Alumnus Tommy Blomvliet is a candidate to go to the United Nations as a youth representative on behalf of the Netherlands. He graduated last year from the master's programme International Public Administration: Governance and Management in the Public Sector. We asked him about his motivation: 'What we need now is major systemic change on an international scale.' You can vote for Tommy until 12 October.
Why do you want to go to the United Nations?
'Climate change is the big challenge of our generation and we can only solve it together. In a physical and intergenerational way. In fact, we can only really tackle the climate crisis if we do so on a global scale.
We can try our best here in the Netherlands to strive for a sustainable society - although there is no real pace in that either - but if big polluters like China, the United States and Brazil don't start making things sustainable soon, our action will be in vain.
'It is essential that the voice of young people is heard at the United Nations'
Tommy Blomvliet
At the same time, sustainable plans are only truly sustainable if they are made for the long term. In my view, that means that the people who are going to implement these plans and experience their effects must also have a voice in making these plans. And that is our generation. That is why it is essential that the voice of young people is heard at the United Nations.'
How do you incorporate Erasmian values when you are elected as a youth representative?
'During my master's degree in International Public Administration: Governance and Management in the Public Sector, I was greatly inspired by democratic innovations and citizen participation. Here, I learned that if all citizens are included in political processes in different ways, even the most seemingly controversial choices can gain a lot of support.
This is exactly what we need now: major systemic change on an international scale. We simply have to learn to live differently with our earth, but we have to support and all contribute to this as humanity. Precisely those Erasmian values that advocate an open and innovative attitude to inclusively make the world a better place are perfectly in line with my mission. The words on the Theil Building: "Creating positive societal impact", have inspired from my first visit to Woudestein campus.
How can we help you get elected?
'The week of 5 October 09:00 to 12 October 15:30 is campaign week and ballot boxes are open. Voting can be done through Tommy Blomvliet | NJR. In addition, on 12 October there is the grand finale in Amsterdam, at the Tolhuistuin. I will give a final speech there between 12:30 and 13:30 hours, which will also be judged by a professional jury consisting of employees from various ministries and will also count towards the result. The results will follow around 17:00 hours.
By the way, the final is during the event Je bent Jong en Je Wilt Wat, organised by the National Youth Council. Admission is free and there are an awful lot of different cool speakers and workshops, very interesting to mention as well I think.'
- More information
You can vote for the new United Nations youth representative until Saturday, 12 October 15:30. Give Tommy your vote via this link.
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