This is a candidate statement for the position of UNA-UK Trustee. Please note that this profile has not been edited for factual accuracy or language, and that UNA-UK does not accept responsibility for any mis-statements of fact.
My name is Tahmid Chowdhury. I am a 23-year-old British Bangladeshi citizen currently interning in the UK Government, having previously been a trainee at the European Commission. I have lived in the UK, Bangladesh, France and Belgium over my lifetime and speak English, French, Spanish, Dutch with a passive understanding of Sylheti. I consider myself to be highly global and extremely passionate about the role of the United Nations.
From school onwards, I have participated in over 30 Model United Nations conferences and, at the University of Sheffield, I was Secretary for the UNA committee. Through my time at university and beyond, I have expertise in working with younger students who are highly passionate about the UN across the country, and I very much believe that my knowledge can greatly enhance the UN Association's ability to achieve its strategic aim of improving grassroots participation. I have access to a strong network of university students - to which UNA-UK has only partial exposure - who share a passion for the United Nations, and I believe I could greatly aid the Association's work through increasing these ties.
I am currently Under-Secretary-General Outreach for London International Model United Nations, where I launched the first ever high school conference reaching over 100 students, often from very difficult backgrounds. The project was successful and, with my proven track record of engaging youth, I am both passionate and enthusiastic about looking for ways to bridge the gap between formal institutions and youth.
I believe that UNA-UK has a large amount of untapped potential to grow the enthusiasm for the UN in the UK, as often, both through public perceptions and governmental complacency, the UN can be taken for granted. With my experience, I strongly believe I can improve UNA-UK’s approach to grassroots support.