New York, April 17, 2024 โ Karen Jane Salutan, CEO and Founder of EdukSine, proudly represented the Philippines at the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024 held at the UN Headquarters in New York. Alongside esteemed UN Ambassadors and youth world leaders, Ms. Salutan shared her insights on youth leadership and the importance of inclusivity in the film industry.
The event, themed “Innovate and Lead: Skills for Youth to Drive a Sustainable Future,” was organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations in New York.
During her address, Ms. Salutan candidly shared her journey as a youth leader and CEO of EdukSine, a groundbreaking platform akin to a Filipino Netflix. EdukSine aims to empower struggling independent filmmakers and producers by providing them with a platform to showcase their work. Notably, EdukSine is the only block streaming platform in the Philippines and the world to integrate Filipino Sign Language, making films accessible to the Deaf community which is a new innovation from EdukSine.
Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of her mother and cultural adjustment while living in New York, Ms. Salutan emphasized the importance of leading by example, never leaving her team behind and being a beacon of strength and hope for others. She spoke passionately about her experiences with mental and emotional resilience, crediting therapy and Stoicism for strengthening her resolve.
“We have to lead by example, separate our personal challenges from our commitment as leaders and never quit, never leave the team behind because they are depending on us. We have to always focus on our missions and serving our countrymen.” This kind of leadership is an act of love and selflessness..
It is important that the government, UN, and private entities listen to the challenges faced by youth leaders and taking action with empathy and compassion. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent EdukSine and the Philippines at the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum, acknowledging the International Trade Centre, World Intellectual Property Organization, the Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations in New York and other organizers for their support.
The event featured notable figures such as H.E. Ms. Paula Narvaez Ojeda, Ambassador of Chile to the United Nations in New York, H.E. Mr. Martin Kimani, Ambassador of Kenya to the United Nations in New York, and Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO, Geneva, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Orman Bangura, Minister of Youth Affairs, Sierra Leone, H.E. Ms. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth and Sport Development, Nigeria, Ms. Gabriela Posso Restrepo, Presidential Advisor for Youth, Colombia , Mr. Miles Hodges, Poet and Producer, New York, USA and Mr. Federico Perez, CEO of Selvitas, Colombia
EdukSine remains committed to promoting Filipino culture, fostering inclusivity and innovation and empowering youth leaders to drive positive change in society.
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