#INTERVIEW: When Love Is the Answer: How Sergey Kosenko Takes The Stage at UNESCO to Addresses Racism

From viral videos to UNESCO headquarters, “Mr. Thank You” is redefining what it means to lead with heart. L’Officiel Arabia sits down with Sergey Kosenko to talk about kindness, digital storytelling and why love might just be the ultimate revolution.

He may have over 67 million followers and 2 billion monthly views, but Sergey Kosenko, best known online as “Mr. Thank You” has something more important to highlight: empathy.

The Dubai & Los Angeles–based entrepreneur and content creator recently took his message to a global stage, speaking at UNESCO’s Masterclass Against Racism and Discrimination in Paris. Now, in a groundbreaking collaboration, he’s co-creating a global youth education program with the organization, refreshingly focused on algorithms of emotional intelligence, creativity and compassion.

We caught up with Sergey to explore what’s next, how he stays grounded, and what advice he has for the next generation of digital storytellers.

Delna Mistry Anand: You recently spoke at UNESCO about empathy and human connection. Why is this message so important right now?

Sergey Kosenko: Because we’re living in an age of more and more digital noise, distractions and comparison, and it is easy to get lost – especially for the young people. But real power isn’t about shouting louder, it’s in listening better, being present, showing a bit of your heart. I believe racism, hate and division often come from an emptiness within. When people are filled with fear, they focus on what divides us. But when you’re filled with love, you see people differently. And you act differently. That is the message I want to share.

Delna: Congratulations on the new program you’re creating with UNESCO, please tell us about it.

Sergey: We’re co-developing a global youth education curriculum that combines digital storytelling, emotional intelligence and practical creative skills. It’s for young people (age 18 to 30 years), especially those from underserved communities who want to use their voice to create change.

We’re talking about teaching them how to produce content, express their stories through performance, visual art, dance and use their platforms to fight discrimination and spread compassion.

Delna: You’re known for viral videos that surprise people with acts of kindness, this is something you can’t fake – it must come from the heart. What inspires you to create this content?

Sergey: Everything I share comes from a place of personal feeling. I don’t post to go viral, I post to connect. My mission with Mr. Thank You has always been to turn emotion into action. Whether it’s a short film, a surprise gift or a mentorship series, I want to remind people that kindness about being soft, it isn’t weakness it is your greatest strength.

Delna: You mentioned that your family is your anchor. How do you stay grounded with everything going on?

Sergey: My wife Sasha is an artist, and our little boy Leo is actually our greatest teacher; together we’re building a life rooted in love, creativity and shared purpose. Wherever we are, Dubai, LA, or somewhere in between, what matters is how ‘present’ we are with each other. That is the ultimate success to me, more than anything else.

Delna: And finally, what advice would you give young people today trying to find their voice online?

Sergey: Well firstly, don’t worry about being famous. Instead, focus on being honest, on being authentic and share something that truly matters to you. When your voice comes from your heart, it will always land somewhere meaningful.

Whether in luxury real estate or global philanthropy, Sergey Kosenko is proof that you don’t need to trade purpose for impact. Sometimes, the most powerful influencers aren’t the loudest, they are the ones who connect deeply. And the world is finally taking notice.