British Teen Founder of Micronation Honored by United Nations

Daniel Jackson, a 21-year-old from Britain, has been recognized by the United Nations for his humanitarian efforts through the Free Republic of Verdis, a micronation he founded. The award was presented at a UN gala in New York, acknowledging aid provided by Verdis to the Ivory Coast.

Jackson conceived the idea of Verdis at age 14 with friends, identifying unclaimed land along the Danube River between Croatia and Serbia following a border dispute. On May 30, 2019, they declared Pocket-3, as it was officially known, as the Free Republic of Verdis, with Jackson assuming the role of president.

Since its inception, Jackson has worked to establish Verdis, which now boasts a cabinet, laws, a flag, passports, and embassies in Dover, England, and Novi Sad, Serbia. The nation, with a total area of approximately 125 acres, would be the second smallest country in the world, larger only than Vatican City. Verdis has 400 official citizens and uses the Euro as its currency, with English, Croatian, and Serbian as official languages. The micronation has garnered significant interest online, receiving numerous applications from individuals seeking citizenship.

Jackson recently attended the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Youth Mobilization Segment on October 9, where his Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Jeffrey Li, addressed the assembly about Verdis's past initiatives and future plans. Jackson described the experience as intense and nerve-wracking, given the presence of influential figures at the event.

Despite these international engagements, Verdis faces challenges. Jackson claims Croatian authorities have blockaded the territory, installing cameras along the coastline to prevent access from Serbia, effectively making the government operate in exile. He has been banned from Croatia. However, Verdis has made progress with Serbian officials, with Jackson being accepted for citizenship.

Jackson, who now dedicates himself full-time to Verdis after leaving his job designing Roblox worlds, expressed amazement at the micronation's progress, attributing it to a dedicated team and strong support.