SDSN Youth announces Brighton Kaoma as Global Director
New York, NY, June 1, 2021: SDSN Youth, the official youth initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) announced Brighton Kaoma has been named Global Director of one of the world’s largest global networks of young professionals with more than 750 member organizations from 85 countries.
Kaoma, a prominent youth activist and social entrepreneur born and raised in Zambia, is a graduate from Columbia University with a vast track record of leadership experience working at the intersection of sustainable development, corporate sustainability, business development, communications, and youth empowerment in more than 20 countries on four continents.
As early as the age of 14, Kaoma started working as a radio broadcaster informing people about the environment and climate crisis. He then co-founded the Agents of Change Foundation, empowering young people across Zambia with the skills they need to start radio projects and amplify their voices in their own communities.
Kaoma’s appointment comes as SDSN Youth implements a strategic growth in fundraising, partnerships, program development and outreach, building on the successes of Former Director Sam Loni, as well as that of Interim Director Sophia Huynh.
“I'm excited about working as part of an initiative for young people who are organizing, mobilizing, and creating impact at scale for the Sustainable Development Goals. I believe there is no better resource than a group of like-minded, committed young people working together for good,” he said.
Kaoma joins SDSN Youth after his previous role as Technical & Research Consultant at World Wildlife Fund in New York. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with Environmental Science and Policy from Colombia University. He is a One Young World Ambassador and a Global Youth Ambassador with the Children’s Radio Foundation.
Want to e-meet Brighton and hear more about SDSN Youth’s new strategic plan? Join our upcoming meeting on June 14!
Looking ahead: The next 5 years of youth leadership for sustainable development
Find out how we at SDSN Youth are stepping up our SDG efforts - and how you can join us too!
Date: June 14, 2021
Time: 10am-11am (ET)
Zoom: bit.ly/SDSNY_2021StrategySession
Linkedin Event: bit.ly/2RHNUjX
On June 14, SDSN Youth will host a webinar to launch the novel five-year organizational strategy. The virtual event will celebrate the great milestones SDSN Youth has scored in recent years. Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, President of SDSN, will open the session sharing his ideas and insights on youth empowerment and the SDGs. It will be followed by a recap of SDSN Youth’s journey by Sophia Huynh, Outgoing Director of SDSN Youth. The new Global Director, Brighton Kaoma, will then share his vision for the organization as a leader in the space of youth empowerment. There will also be an opportunity for the open house audience to engage in a Q&A session with the speakers on relevant themes.