SPAIN: In an exclusive interview with TCT, Spanish ambassador Daniel del Valle Blanco emphasizes the value of service and advocates for empowerment. He narrates about his duty as UN Diplomat and his role in the organization.
He has recently been appointed as the representative of The International Youth Organization for Ibero-America (OIJ) to the United Nations in New York. He represents about 160 million young people from the Ibero-American region in this capacity at the aforementioned international organization.
Some of the diplomas that Daniel received from renowned institutes are from the Royal Academy of Doctors of Spain, the Andean Parliament, the Evangelical University of El Salvador, the New York Sustainable Development Committee, the Bilingual Educational Unit Immaculate of Guayaquil in Ecuador, or the Pontifical University of Salamanca in Spain.
He is an academician at the Honorary Academician of the National Academy of History and Geography of Mexico and an Academic Council of the Mapfre Observatory of Sustainable Finance member.
Daniel’s journey as one of the youngest UN representatives
Daniel del Valle is inspired by the belief in the individual human capacity to make a positive impact on the world. As a diplomat driven by a passion for youth empowerment and human rights, he has been able to make a difference in the lives of many youngsters from diverse backgrounds and help them amplify their voices on the global stage.
He says, “As a diplomat and advocate for youth empowerment and human rights, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with young people from diverse backgrounds and help amplify their voices on the global stage.”
He was one of the youngest UN representatives worldwide when he held the position of Political and Youth Affairs Attaché at the Permanent Observer Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations in New York before his appointment. His expertise includes law, human rights, economics, and international relations. Daniel also holds the position of High Representative for Youth at the International Human Rights Fund (IHRF).
Daniel’s motivation comes from those around him during his childhood, who inspired and taught him the importance of service. These values influenced him during his academic and professional ventures and fueled his desire to create meaningful change. He swears that “we can make a difference if we take the necessary action.”
He states, “Whether it’s advocating for youth empowerment, promoting human rights, or addressing global issues like climate change, I am motivated by the belief that we can all make a difference if we are willing to take action.”
He was the Youth Policy Advisor at the Permanent Mission of the Slovak Republic to the United Nations in New York before his appointment to the Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta. His main aim during that time was policies related to youth, Latin America and Africa.
United Nations’ Youth 2030 Strategy, the work of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth implementation, was supported by Daniel, who took part in the significant official consultations and negotiations for initiating the first United Nations Youth Office.
Some of the other areas of responsibilities of Daniel are as Secretary-General of the International University Circle of Spain (CIU), as Ambassador for the “We Are All Migrants” Campaign of the Organization of American States (OAS) for Spain, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), as well as serving as Coordinator of the “One Medicine for Venezuela” initiative in Spain.
Daniel del Valle Blanco admits there are challenges to work-life balance. However, he stresses the importance of self-care and maintaining healthy relations with friends and family. Daniel also devotes time to hobbies and interests outside of work while staying physically active.
He believes in setting personal boundaries and efficient time management so that he can give his best self to his professional pursuits. He says, “By prioritizing my personal well-being, I am better able to bring my best self to my professional pursuits.”
Valle Blanco’s friends and family are the greatest sources of motivation, even in the face of adversity. He also finds inspiration from the resilient and determined youngsters that he works with. He reminds himself of the importance of perseverance and his values to tide over the hard times.
“When facing difficulties, I remind myself of the importance of perseverance and staying true to my values and beliefs,” he says.
Some of the major victories of Daniel are Participation in the 76th and 77th United Nations General Assembly, speaking at the Doha Forum, and being a special lecturer at the Ibero-American Congress of Diplomacy and International Relations of the Ibero-American Center for International Studies (CIBEI).
In his final address to the readers, he says, “Anyone who wants to make a difference must have faith in their abilities and diligently chase their passions.” “Despite the hardships, the journey can be very fulfilling,” according to Valle Blanco. He urges them to step out of their comfort zones and to be open to learning and growing.
His final reminder is that every small action can make way for a better and brighter future for the younger generations. “Don’t be afraid to take risks, step outside your comfort zone, and always be open to learning and growing. Remember that every small action can make a big impact and that together we can create a brighter future for ourselves and future generations,” he concludes.
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