Empowering Youth for Global Change: DJ Cuppy's UN Address

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 9:40 AM by Adunni Amodeni 3 min read

In a world that often underestimates the potential of young voices, DJ Cuppy stood before a diverse audience of high school students, distinguished guests, and UN officials at the United Nations International Day of Peace Youth Observance.

Her message was clear and powerful: youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but they are also the change-makers of today.

"Being here means that you are taking action, and being here means that there is something unique and special about each and every one of you that indicates that you can make the world a better place; you can actually be a changemaker, and that is pretty epic." – DJ Cuppy.

A Voice for Youth Empowerment

DJ Cuppy, known for her international DJing career and her philanthropic initiatives, has emerged as a prominent advocate for youth empowerment and global change. Her presence at the UN event symbolized the recognition of the pivotal role that young people play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering a more peaceful world.

The Power of Youth

In her address, DJ Cuppy emphasized that peace begins with us, and youth have a unique ability to drive positive change and shape the future. She urged young individuals to discover their gifts, talents, and passions, emphasizing that these qualities are not just personal attributes but potent tools for effecting transformation on a global scale.

"You can find what your gift is. Doing what I love, me being able to be here DJing and speaking is unparalleled, it makes me feel alive... but education is everything, it has paved the way for me to develop and grow my confidence." – DJ Cuppy.

Education as a Catalyst

One of DJ Cuppy's primary advocacy areas is education, and she shared her personal journey of pursuing three university degrees, including one from New York University (NYU). Her education has not only equipped her with knowledge but also instilled discipline and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of life. She stressed that education is not limited to academia but extends to the development of resilience and adaptability in the face of life's challenges.

Empowering Girls and Youth

DJ Cuppy recounted a poignant encounter in Borno state, Nigeria, where she met a young girl named Mariam who longed for an education. This encounter deeply affected her and highlighted the urgent need to support and empower girls like Mariam. She emphasized that youth empowerment brings tremendous potential to the table, but education is what builds that table.

"Let’s ask ourselves and our international community what are we actually doing for girls like Mariam." – DJ Cuppy.

Taking the First Step

Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of DJ Cuppy's speech was her call to action. She challenged each member of the audience, young and old, to take that crucial first step towards making a difference. She dispelled the misconception that creating meaningful change requires vast resources or fame; it simply takes effort, determination, and a commitment to start.

DJ Cuppy's address at the UN International Day of Peace Youth Observance served as a beacon of inspiration for all. Her passionate call to empower youth, coupled with her personal dedication to education and philanthropy, exemplifies the vital role of young people in achieving the SDGs and fostering global change.

As we reflect on her words, we are reminded that the world's most significant transformations often begin with the actions of determined individuals. DJ Cuppy has not only demonstrated the power of youth but has also ignited a spark in others to follow her lead. Together, as a global community, we can empower the next generation of changemakers and create a more peaceful and sustainable world for all.