Nassau, Bahamas - The Friendship Ambassador Foundation in conjunction with the
United Nations has invited promising young activist Jasper Ward to the 20th
session of the Youth Assembly at the United Nations (U.N.)
The Youth
Assembly at the United Nations is a unique platform for fostering dialogue and
generating partnerships between exceptional youth, civil society, the private
sector, and the United Nations.
Joseph
Darville, VP of Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA), said it’s
“remarkable” to see “young, passionate activists” like Jasper being recognized
by international organizations for their advocacy in The Bahamas.
“We could
not be more proud of Jasper,” Darville said.
“She is a
talented, determined and hardworking individual who is quickly developing into
a top notch advocate for human rights.”
Earlier
this year, Jasper represented GBHRA at the Amnesty International USA’s 52nd
Annual General Meeting where she networked with other activists from around the
world and expressed the need for gender equality in The Bahamas.
Since
joining GBHRA, she has been promoted twice. First to the position of the
organization’s social media coordinator, then to the position of assistant
secretary general where she oversees membership as well as social media and
community initiatives in New Providence.
Jasper, a
soon-to-be graduate of the University of The Bahamas, said that she was
“shocked” when she received the invitation.
“As an
advocate, it can be a bit discouraging sometimes in The Bahamas,” she said.
“So,
receiving that invitation to join other youth from around the world to discuss
advocacy and policies at the U.N. was just breathtaking. I already to know that
my work is crucial to the lives of many, but it still feels nice to recognized
for it.”
Darville
added: “Our organization has been fighting for equality and human rights for
over thirty years, and for most that time it was only three or four of us. Now,
we’re getting older. So, it’s wonderful to see young individuals like Jasper
joining the ranks of the organization and making a lasting local and global
impact in the field of human rights and advocacy.”
The
session is scheduled for August 9-12, 2017 in New York City.
