How I got to interview Mary Robinson

Plan youth delegate and journalist Marius Juel-Hovland, aged 16 from Norway, reveals how he managed to interview former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson at the International AIDS Conference in Mexico.

Marius interviewing Mary Robinson at the International AIDS Conference

View video of Marius’ interview with Mary Robinson (2.8mb | 3.38 mins)

7 August 2008: When I found out that I was going to Mexico for the International AIDS Conference as a youth journalist I had great expectations. I was hoping to meet Ban Ki-Moon and Bill Clinton.

I got a handshake from Ban Ki-Moon but he didn’t want to answer my questions. I didn’t even get to see Bill Clinton and I’ve learned how hard it is to get to the world leaders.

So what’s all the talk about youth participation? If I am not able to talk to these people it’s probably hard for other youth as well. And we need to talk to these leaders to be involved. Knowing that close to 50% of all HIV infections happen to young people aged between 15 and 24, the youth needs to be involved.

Luckily I have met people who understand the importance of youth involvement and how to do it. At the Norwegian embassy I talked to the Norwegian AIDS ambassador, Sigrun Møgedal, and explained my role as a youth journalist.

She then contacted me yesterday telling me that she had arranged a meeting for me with former president of Ireland, and former Human Rights commissioner to the UN, Mary Robinson. I was thrilled.

When I caught up with Mary Robinson, she said that governments do not listen enough to youth and that they should do better. She gave advice to the next president of the USA. And she complimented me on my questions. Not all world leaders are out of touch with youth!

Read Marius' blogs from the conference (in Norwegian)

Learn about Plan’s work at the International AIDS Conference