Today my youth advisory council to Congressman Ted Lieu met with the NDI-Morocco Youth Council. NDI is the National Democratic Institute. It works to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.
It was intriguing to listen to our counterparts from the NDI Moroccan council via speakerphone. We listened to issues of concern that they face, and we heard how they are addressing issues of concern. Many of the issues are similar to those we face in America. NDI promotes openness and accountability in government by building political and civic organizations, safeguarding elections and promoting citizen participation. The Institute brings together individuals and groups to share ideas, knowledge, experiences and expertise that can be adapted to the needs of individual countries.
NDI also upholds the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration supports sustainable development, including the protection of the environment. Sustainability is an important part of counteracting climate change and negative effects related thereto. Such negative effects include health issues associated with greenhouse gas emissions.
The youth council exchange was both exciting and interesting. Exchanging ideas and thoughts across the globe with people facing similar issues to those we face makes the world seem like a very small place. It’s up to us to keep it and ourselves healthy.
Environmental Science and Its Application to Health 