Indian actress and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Youth Champion, Sanjana Sanghi, has recently been recognized for her dedication to global change by joining the MCN (Millennium Campus Network) Board of Advisors at the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) this season.
The UNGA season in New York commenced with a strong Indian presence, featuring Sanghi and Dia Mirza, who engaged in high-level discussions, solidifying their roles as influential figures. Sanjana's commitment to youth advocacy has been widely recognized. The United Nations Youth Office invited her to serve on the Distinguished Judges Panel for the fifth cohort of the Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This role allows her to help select impactful young changemakers, highlighting the UN's confidence in her dedication to youth-led development.
Sanjana expressed her honor in joining the MCN Board of Advisors, alongside figures such as John Legend and Lexi Underwood. The MCN Board of Advisors consists of visionary global leaders who support a global student network in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These leaders contribute by engaging with Millennium Fellows, speaking at conferences, and sharing resources to give MCN credibility.
Sanghi's participation at UNGA focused on the necessity of youth-led development. She shared insights from her work and urged action, stating, "Our time is now". She emphasized that while 50% of the world's population is under 30, only 3% of National Parliament attendants are from that age group, and less than 1% of international aid goes to youth-led projects. Sanjana stressed the importance of inculcating in youth that success is built together, echoing Ratan Tata's sentiment that "if you walk alone, you will walk fast. But if you walk together, you will walk far".
In September 2024, Sanjana delivered a keynote address at the UN General Assembly Hall during the Summit of the Future Action Days opening ceremony. As the youngest Indian actress to address the UN in this capacity as UNDP India Youth Champion, she emphasized including the world's largest youth population in developmental conversations. She noted the impact of her address, saying, "Seeing women from Ghana, Nigeria and young Indian girls saying that they finally felt heard, made all the work and the efforts worth it".
Sanjana's involvement extends beyond the UN, as she was also invited to speak at the Goalkeepers Summit presented by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to share her insights into the mental health crisis affecting girls.
