Interview with Andrada Baba

SECTION A

Name: Baba Cristina Andrada

DOB: February 12th, 1994

Place of Birth: Romania

Education: Ph.D. in Marketing

Aspired Occupation: University Professor, International Affairs

Favorite Book:

Favorite Movie:

Zodiacal Sign: Aquarius

Hobbies: swimming, hiking, traveling

Describe yourself in 2 sentences: I appreciate diversity and I like to learn try and experience new things all the time. When it comes to life, I always listen to my gut feelings, when the feeling is good, I go for it.

SECTION B

Question #1: What is the role of Youth Delegates, in your opinion?

I think that the Youth Delegate should promote the UN values and the 2030 agenda among the youth, to be a binder between the society and the government representatives, and to successfully represent the young people from their country at local and international level. 

Question #2: What are some of the qualities that the UN Youth Delegate should possess?

The Youth Delegate should very well understand the youth from their own country and its needs. Not only from the close environment but all groups of people: disadvantaged, with disabilities, the ones studying, the ones working, the unemployed, the ethnic and cultural minorities, etc. The Youth Delegate should be impartial and poses a great ethic when it comes to decision-making. He/she should understand diplomacy and know the situation as well inside the country as also preferred to have international knowledge. 

Question #3; Which is the most memorable aspect of your mandate?

Besides the feeling a Youth Delegate has while delivering the first speech at the General Assembly, feeling like a real diplomat and having the fulfillment that the efforts did really count and make a difference, I can also recall the numerous meetings with young people and the hopeful look in their eyes when getting motivated and wish to do more for themselves and for the society.

Question #4: What is the most challenging aspect of being a UN Youth Delegate?

Maybe the most challenging aspect is dealing with disadvantaged groups of people. Realizing how many young people do not have the chance of having a decent life is not only sad but difficult to manage and to create opportunities for them.

Question #5: Can you share an amusing story with us and our followers?

Aurelian and I were about to miss the plane. Running like crazy through the airport we were the last ones to board the aircraft when they were calling our names in the airport. And not only once but twice!

Question #6: What advice would you give to young people like yourself looking to apply to this programme?

Listen to your gut! If you feel it and think that it is suitable for you, go for it! And be yourself! Authenticity is more important than showing off!