What does a remote New Zealand conservation programme have to do with the United Nations? Everything.
We are so proud to celebrate Sharon Wilson, a graduate of the Untouched World Foundation, who recently spoke on the world stage about conservation and climate leadership.
This is exactly the kind of global impact our Foundation was created to foster. Our flagship initiative, Ōruawairua, is an intensive eight-day wānanga (learning experience) focused on restoring our island to a predator-free sanctuary for native plants and animals. Since 2002, we've been teaching rangatahi (youth) the hands-on skills to become environmental leaders.
Sharon took those learnings and stepped directly into the global arena, speaking at an official UN side event about coexisting with our oceans and fostering inclusive societies.
It's a journey that perfectly encapsulates our mission. As Sharon herself noted: "I love that I’m carrying the mission of Untouched World clothing to the UN in any way I can - it's kind of a nice full circle moment.”
And while the stage was huge, the most profound moments were small. Sharon shared that her most memorable moment was: "simply those quiet moments you get in between plenaries... where you get to know different youth advocates from all across the world who are all so incredibly inspiring and lovely - the future is really in good hands!"
We asked Sharon what message she'd share with other Kiwis: "I would really stress that conservation isn't a specialty or field of work reserved for professionals, it's something we can all do - young and old - it's actively doing your bit, with your unique skills and passions to help make the oceans, mountains, or environment in general... a better place than it was before."
That's the powerful, practical leadership we aim to ignite.
