Flamingo Expert Network
Joao Felipe Scarpelini – Latin America & Caribbean
Joao is a 23 years old Brazilian-Italian. He was born and raised in Brazil, but so far, as a true globetrotter, he has worked in over 30 countries developing a range of youth-related projects from Argentina to China, from Canada to East Timor. Living in the UK since 2005, he spend his time divided between Brazil, Italy and the UK where he works as the manager and PR in Peace Child International’s headquarters, a British-based international organisation that champions the concept of youth-led development with projects in over 150 countries. Although young, Joao has accumulated impressive experience as a consultant, media-maker and social entrepreneur. Since 1999 he has been working with different organisations and movements related to youth engagement and community empowerment. His unique mixed background – which includes media experience in acting, TV presenting, writing for commercial outlets and blogging, combined with his intuitive engagement strategy both online (using web 2.0 platforms and social networks) and on the streets (reaching out to youth groups, schools and university students) – is a valuable asset in his efforts to raise awareness of the broad public about global issues and to effectively engage and empower young people to deal with those challenges with a more proactive approach. Joao was a columnist for CAPRICHO magazine for 4 years - one of Brazils most successful magazines specializing in youth issues. He moderates the educational forum of the youth initiative of the Inter-American Development Bank. And currently he is a guest blogger for the World Bank Youthink initiative and represents Latin America at the UN-HABITAT Interim Youth Advisory Board working to advise the UN Human Settlements Programme in best strategies for youth engagement in urban and rural development. Over the past 10 years working for different bodies, organisations and companies Joao has specialized in youth engagement strategy, and currently is one of the biggest international references on youth issues. He is an authority on youth-led development, peer-education, youth campaigning and marketing strategies. Joao is also an expert in youth identity including self-esteem, sexuality and group identification. He also has an extensive experience with technology and trends especially related to online social networks.
