Compiled by Nicola Jayasundera

FEARLESS YOUTH FRONTIERS

Saudha Shaheen believes that the nation needs its youth to take the lead

Q: What’s the good, the bad and the ugly here in Sri Lanka?

A: Sri Lankans continue to bear the scars of pain inflicted by the thorns of corruption strewn by malicious hands.

The cold chains of the past, marked by the rust of communal turbulence, have restrained some of us from taking the road to unification. Frost nipped petals that have extinguished the warmth of our diverse communities litter our lands.

And yet, despite its wounds, our nation is filled with roses that have petals, which are tinted with love and preserved by the warmth of the community spirit.

Q: And what are the challenges facing the country today?

A: Sri Lanka is still reeling from the storms of economic turmoil that have revealed the jagged divide of income disparities.

Ideologically, our morale was crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis, while racism remains stubbornly rooted in certain nooks and crannies of society.

Q: Do you believe that Sri Lanka will be united one day – and why, if so?

A: While associating with the world of Model United Nations (MUN), my eyes have been opened to a view that is undeniably persistent and inspiring – because it has rekindled my hope for a future that’s enriched with unity and harmony.

I have witnessed what many others will only see in the years to come. And I’ve seen the power of a young united front that yearns for change. That is the youth; that is us. And we are passionate about shifting the gears of change for the better – together.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: Ten years is beyond the horizon and my line of sight.

My destination remains unknown to me but I know that I’ll wander down the path of advocacy for peace, trot along the hills of academia, and traverse the papers that abound with the words I pick and stories I pen – with the light of my faith guiding me every step of the way.

Q: And where do you see Sri Lanka in a decade from today?

A: I see a nation that has made significant progress in the global race, fuelled by the lessons learnt from its past and propelled by the momentum of its youth, who are resilient in adversity and restless for change.

Q: Who is responsible for climate change and global warming – and what must be done about it?

A: No matter where you are and what you do, you’re moored to the Earth and thereby responsible for climate change.

Stewardship of the planet is one of our fundamental roles as humans. We may be mere drops; but when we come together, we can create an ocean that will give rise to waves of a green and circular economy.

I also believe that the breadth of our actions is proportional to our leveraging power in society. Governments around the world must bear the brunt of accountability because they’re mandated to do so.

In today’s day and age, commitment in isolation will prove futile. Collaboration and dialogue between governments and civil society are vital. The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP28) was a good starting point.

Q: How do you view the growing importance of social media today?

A: Social media can be a boon or bane depending on the lens you look through. In my view, it’s an instrument for social change due to its global outreach, and ability to call for justice and heighten people’s awareness.

It can also be weaponised to silence voices through censorship so that malpractices such as misinformation and identity theft can be perpetuated without hindrance.

Q: Where do you see the world in 10 years?

A: In 10 years, we will see plenty of coalitions pursuing various endeavours for the betterment of people and the world.

AI will be part of our arsenal, and it is my hope and belief that we will establish a mastery over it, and regulate its use – particularly in society.

And there will be a drastic shift in employment demands and a need for upskilling the global workforce to suit the needs of the revolution, which will be sparked through the integration of artificial intelligence.