BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LESS than a year ago, Von Martin was in London searching to find employment. Now, with his acceptance to the UNESCO Young Professionals Programme, the young scholar will join the Paris office of the prestigious organisation.
The UNESCO Young Professionals Programme provides roughly a dozen young graduates from around the world with opportunities to begin careers in an international organisation. Its aim is to give young people a larger role in UNESCO’s activities and develop their leadership capabilities.
Martin told SKNVibes that he became aware of the programme through an article published by this media house in 2008. He contacted the local UNESCO office, which furnished him with the necessary information to submit his application.
Earlier this month, the 24-year-old received word he was under consideration for the position and flew to the UNESCO office in Paris to undergo testing and interviews. Out of the 10 successful applicants who were eventually selected, Martin is the youngest and the only person chosen from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
Martin said he approached the process with confidence, not arrogance.
“I had faith in myself. I knew I had the academic qualifications and\the work experience to be a viable candidate. I am extremely grateful to have been accepted because I know it will be an incredible experience for me,” he said.
Martin is currently employed as a financial analyst in the Ministry of Finance. A graduate of the Basseterre High School, he completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance at England’s University of Westminster before attaining a Master’s Degree in Finance and Investment at the University of London last year.
He will begin work in UNESCO’s Comptroller Bureau in September. Expressing excitement at his selection, he expounded on what the move meant for himself and for the Federation.
“I have never been more honoured to represent my country. St. Kitts and Nevis is underrepresented in many of the UN organisations and I feel I’ll now be able to give the Federation a voice in UN matters. I can also bring more attention to the plight of small island developing states so the UN body can be more aware of the specific and unique challenges facing the region,” Martin noted.
The eldest of three children, Martin was born and raised in Bird Rock, where he currently resides. He offered thanks to his family particularly his parents Jacinth Henry-Martin and Michael Martin, UNESCO officials, Minister of Education Hon. Sam Condor and “anyone with a vested interest” for their support throughout his life and the application process.
