New Oxfam Cymru chief: One person can change the world

Bethan Sayed has taken over as the new chief executive of Oxfam Cymru. She says she is ready to use her position to question government decisions and advocate for people who often go unheard.

Sayed previously served as a Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd. She also worked with the climate charity Climate Cymru. Before entering politics, she volunteered with Oxfam at the Glastonbury Festival when she was 18 years old. She credits her upbringing in a family in the Valleys for her commitment to global issues.

Her parents were active members of the Red Card in Cardiff. They frequently protested in the streets against global events, such as the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Sayed described this environment as a strong influence on her path.

Sayed stated that Oxfam has always been an organization that challenges governments. The charity aims to speak for the most vulnerable people who lack a political voice. She said this approach suits her background as a former legislator who enjoyed challenging the establishment.

The charity places a heavy emphasis on decolonization. Sayed said it is important to work with Oxfam members in various countries to change how the world views colonial history. She argued that the perspective of those who were colonized should take precedence over the view of a white person living in Cardiff.

Regarding current global challenges like climate change, Sayed noted that the people least responsible for the crisis suffer the most. She wants to connect international events with local experiences in Wales. She cited recent fires and floods in France, Spain, and Syria as examples of global issues that have local relevance.

Sayed expressed a desire to hold discussions with the Welsh Government in the future. She wants to explore funding opportunities for Oxfam projects in Cardiff, both for local work and for international initiatives. She described herself as an optimist who believes that one person can make a difference.

She argued that people who vote have the power to influence government actions. As a charity, Oxfam holds a strong position to effect change. Sayed said she would rather remain positive than sit and be negative about the lack of progress. She concluded that every individual has a role to play in the world.