By William Boucher, Founder and Former Teen Ambassador of the Zero Hunger Hub

I recently reconnected with the Global Co Lab Network, or the Co-Lab and its founding director Linda Staheli.  Five years ago, in the fall of 2017, I attended the Co Lab’s Teens Dream award ceremony in Washington DC as a winner from France- alongside eight other passionate and inspiring teens. A few months earlier, I had submitted a video describing my aspirations to help create a more sustainable society through reduced food waste. During my time in DC, in addition to giving me the opportunity to meet like-minded teens with great aspirations, Teens Dream helped me pursue my own dream by connecting me with a mentor, Katherine Miller of the James Beard Foundation.

My return to France did not mark the end of my involvement with Teens Dream –on the contrary, it represented the beginning of a new chapter. Shortly thereafter, I founded the Zero Hunger Dream Hub, raising awareness about the interconnection between our food system and environmental issues while connecting teens across the world. In parallel, I created content to expand the reach of Teens Dream’s actions.

As of now, I am enrolled in a dual bachelor’s program between Columbia University and Sciences Po. Convinced that youth can be a driving force for change, I continue to uphold the values and principles of Teens Dream by advocating for a more just and sustainable world. Among other things, I have been working for both French and American progressive political figures.

Being a member of Teens Dream has constituted a transformative experience. I can only recommend teens reading this blog to join Teens Dream, either by participating in their yearly video contest or by joining one of their 12 SDG Hubs covering a wide range of issues from climate action to zero hunger and gender equality. Email the Co-Lab at staff@globalcolab.net for more info.

Become a changemaker!

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