Kinnari Doke - In Her Own Words

How important it is for the younger generation to get involved in International Affairs?

Young people today are connected like never before and are a core demographic in the use and building of disruptive new technologies, global social platforms, and other means.  It is a great opportunity for them to engage in international affairs through educational forums, networking, and professional development. I believe that the younger generation of today has a new strength, and they have the power to influence the necessary actions that will deviate the world’s current destructive path and secure a better future for the next generation.

Why Do Young People Feel Ignored by Politicians?

I think the problem is that although youth are increasingly engaging in politics, the spaces where they can express their political views don’t exist. Some are swallowed up by a ‘system’ of patronage and self-service. It’s no longer enough to ‘just be heard’, I think it is important for young people to actively create alternative spaces for driving important agendas. I believe it is not just disengagement with politics but rather a lack of engagement with the current political system and an absence of representation.

Certainly, you’re picking up that torch, with the Hesperus Research & Development Organization (HRDO). Why did you start HRDO and what makes it so unique and important?

The idea is to achieve the ambitious goal of building institutional and intellectual capacities around the world. There is such a need for hearing the voices of individuals in areas of international security, and HRDO is an attempt to encourage dialogues to make yourself heard almost everywhere on the planet. My commitment to public service has always included advancing opportunities and I will bring the breadth of my experience and leadership to bear on the challenges that the world is facing today. HRDO is a platform for passion and commitment to building the next generation of change-makers and also for the pipeline of experienced individuals & security professionals. It inspires to thrive and paves the way for people to have a seat at the table!

We’ve heard about HRDO covering up something like the ‘critical questions’ section. Can you tell us more about it?

Yes, you heard it right! We are soon going to discuss critical questions existing in the world today. Over the years I've realized that it is not just important to comprehend details analysis of the research topics but also it is important to understand and learn more about what are the critical questions that exist in the world today. You know, there are a lot of things that the world is dealing with right now and these questions can open up new possibilities in our lives. It's the first step in solving problems. I believe that when we ask the right questions, we succeed as a thinker, as these questions are the force that powers our thinking. And this is why we will be addressing the critical questions section soon. 

What were your keys to success?

Being persistent and not giving up is something I follow. In addition, I’ve always said to myself, what is the next thing I want to achieve and how will I get there?

Many things have happened that I wasn’t anticipating that have turned out great and I always see the unexpected as opportunities.