the SDGs we care about. I focused on SDG 2: Zero Hunger, which resonates with me as an agronomy student committed to improving food systems and promoting sustainable agriculture. These sessions were more than just discussions but felt like collaborative spaces where ideas became real possibilities, shaped by different backgrounds and experiences. 

The program taught me the importance of open-mindedness, collaboration, and leadership to “be a leader and speak as yourself.” I learned how vital it is to engage youth to take a role in solving future problems, especially in agriculture, addressing food distribution inequalities, and adapting to climate challenges with resilient solutions.”

What I didn’t expect was how personal this journey would feel. This program connected me with like-minded peers who have now become connections. I even got a bestie here for sharing the same passion for change. Being a global citizen means acting locally while thinking globally, and this program gave me both the tools and the community to do just that.