New York, NY, June 1, 2021: SDSN Youth, the official youth initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) announced Brighton Kaoma has been named Global Director of one of the world’s largest global networks of young professionals with more than 750 member organizations from 85 countries.

Kaoma, a prominent youth activist and social entrepreneur born and raised in Zambia, is a graduate from Columbia University with a vast track record of leadership experience working at the intersection of sustainable development, corporate sustainability, business development, communications, and youth empowerment in more than 20 countries on four continents.            

As early as the age of 14, Kaoma started working as a radio broadcaster informing people about the environment and climate crisis. He then co-founded the Agents of Change Foundation, empowering young people across Zambia with the skills they need to start radio projects and amplify their voices in their own communities.

"Brighton has extensive experience in advancing sustainable development, social entrepreneurship and youth development.  He is a passionate leader and advocate, and has built successful initiatives and empowered fellow young people to take the lead in their own communities.  He will be a strong force developing and driving SDSN Youth in the coming years, and the SDSN team is excited to work with Brighton to expand the reach and impact of SDSN Youth," said Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, President of SDSN.

Kaoma’s appointment comes as SDSN Youth implements a strategic growth in fundraising, partnerships, program development and outreach, building on the successes of Former Director Sam Loni, as well as that of Interim Director Sophia Huynh.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank and praise former Director Sam Loni, for his exceptional leadership and commitment that has brought SDSN Youth to where it is today — one of the world’s most impactful youth networks dedicated to sustainable development; and to thank as well Interim Director Sophia Huynh, for her excellent job in leading SDSN Youth through the transition period and setting a solid foundation for SDSN Youth’s new strategic direction," he said.

“I'm excited about working as part of an initiative for young people who are organizing, mobilizing, and creating impact at scale for the Sustainable Development Goals. I believe there is no better resource than a group of like-minded, committed young people working together for good,” said Brighton Kaoma.

Kaoma joins SDSN Youth after his previous role as Technical & Research Consultant at World Wildlife Fund in New York. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with Environmental Science and Policy from Colombia University. He is a One Young World Ambassador and a Global Youth Ambassador with the Children’s Radio Foundation.

Want to e-meet Brighton and hear more about SDSN Youth’s new strategic plan? Join our upcoming meeting on June 14!

Looking ahead: The next 5 years of youth leadership for sustainable development

Find out how we at SDSN Youth are stepping up our SDG efforts - and how you can join us too!

Date: June 14, 2021

Time: 10am-11am (ET)

Zoom: bit.ly/SDSNY_2021StrategySession

Linkedin Event: bit.ly/2RHNUjX

On June 14, SDSN Youth will host a webinar to launch the novel five-year organizational strategy. The virtual event will celebrate the great milestones SDSN Youth has scored in recent years. Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, President of SDSN, will open the session sharing his ideas and insights on youth empowerment and the SDGs. It will be followed by a recap of SDSN Youth’s journey by Sophia Huynh, Outgoing Director of SDSN Youth. The new Global Director, Brighton Kaoma, will then share his vision for the organization as a leader in the space of youth empowerment. There will also be an opportunity for the open house audience to engage in a Q&A session with the speakers on relevant themes.

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‍For media inquiries, please contact

Amy Au, Project Lead, Communications, at amy.au@sdsnyouth.org

About SDSN Youth

SDSN Youth is one of the world’s biggest networks of young leaders working together to accelerate solutions towards the Sustainable Development Goals. We connect young people to pathways of understanding and action - to shape a sustainable world for future generations. SDSN Youth was launched in 2015 by Professor Sachs, at the 5th meeting of the SDSN Leadership Council in Paris. Over the past 5 years, we have expanded rapidly, with 750 member organizations in 85 countries. Leveraging the work of partners in the UN, academia, civil society, business, and government - SDSN Youth has provided the training and resources to enable thousands of young people to make change. We lead a number of global and local initiatives on education advocacy for K-12; sustainable campuses; sustainable cities; and entrepreneurship. We believe that young people can make a difference in the world, and if we act now, we will create a better and more sustainable future for everyone.