In 2019, Humanitarian Affairs Asia hosted the inaugural edition of the International Diplomacy Forum for aspiring diplomats at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Aspiring global leaders came together to connect with other like-minded individuals, who are committed to leading in positive global change with real-world solutions in fields of trade, law, geopolitics, tech, finance, global security, community development, humanitarian advocacy and global diplomacy.

Comprising of practical sessions, interactive workshops, solution-based discussions, negotiation exercises, career advice and networking which were delivered by respected Ambassadors, MPs, Government officials, United Nations representatives, Media and World Leading Diplomacy Experts, to recognise, develop and enhance the next generation of global professionals and leaders.
Delegates at the event also gained fundamental skills, insights and opportunities, essential for their role as a social justice advocate within their future careers involving international relations and diplomacy, as well as the opportunity to build a global, comprehensive and diverse professional network of other young leaders and to engage in a direct channel of interaction among diplomatic stakeholders within the International Diplomatic Community.

One of Such aspiring diplomats back then was Kamaldeen Kuku; Public Speaker, Digital Marketer, Project Manager, Content Creator, Leadership frontliner, Communication and Interpersonal skill Developer,  Moral and Religious role model who is driven by Teamwork, Innovation and Technology.
Kamal as he is often fondly called, is a passionate and extra-ordinary young leader in the fore-front of International advocacy and tech entrepreneurship who has evolved strongly since engaging in this unique experience with a strong desire to replicate the norms and values of youth development and advocacy in his home turf.
Having obtained a Diploma in Information Technology from the University of Lagos in the year 2006, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the Osun State University in 2012, and Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the American University of Nigeria, Yola in 2020, Kamal now has a Masters degree in Project Management in view, as he continually strives to update his erudite base.

Never one to be idle for any moment, Kamal has served in many enviable capacities and positions which includes Managing a team of digital marketers for promoting organizational growth; Served as an assistant lecturer in International and Comparative Politics at American University of Nigeria in 2019, under the renowned Harvard and Princeton Professor, Mahamadou Lamine Sagna (author of Politics, Violence, Racism and Religion in America) in 2019; Managed and trained Surulere constituency youths in series of employability and skills acquisition programs; Digital Literacy Facilitator for youths not in employment, education or training, organized by MindTheGap, in collaboration with Lagos State Government, Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Google.org.

He worked as a Technological Laboratory Intern at the Nigerian Breweries plc, Abebe village, Iganmu, Lagos in 2011; Data Analyst with the Niger State Pension Board in 2016. He is currently a Facilitator and Project coordinator at MindTheGap digital hub, and the CEO, REDKAM technologies, his personal foray in entrepreneurship. There seems to be no end to Mr. Kamal’s capabilities and achievements, as his monstrous desire to stand out amongst his contemporaries has taken him on professional journeys that others can only dare to dream about.

For doubting thomases who may still harbour any reservations about the solidity of the aspiring leader’s character, his personal accomplishments is in a class by itself. You may be surprised to learn that Kamal has Ran a full-length marathon, been named captain of his high school track team, launched a successful business which started from his dorm room, reached intermediate proficiency level in French language, served as a Nigerian Youth representative, International Diplomacy Forum, United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, Thailand in 2019, was a delegate at the African Students and Youth Summit, Rabat, Morocco in 2019, conducted a research into Population dynamics of total heterotrophic and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria from sediments of Nigeria continental shelf of the Atlantic Ocean in 2012 and Youth Unemployment in Nigeria (Challenges and Recommendations) in 2019. He has also served as volunteer through The Nigerian Red Cross Society.

His certifications include Digital Marketing – Google Digital Skills for Africa, Public Speaking – Udemy Professional Certificate, Project Management Certificate – WorldClass ICT Solutions.

While speaking with Dascenario in Lagos recently, Mr. Kamal Kuku shared some of his experiences. He stressed on the importance of youth inclusive as a tool to remediate the massive brain drain challenge currently faced by the nation.