Nino Burjanadze
Born amidst the critical revolution in Georgia in 2003, I coincidentally shared the name of a Georgian politician who led the process. Politics seeped into my very being long before I could say “politics.” It seemed almost predestined that I would choose this field to study and explore. Today I am a Junior Political Science major at Adelphi University. However, my journey goes beyond the mere coincidence of my name. In 2008, when I was a five-year-old, the Russo-Georgian war erupted, leaving an indelible mark on my young consciousness. I still vividly recall the trembling earth caused by Russian bombs raining down upon the port city of Poti, a mere 20 kilometers from our summer retreat. Though young, the intensity of those summer months shaped my identity as a proud Georgian, igniting an insatiable curiosity for politics, diplomacy, and international relations. In those challenging times, my true purpose crystallized—to shape a world that thrived in peace and harmony. And so, I set forth on a mission to become an active community member, determined to acquire the skills necessary to become a young leader. At 14, I started debating, immersing myself in rhetoric and persuasion. I won many championships, shared my experience techniques, mentored disadvantaged school students nationwide, and became a debate coach and judge when I turned 16. This privilege of youth, the ability to connect with individuals across different landscapes, opened doors for me to teach English and Georgian to students in the occupied region of Samachablo, Georgia. As an exchange student in Germany, I eagerly volunteered for a charity project, assuming a pivotal role in crafting interview questions and organizing the process of creating a book. The funds from the sold books were donated to an elderly care facility, touching lives and generating recognition as my endeavors were featured in a regional newspaper in Germany.
Further amplifying my impact, I mediated between my university clubs, spearheading a fundraiser event to help those affected by the catastrophic earthquake in Turkey in 2023. I consistently sought opportunities to engage with organizations and activities that championed diplomacy, youth empowerment, and human rights. Conducting surveys among young Georgian students, I endeavored to raise awareness about the vital work of the United Nations, delivering informative presentations that sparked a call to action and inspiring youth to step forward as leaders within their communities, country, and the world. Serving as a Youth Representative for both the Georgian Parliament and UNICEF in Tbilisi in 2020, I played a pivotal role in crafting the Code of the Rights of the Child, standing firm in my advocacy for the well-being and protection of young people. Today, I hold the prestigious position of Youth Representative for Adelphi University at the United Nations, a platform that allows me to showcase my unwavering dedication and passion. In this role, I am committed to informing students about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and empowering them to take concrete actions, contributing to attaining these global aspirations. Emboldened by the trials I’ve faced and driven by a thirst for change, I embrace the mantle of youth leadership with an unwavering determination to shape a brighter future for all.
