In 2023, I was given the opportunity to serve in a new role as a Leo as one of two brand new Leo representatives to the United Nations. Within this program, I was appointed to serve as representative to the World Food Programme (WFP) alongside Leo Ishaan Sudan from India, who is a representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Our journey as new representatives began with learning more about Lions International’s history with the United Nations, and WFP and UNEP specifically. Once we became familiar with our roles, we began to break down our objectives into three key areas: raising awareness, taking action and policy advocacy. These are things that Leos everywhere can take back to their clubs and become advocates in their communities.
Over the last year and a half since we took on these roles, Leo Ishaan and I have reflected on the incredible opportunity to serve as the first-ever Leo representatives to the United Nations. We asked ourselves what we’ve learned from this experience so far, and how Leos around the world can learn more about the United Nations to increase their service impact.
A New Beginning: Embracing a Dynamic and Evolving Role
What was the experience like taking on this new role as a Leo?
Leo Ishaan: “When we first learned that we had been appointed as the Leo representatives to the United Nations, we were filled with excitement. But, if we’re being honest, we had no idea what this role would entail. This is the very first year for the Leo representatives to the United Nations program, making our roles dynamic and ever evolving. The responsibility of representing young people in global decision-making processes is both inspiring and challenging, and it’s a role that continues to grow.”
Leo İncisu: “The role of Leo representatives to the United Nations is an exciting and transformative experience. It’s a chance for young people to have a seat at the table, shape global policies and contribute solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. We’re proud to serve in this capacity and look forward to seeing even more Leos step up and get involved in making a difference.”
Raising Awareness: Amplifying the U.N.’s Global Goals
Our first goal as Leo representatives was to raise awareness about the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and official U.N. International Days. The SDGs are aligned with Lions International’s global causes and we believe it is crucial to engage the Leo community in understanding and supporting them.
How did you raise awareness of the United Nations with Leos around the world?
Leo İncisu: “We knew that creating awareness couldn’t be limited to traditional, offline methods, so we turned to our Leo club program’s social media platforms. This allowed us to amplify our reach and engage with young people around the world. On platforms like our Leo Facebook page, we’ve shared information about events such as Lions Day with the United Nations and posted blogs, articles and social media updates to help the Leo community understand the SDGs and the importance of working toward them.”
Taking Action: Collaborating with the U.N. for Change
In addition to raising awareness, we have been able to take direct action in partnership with the United Nations.
How did you work with the United Nations to support Leos’ service projects?
Leo Ishaan: “One of the highlights of my year as Leo representative was a collaborative project with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) focused on air pollution. We worked with the UNDP team to better understand the issue of air pollution in India, with particular attention to SDG Targets 3.2 and 3.3, which address environmental health and well-being.
We also initiated large-scale service activities with Leos, such as organizing a collaborative service activity with Leos from Türkiye and India in honor of International Forest Day and an international service activity for World Environment Day completed by Leo clubs from 25 different countries.”
Leo İncisu Dönmez Alkan and Leo Ishaan Sudan presenting at Lions Day with the United Nations (LDUN) Vienna in March 2024.
Policy Advocacy: Amplifying Youth Voices in Global Decision Making
How did you amplify youth voices in global decision making?
Leo Ishaan: “Through my work with UNEP’s Children and Youth Major Group, I’ve had the privilege of participating in several policy-related workshops and forums organized by the U.N. These have included events such as the Regional Youth Forum for SDGs and the Youth Environment Assembly.”
Leo İncisu: “Our aim is to involve even more Leos in this process. By participating in these policy-making initiatives, Leos can help shape the future and ensure that sustainability, climate action and social equity are at the forefront of global discussions.”
A Call to Action for Leos Around the World
Finally, I want to leave Leos with one last thought. Our service does not have to be a large-scale project. It can begin with small, localized actions that align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Whether through community-based initiatives or supporting global U.N. service activities, every action, no matter how small or big, contributes to a better future for all.
Learn more about advocacy at Lions International and how you can get involved. Visit the Advocacy Toolkit to learn more.
İncisu Dönmez Alkan is a former Leo advisory panelist and president of the Istanbul Zeytinburnu Leo club. She is based in Berlin and is a Turkish certified lawyer.
Ishaan Sudan began his journey with Leos when he founded the Delhi University Leo club in 2018. He is a former multi-district president of District 321 where he championed the slogan “Youth for Sustainable Development.”
