Welcome to a special "Blue Planet" Podcast, where we explore the captivating stories and artistic visions behind this global initiative from Odyssey Global Media, celebrating the wonders of our oceans. I'm thrilled to take you on this journey of creative expression and environmental advocacy.

On July 23rd, 2024, the world came together for the grand unveiling of the "Blue Planet" global digital exhibition - an Odyssey Global Media Global Grassroots Art Event that showcased the remarkable works of artists from around the world. Each piece has been crafted to raise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation, and to inspire sustainability conversations that will protect the health of our blue planet.

In this special podcast series, we'll have the privilege of hearing directly from some of the talented artists whose work is featured in the "Blue Planet" exhibition. You'll learn about the personal experiences, environmental passions, and creative visions that have guided their artistic process. From the vibrant hues of coral reefs to the mesmerizing movements of marine life, these creatives will share the powerful messages they've woven into their captivating pieces.

In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared 15 July as World Youth Skills Day to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship, as well as for addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development.

The theme for World Youth Skills Day 2024, "Youth Skills for Peace and Development," underscores the crucial role young people play in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

The world faces a multitude of challenges today, many of which affect the youth. It is crucial to equip youth with the necessary skills for fostering a culture of peace, nurturing responsible global citizens, and promoting sustainable development to build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all. (Source : United Nations)

Michelle Kim is a sustainability educator, youth community leader and advocate working heavily on UN SDGs & Social+Environmental pillars of sustainability. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a study focused on sustainability at the University of Alberta, and is completing her Global Development Master’s Degree at Harvard University whilst working as a sustainability, leadership, and indigenous program manager at the University of Alberta. She has been involved in current climate education in both global South and North, working at international and local levels.

Anum Farooq is an Associate of the Royal College of Science and Imperial College London alumna. She is a UN YCIG Mentor, and current MTE Climate Ambassador with an interest in nature inspired art. She holds over a decade of experience in the education sector and has partaken in youth advocacy. Anum is the Director of Heal Earth; whose mission is to provide comprehensive, innovative educational solutions that empower the next generation to become environmental leaders and sustainability advocates.

'Deafblindness is a combined vision and hearing impairment of such severity that it is hard for the impaired senses to compensate for each other. Thus, deafblindness is a distinct disability.

To varying degrees, deafblindness limits activities and restricts full participation in society. It affects social life, communication, access to information, orientation and the ability to move around freely and safely.

To help compensate for the combined vision and hearing impairment, especially the tactile sense becomes important.

Representing between 0.2% to 2% of the population, persons with deafblindness are a very diverse yet hidden group and are, overall, more likely to be poor and unemployed, and with lower educational outcomes. Because deafblindness is less wellknown and often misunderstood, people struggle to obtain the right support, and are often excluded from both development and disability programmes.'

WFDB is a global non-governmental advocacy organization by and for persons with deafblindness, aiming to improve the quality of life and protect the rights of this distinct disability group.

WFDB was established in 2001 and consists today of 75 national and associated member organizations from 67 different countries from all corners of the world. Relationships have been established with The World Blind Union (WBU), The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), Deafblind International (DbI) and The World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI).

In 2007 the organization attained consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and is a member of the International Disability Alliance (IDA) where the WFDB President serves as a member of the board.

Sanja Tarczay was born deaf in Zagreb, Croatia, and later became Deafblind. In 1994, she founded the Croatian Association of Deafblind Persons “Dodir,” where she continues to serve as President. Sanja is also a lecturer on Deafblindness and Sign Language at universities in Zagreb and has published multiple papers. From 2013 to 2022, she served as President of the European Deafblind Union and was a member of the Disability Rights Fund's Grantmaking Committee. Fluent in five sign languages and two spoken languages, Sanja earned her Doctorate in 2014. Since October 2022, she has been the President of the World Federation of the Deafblind, advocating for global equality and inclusion.

Lucia D'Arino is the Program Advisor at the World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB). Born in Spain to an Argentinian family, she holds a background in International Relations and European Studies. Lucia has extensive experience working with organizations of persons with disabilities across Europe and internationally. In her current role, she coordinates WFDB's international projects and campaigns and manages advocacy and communication activities. Lucia is an expert in human rights, accessibility, and intersectionality.