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I find the work of the United Nations inspiring. As a 23-year-old, I want my generation to understand the importance and significance of the UN and why it is a vital part of our world. Decisions made today will shape our future and I know the UN helps make all of our futures brighter. Join me and the Better World Campaign as we kick-off our new campaign – My World. My UN. We are starting a conversation about your hopes for a better world through the work of the UN.

Have you been keeping up with world news this week? Check out some of our favorite stories in this week’s “What We’re Reading” post.

As part of the itinerary in India this week, United Nations Foundation Board members participated in a televised conversation with one of the country’s leading journalists, NDTV’s Barkha Dutt. She interviewed UN Foundation Founder and Chairman Ted Turner, Foundation President Senator Timothy E. Wirth, and Co-chairman of Infosys Technologies Kris Gopakakrishnan on issues ranging from the evolution of philanthropy, the role of the United Nations, and how partnerships and innovation are powering a more sustainable future for India.

More than 1 billion people currently use birth control. For the most part, they do it without hesitation. They do it because they want the power to plan their own lives—and to raise healthy, happy families when they are ready to do so.

Today’s speech by Melinda Gates at TedXChange is a bold and timely call-to-action on family planning. As Melinda rightly points out, there is no controversy about building better lives for our children.

As we prepare to return from India and the semi-annual UN Foundation Board meeting, I am struck by one of the themes that emerged from discussions this past week: the need for long-term investments in humanity. This is more than just a lofty phrase. It is a call for a fundamental shift in the way people think about philanthropy, partnership, and working with the United Nations.

With only a few days to go, I’m eagerly anticipating TEDxChange: The Big Picture and putting the finishing touches on my talk. The TEDx speakers I have watched online this year have certainly set a high bar.

I’m in India this week with the United Nations Foundation’s Board of Directors – some of the smartest minds I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with – to discuss how we can help the UN solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.

Today our Board had a rich discussion with India’s United Nations team and civil society leaders on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and lessons learned for the next phase post-2015.

As the father of two boys, visiting hospitals and health clinics in the developing world, and seeing kids struggling to make it to the next day, is always difficult. But when I met with Dr. Julius and Dr. Asha at Hrudayalaya Hospital as part of the UN Foundaton Board meeting in Bangalore, I was instead filled with hope.