“Remember, peace begins with us!” – DJ Cuppy 

In the heart of the United Nations, amidst the grandeur of global diplomacy, a young and dynamic voice echoed with a powerful message. DJ Cuppy, renowned international DJ, philanthropist, and education advocate, delivered a speech that reverberated through the halls of the UN Headquarters in New York. Her message was clear and profound: the youth have the power to drive change, and that power lies within each one of us. 

In her address at the United Nations International Day of Peace Youth Observance, DJ Cuppy served as a beacon of hope, inspiring young minds to become architects of peace and champions of the Sustainable Development Goals (#GlobalGoals). Let’s dissect her speech and explore why it stands as a blueprint for youth-driven change.

DJ Cuppy began her speech by acknowledging the achievements of everyone present at the event. She celebrated their presence as an achievement in itself. This subtle recognition highlighted a powerful truth: every individual can make a difference, and their presence at such a significant event signifies their commitment to that belief. 

“Being here today 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.” 

In these words, DJ Cuppy crystallized the essence of youth-driven change. It starts with recognizing that each action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger purpose. Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders today, capable of initiating transformative actions.

DJ Cuppy’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education. As a fellow student, she understands the profound impact education can have on an individual’s life. Her dedication to education is evident in her philanthropic endeavour, the Cuppy Foundation, which focuses on providing educational opportunities to thousands of Nigerian children and African students.

“I value education so much that at 30, I have three university degrees, one of them actually, perhaps the most difficult, being from New York University (NYU) right here in this city. And let’s just say I might have completed my thesis backstage at Coachella. It seems I have mastered the art of multitasking, but education is everything, it has paved the way for me to develop and grow my confidence.”

DJ Cuppy’s words resonate with young minds around the world who strive for knowledge and a better future. Her journey exemplifies that education is not just about acquiring academic qualifications but developing the discipline and skill sets to navigate the challenges of real life. 

One of the most inspiring aspects of DJ Cuppy’s speech was her call to discover one’s unique gifts and talents and leverage them for positive change. She shared her personal journey, from local dreams to international vision, and emphasized the role of education in expanding her horizons. 

“You know I was a young Nigerian girl with local dreams, but education has allowed me to become a woman with an international vision. And it’s not just about the academia, it’s actually about developing the discipline and the skillsets to deal with real life, because let’s be honest, life can be tough and can be quite unpeaceful.” 

This message is a blueprint for youth-driven change. It encourages young people to explore their passions, interests, and talents and identify how they can contribute to making the world a better place. DJ Cuppy’s journey from local dreams to global impact demonstrates that anyone can create meaningful change by embracing their unique gifts.

In DJ Cuppy’s UN address, we find a blueprint for youth-driven change that comprises three essential elements:

1. Belief in Individual Action: Recognize that every action counts and that you have the power to make a positive impact. 

2. Education as Empowerment: Value education not just for academic achievement but for the personal growth and skills it offers to address real-life challenges. 

3. Leverage Your Unique Gifts: Discover your passions and talents, and use them to contribute to peace, global goals, and positive change.

DJ Cuppy’s speech at the United Nations International Day of Peace Youth Observance transcends the boundaries of age, culture, and geography. It serves as a guiding light for young minds worldwide, reminding them that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the architects of today’s change. With belief, education, and the discovery of one’s unique contribution, youth can indeed drive a better, more peaceful world. 

So, as we reflect on DJ Cuppy’s words, let us also ask ourselves: What is our unique gift, and how can we use it to inspire youth-driven change in our communities and beyond? Remember, peace begins with us!

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