On 14 November, our A level Politics students had a special Zoom call with Casper Edmonds from the International Labour Organization, a United Nations agency.
In Kyiv for meetings, Mr Edmonds graciously took the time to chat with students about his work and opened the floor to questions.
Edmonds talked about the mission of the UN and how ‘our world right now is a world in conflict’.
He explained to students that the reason he was in Ukraine was to help develop a new project of support for the Ukrainian government. Since the start of the Russian occupation, critical energy infrastructure has been damaged, and more than 400 energy workers have already lost their lives. The UN’s goal is to help them develop the skills they need to put a more energy-efficient energy structure in place by using wind turbines, solar panels and biogas installations. Edmonds said, ‘The UN will be here with the Ukrainians during the war and to help them rebuild afterwards’ explaining that the goal is for Ukraine to join the EU.
Students had brilliant questions for Edmonds which led to discussions on what would happen if USA President-Elect Donald Trump decreased funding to Ukraine, what percentage of new energy being introduced in Ukraine is renewable, and if the United States would revoke support for Israel amidst the conflict in Gaza.
Edmonds made clear that it is the goal of the UN to encourage all parties to come to the table and work things out through dialogue.
He left students with some poignant advice. Encouraging them that there were many paths to a job in the UN, he said, ‘Study whatever degree you want, follow what your heart tells you’.’ He explained that the work is demanding but it is always rewarding.
Imogen (L6) shared her thoughts on the experience: ‘I felt the Zoom meeting with Mr Edmonds was very eye–opening. It was very touching and interesting to find out more details about Ukraine’s current position. The Zoom call also inspired me to consider international relations as a potential career at some point in the future. I found it especially cool that Mr Edmonds was aware of current world affairs that the rest of the world is unaware of.’
