This interview is held with Eman Borg (He/Him) - CYGEN Coordinator
Eman Borg: Stephen, Welcome to CYGEN Executive Committee, super glad to have you on board. What’s your million-dollar dream?
Stephen Phillip: Given my strong commitment to international development and youth empowerment, my million-dollar dream would be to expand the reach and impact of the developmental initiatives I have been involved with—quality education, digital inclusion, and girl child education. I aim to scale up successful programs around these areas to benefit even more communities and transform the lives of young people and disadvantaged populations.
Eman: To do so, who has been your biggest inspiration in your journey so far, and why?
Stephen: My biggest inspiration is the young people I've had the privilege of working with and supporting over the years. Witnessing the immense potential and resilience of youth, and being able to play a role in nurturing their growth and success, is truly a driving force behind my work. Seeing the transformative impact I can have on young people's lives fills me with a deep sense of purpose and motivation to continue this important work, as I know there is so much untapped potential out there. Young people more often than not just need access to the right opportunities to truly thrive.
Eman: One of the opportunities for young gender activists is CYGEN. Why do you think young gender activists should engage with CYGEN?
Stephen: CYGEN presents a level playing field for youth advocates to be seen, heard, and empowered to make real-life changes. Within CYGEN, young people can witness the tangible impacts of their efforts unfolding before their eyes. It provides a collaborative space where they can connect with like-minded peers, forge lifelong friendships, and work together to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our Commonwealth.
Eman: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to this point?
Stephen: Seeing life as a gift and a privileged pursuit has instilled in me a yearning to break existing boundaries. My parents, against all odds, offered me the most important gift—education. Today, I am a 2023 Yenching Academy scholar at Peking University. That one-time investment in education has given me a voice and has informed my choice of professional engagement and genuine commitment to ensuring an inclusive society where a child’s gender, background, or ugly reality does not become a determining factor for school enrollment or future success.
Before arriving in China as a 2023 Yenching Academy scholar at Peking University, I devoted two years to local and global developmental efforts, promoting access to quality education, digital inclusion, and social equity between historically advantaged and disadvantaged populations. Through my work as a Research and Programs Officer at a non-profit in Nigeria, I contributed to the implementation of several high-profile, multi-year, donor-funded projects from international charity organizations and national and local partners such as TheirWorld, Malala Fund, and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI). Through these, I directly impacted thousands of beneficiaries across multiple states in Nigeria. This has given me the opportunity to further amplify my advocacy for the empowerment and advancement of young individuals, especially women and girls, on a global stage.
Eman: Through your experience, what message would you like to share with young people who aspire to make a difference?
Stephen: Young people need to keep in mind that they possess all the necessary ingredients to make a meaningful difference. They don't need to wait for the "perfect" moment or the grandest of stages—they can start small, from wherever they are, and still create an immense, lasting impact. Great things can indeed spring forth from even the humblest of beginnings.
Eman: What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Stephen: Strawberry, it is just that simple!
Eman: Thank you Stephen for finding the time to answer these questions.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
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