Pilot Stories: Compass Member Gabriel Springer has been nominated to be the Pilot International, Inc. representative to the United Nations Department of Global Communications within the Civil Society Unit

Pilot International, Inc. and Compass Club International are proud to announce that University of North Florida student Gabriel Springer has been nominated to be the Pilot International, Inc. representative to the United Nations Department of Global Communications within the Civil Society Unit.

 

From the United Nations website: “The Civil Society Unit is within the Outreach Division in the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC). It is mandated to link the Organization with civil society organizations (CSOs) that are associated with DGC and to support the department's efforts to disseminate information on the work and role of the UN. 

A civil society organization (CSO) or non-governmental organization (NGO) is any non-profit, voluntary citizens’ group which is organized on a local, national or international level.  Task-oriented and driven by people with a common interest, civil society organizations (CSOs) perform a variety of services and humanitarian functions, bring citizens’ concerns to Governments, monitor policies, and encourage political participation at the community level. CSOs provide analysis and expertise, serve as early warning mechanisms and help monitor and implement international agreements, including Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Typically, they are organized around specific issues, such as the UN pillars of peace and security, human rights, and development. CSOs often promote UN observances and international years and decades established by the General Assembly to focus world attention on important issues facing humanity. Their relationships with offices and agencies of the United Nations System differ depending on their location and mandate.”

Gabriel Springer is double majoring in Biomedical Science and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of North Florida. Springer will continue his education at the University of London, Royal Veterinary College under a merit-based scholarship this September 2024. He is also President of the UNF Compass Club: “[w]orking to make my student and local community better using a brain safety approach,” said Springer.

 

Springer is also a member and officer involved in many clubs alongside a host of other organizations at the university level including Student Government, the Hicks Honors College, the UNF Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE), and the Dean’s Student Conduct Board. 

 

“My ultimate goals are to help all life, human and animal, through a One Health approach by practicing medicine, supporting mental health, and building communities,” said Springer.

“Compass Club means so much to me. Some of the things that readily come to mind are community, opportunity, and mentorship. Compass has helped me build a community of like minded peers with a goal of improving our local, regional, and global paradigms,” said Springer. “Opportunities this club has provided me include leadership roles and impact such as being the President of the Compass Club, leading volunteer events, and nomination to representative of Pilot International to the United Nations DGC. Lastly, mentorship has gifted me the skills and experiences of a host of pilots to navigate the difficult world of adulthood. The recent position of representative to the UN will further my goal of international philanthropy that connects all of us regardless of economic, social, or cultural differences.”