“You are never too young to lead and you should never doubt your capacity to triumph where others have not.” This quote by former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan frames what I feel about volunteering.
My name is Cecilia Omole and I am from Canada. I am an Online Volunteer. This is my story.
My interest in the United Nations began while I was still in high school student. I was part of Model UN, an educational model of the UN where students learn about diplomacy and international relations.
I started my volunteer journey as an Online Volunteer through the United Nations Volunteers in November 2023 with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bureau for Policy and Programme Support and the Sustainable Development Goals Integration Team.
The purpose of the Online Volunteer assignment was to develop a high-quality, human-labeled dataset to support the multi-purpose artificial intelligence applications at UNDP. I helped label texts related to the goals and aspirations of the African Union's Agenda 2063 by using a qualitative software called Doccano. A web-based tool that allows users to create labeled data for processing tasks.
I also reviewed materials such as policy papers and snippets from projects and goals outlined in the African Union's Agenda 2063.
Agenda 2063 is Africa’s blueprint and strategic framework for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse of the future. As I speak both English and French, I was part of the cohort reviewing materials in French as well.
Remaining curious and ‘betting on yourself’ are common approaches that I’ve used throughout my studies and in my career. It’s important to be open to new opportunities even if you think you might not have a chance at getting it because you never know which doors will open for you.
By day, I am a manager in a public policy role. I hold a master’s degree in public and international affairs, and have several years of experience working at various levels of the Canadian Government.
For me, it was very important to volunteer with the UN because every project contributes to a larger goal – whether it is a project that is online like mine or one that is on the ground and embedded within a community. It’s going to have an impact.
Change is incremental and doesn’t happen overnight. The contribution you make is valued and has an impact on the lives of many.
I believe in the role youth play and the space they have. As Kofi Annan said, "You are never too young to lead and you should never doubt your capacity to triumph where others have not.” I know my volunteering has impacted a larger goal – sustainability and development.
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There were more than 14,000 posted requests for Online Volunteers by the United Nations system, Member States and the civil society. To find out how to become an Online Volunteer and help tackle today’s sustainable development challenges – from any device, anywhere in the world, please click here.
Cecilia Omole moderated and was part of a UNV webinar titled, 'Voices of Impact: Online Volunteers' journey to success.' Please watch the video below.