Young OECD Debut
Today, I attended the OECD in Paris for the first day of The Global Forum on Responsible Business Conduct. Quite the experience. Young OECD debut.
‘You make your own opportunities. When you realise the world doesn’t fall at your feet — you might just start to prosper.’
Instead of being amongst the stars, I’ll settle for the flags.
The OECD Conference Centre itself would constitute to a palace.
It’s magnificent and architecturally quaint.
Security is like an airport, but for obvious reasons — world leaders address delegates on a regular basis.
Our primary address today conducted by Secretary-General, Angel Gurria — a charming, insightful individual who seems less like the robot and hard-lining individual than I imagined.
The conference is full of corporates, NGOs, activists, journalists from all over the globe.
There is a diverse mix of gender and ethnicity with people travelling far and wide to be here.
It feels almost presidential — although this event free to all — you feel important.
Especially when you have to dress the part.
Shirt and suit jacket in 25-degree heat isn’t ideal — the place is air-conditioned, unlike the Paris metro.
I think we take for granted how well connected London is — Paris has a metro system which can mean that you have to travel in the wrong direction to match up to another line.
The Central line doesn’t compare to what I dealt with today — not even close.
I met people from WWF and other NGOs, and companies like Littlewoods.com — I networked and told my story.
I found it essential to state that I was still at university — whether to hide my lack of experience behind an academic veil or to receive a kinder response — it worked.
From the assembly, I could see that I was one of the youngest delegates at the event. Most people had 10+ years experience — imagine a job description where they want ‘x’ years experience, the people at this conference fit the bill.
It was good though — I learnt a lot about how these conferences work, and I actually saw a debate.
Not an argument, but a debate.
Facebook commenters should take note, they talked and gave their case and then came to some conclusion that work was needed.
It reminded me that adults can be adults.
It’s not a matter of ‘if’ — it’s a matter of ‘how’.
By fostering the right argument, you can really have an insightful conversation about the issues at hand.
Also — corporates are human too.
They care, they want to do good and in a lot of cases — they are.
The gap is still humungous between society and business, and I want to work on that aspect.
I’m inspired.
People were interested in me.
I had a long conversation with two people who I will stay in contact with for sure.
It’s not a matter of age.
It’s a matter of kindness and articulating your story.
That’s what counts.
It was a long day from 6:45 am to 6 pm.
I did get to see the attractions.
Arc de Triomphe and Effiel Tower.
Now, I’m going to get some dinner and hang out with Tanguy.
I’m going to try and my last free hours before a mad day tomorrow.
Here’s to long friendships across borders and to attending conferences way before I’m supposed to (age wise).
Young OECD debut.