Youth, Community Development & Peacebuilding: A Q&A with Activist Ahmad Bakdad

Ahmad Bakdad is a legal professional from Syria who advocates for the rights of young individuals and children, actively supporting initiatives for social justice, human rights, and the advancement of peace and equality. Over the last seven years, he has dedicated himself to collaborating with diverse civil society organizations, NGOs, INGOs, and UN agencies, including SOS Children's Villages, UNICEF, the Syrian Bar Association, and the United Nations Development Programme. His contributions have impacted humanitarian endeavors across Syria and the Middle East. Ahmad also holds active memberships in several international associations focused on youth, community development, and peacebuilding.

During his fellowship, Ahmad will join an international organization in Europe, where he will contribute to their global work on conflict resolution and peacebuilding. His time at the organization will be dedicated to strengthening his skills and enhancing his knowledge in the areas of peacebuilding and conflict resolution. He aims to expand his network by engaging with international colleagues and learning from their experiences.

Ahmad plans to leverage this experience and newfound knowledge to empower communities in Syria and internationally. He intends to transfer his expertise and use it to drive social change and social cohesion initiatives for peace and social integration.

GCC recently had an opportunity to connect with Ahmad and learn more about his work, his goals, and how others can create positive change in the world. 

You started your career in the legal field. What created the shift from lawyer to activist?
The shift from a legal career to activism in human and child rights stemmed from firsthand experiences within the legal field. Working closely with vulnerable populations promoted my desire for broader societal change, I transitioned from legal work to advocacy to address root causes and promote holistic solutions. 

Additionally, interactions with clients underscored the power of collective action, inspiring a belief in grassroots movements' transformative potential. This journey reflects a commitment to justice and the interplay between legal expertise and social activism. By leveraging legal knowledge, I aim to contribute to a more equitable world where the rights of all individuals, especially marginalized communities, are upheld.

Tell us about the work you engage in now and why it matters so much to you.
Currently, my work encompasses global voluntary engagements and memberships in impactful organizations that advocate for global development, peace building, and justice, such as Global Citizen Circle (GCC), Social Change Initiative (SCI) Global Rights Defenders (GRD), International Peace Bureau (IPB), MCW Young Leaders, and SOS Children's villages. 

These interactions facilitate collaboration with international entities, fostering a deeper understanding of global issues and enabling collective efforts towards positive change. For example, my engagement with GCC, has been particularly impactful. It allows me to contribute to meaningful discussions on human rights, social justice, and peace on a global scale. 

These involvements matter deeply to me as it offers a platform to amplify voices from diverse backgrounds, advocate for marginalized communities, and drive tangible progress towards a more inclusive and sustainable world.
 
What can we, the general public, do to support this work?
There are several ways the general public can support my work in advocating for human and child rights:

• Stay informed: Educate yourself about human rights issues, including those affecting children and youth, through reputable sources and organizations.
• Spread awareness: Share information about human rights violations and advocacy efforts on social media platforms and within your community to raise awareness and mobilize support.
• Volunteer: Get involved with local or international organizations working on human and child rights issues by volunteering your time, skills, or resources to support their initiatives.
• Advocate: Contact policymakers and government representatives to advocate for policies and legislation that promote human rights and protect vulnerable populations.
• Donate: Contribute financially to organizations and initiatives dedicated to human and child rights advocacy to help fund their programs and campaigns.

You were part of GCC's Youth Resilience Circle. How did this come about?
My involvement with the Global Citizen Circle's Youth Resilience Circle was a transformative experience that unfolded organically. It marked my inaugural engagement with GCC, providing a profound introduction to a global community of young leaders dedicated to peace and freedom. 

Witnessing the passion and commitment of fellow youth activists from diverse backgrounds resonated deeply with me, reaffirming the universality of our shared struggles and aspirations. This initial interaction served as a catalyst, igniting a desire to play a more significant role within GCC's community. 

Motivated by the collective energy and resolve of my peers, I became actively involved, eager to both learn from and contribute to our collective efforts in promoting dialogue, understanding, and positive change on a global scale.

Can you tell us about your Social Change Initiative (SCI) Fellowship and what you hope to achieve?
Thanks to my involvement with the Global Citizen Circle (GCC), I was nominated for the Social Change Initiative (SCI) Fellowship. SCI's remarkable work in supporting youth leaders worldwide has been instrumental in fostering positive change across communities. 

The seamless integration between GCC and SCI has profoundly impacted both my personal and professional development, providing invaluable opportunities for learning and growth. As an active member of SCI, I am honored to be part of a network dedicated to advancing social justice and human rights.

With the SCI Fellowship, I aspire to pursue international experiences that will enable me to gather global insights and best practices in my field. This fellowship generously supports my endeavor to engage with diverse perspectives and approaches, ultimately empowering me to contribute more effectively to the advancement of human and child rights on a global scale.

Do you have a mentor or leader you look to for inspiration?
I find inspiration and mentorship from various sources, particularly my colleagues in the field of peace building, human and child rights, whose dedication and passion continually motivate me to strive for positive change. 

Moreover, being part of global organizations like the Global Citizen Circle (GCC), Social Change Initiative (SCI), and Global Rights Defenders (GRD) exposes me to inspiring leaders and mentors whose tireless efforts inspire me to expand my horizons and deepen my commitment to advocacy. 

Each interaction and collaboration within these networks offer valuable insights and encouragement, fueling my drive to make a meaningful impact in the pursuit of justice and equality.

You'll be joining GCC in Sierra Leone in October at a peace conference. What will your role be?
While the exact details of my involvement are still unfolding, I am dedicated to contributing my skills, experiences, and perspectives towards fostering dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation at the conference. Together with GCC colleagues, I am eager to collaborate, innovate, and drive positive change that resonates both locally and globally to build a more peaceful and inclusive world.

What advice do you have for young people throughout the world who have a desire to create positive change?
For young people worldwide aspiring to create positive change, I advise starting by educating oneself about pressing social issues and understanding their root causes to develop informed opinions and strategies for change. 

• Begin by addressing issues in your local community or school, where you can make a tangible impact and gain valuable experience. 
• Join forces with like-minded individuals and organizations to amplify efforts and create a greater collective impact. 
• Remember to stay resilient in the face of challenges, knowing that every small step forward contributes to the larger goal. 
• Take the time to listen to the voices of those directly affected by the issues and empower them to be part of the solution. 
• Advocate for change through various channels, using your voice to raise awareness and mobilize support. 
• Stay informed on current events and developments in your areas of passion and prioritize self-care to maintain well-being while working towards a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

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