INTERVIEW WITH UNESCO SPECIAL AMBASSADOR DR. H. C. UTE-HENRIETTE OHOVEN
Question: Why does your foundation have a new name?
We have expanded and turned into an umbrella foundation with a new name, as the regulations of UNESCO have also changed. These new requirements of UNESCO were decided by the Executive Council and there can be no independent foundation UNESCO outside the headquarters of UNESCO Paris in the future.
I would like to be able to continue my more than 30 years of work in the world of the poor and the specific project work for countries, cultures, the needy and entrepreneurs that we have implemented or promoted for the whole world. In addition, I focus even more on tailor-made corporate projects and highly innovative pilot projects.
Development work and its requirements have changed enormously in recent years. Today, social investments that demonstrate a social return and measurable value are the necessary steps to positively change our globalized world. We therefore decided to expand the foundation.
How did you come up with the name YOU?
I met Mother Teresa, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1997. Mother Teresa’s appeal “It’s about YOU” – which was to be understood as a call for my charitable commitment in favor of needy and disadvantaged people. This meeting has shaped me to this day and has always encouraged me in my work. The appeal can now be found in the name of the foundation.
Question: Who initiated the change?
This happened in close contact between me and UNESCO Paris. This is not a matter of separation, I would like to emphasize that once again, but a joint decision between UNESCO and myself. We will continue to build on our past experience and expertise, and I will remain associated with UNESCO as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
Question: What is the aim of the YOU Foundation?
Our incentive will be even more intense to create a safe and decent future for the poorest of the poor. Many countries are suffering terrible setbacks and the current wars, refugee movements, diseases, epidemics, impoverishment, environmental disasters and climatic changes require direct, rapid and concrete, sustained action.
Our goal is to secure the development work as a sustainable investment. Countries that take responsibility and see development work not as a gift but as progress for their people and as a commitment are our target countries. We want to help individual countries – with an interested population hungry for education – to develop from within and fully support the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Question: What role will the past play as a UNESCO Foundation – Education for Children in Need?
A big. We are expanding into an umbrella foundation with a name change, but will not create a new foundation. We see the change as an extension of our work with a larger umbrella organization giving us more opportunities. All previous projects remain in the foundation, projects and programs that were initiated and supported by me.
Question: What is the philosophy of the YOU Foundation?
Our basic principle consists of three factors: First, we always strive for a win-win-win (win3) situation. This means that all the projects we carry out add value to the place/country, the beneficiaries and the donor. Secondly, we have an international advisory committee with well-known experts. These personalities are specialized in different regions of the world and will support us with their great expertise. Thirdly, all of our projects will follow the UN sustainability goals (MDGs and the new SDGs).
Question: What distinguishes YOU Foundation from other foundations?
Customized corporate projects and CSR social projects/programs that are tailored to the budget and our win3 factor are increasingly being developed and implemented for our donors. Innovative, sustainable and special pilot projects are developed together with our international advisory board and implemented in cooperation with the project country as a showcase project for other countries.
There must always be measurable added value for the people, society, the country and for the sponsor. This requires a great deal of knowledge and experience. Our international advisory committee ensures additional knowledge and worldwide know-how.
Question: Are there already first new projects?
Yes. I have just returned from a large project trip to the Republic of Senegal, which I did together with my daughter Claudia Jerger. Preparations have been underway for more than a year to solve the refugee problem in Africa at the root, with the local people. We want no one to dare the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean due to poverty and inhumane living conditions, and we have presented our new and innovative pilot project to the President of the Republic of Senegal, Macky Sall, and will carry it out with the government and the people in the slum.
