Young Queenslanders gather for United Nations Youth Summit
Published Wednesday, 27 February, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Eighty young Queenslanders will gather in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast this week to undertake United Nations style talks on topics such as climate change, international trade and conflict in the Sudan.
Youth Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the three day summit, sponsored by the United Nations Youth Association, aims to educate Queensland students about the importance of the United Nations and international relations.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the summit would provide the year 10 to 12 students with an opportunity to have their say about global issues.
“Today’s students will be tomorrow’s leaders, so this is an invaluable opportunity for young people to learn how countries relate on an international level,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The experience they will gain over the next few years will help equip them with the skills necessary to become effective and skilled leaders in the future.”
President of the United Nations Youth Association (UNYA) Charlotte Yellowlees said the Summit provided a unique opportunity for school students to learn about international relations, foreign diplomacy, negotiation and public speaking.
“These are areas that aren’t normally specifically addressed in school, so it’s fantastic to be able to provide educational opportunities for students who are passionate about global issues and international relations,” Ms Yellowlees said.
“UNYA is a network of young people that hosts a whole range of educational opportunities and policy forums. We’re a group of young people who are passionate about the ideals of the UN and the potential for change generated by involvement in theses sorts of activities,” said Ms Yellowlees.
On the first day of the summit students will receive talks on the role of the media from Courier Mail Editor David Fagan; juvenile justice issues by Youth Affairs Network’s Siyavash Doostkah; and substance abuse from John Heron the Chairman of the Australian National Council of Drugs.
The students will then take part in YouthSpeak, Australia’s largest consultation with young people, which seeks to include young people in the decision making process.
Ms Nelson-Carr said as a part of this consultation, the delegates will compile a declaration that will include ideas that have been discussed as well as statements on particular issues.
“The declaration will be presented to Members of Parliament and other Government and Non-Government organisations,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
The summit ends on Sunday, culminating with a mock UN General Assembly and workshops on negotiation and diplomacy.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the summit attracted some of Queensland’s top students from Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Townsville, Cairns and South East Queensland.
“We have some of nation’s best and brightest attending today, and it makes me proud to see the drive and motivation these young people have,” she said.
“As Queenslanders, we can all be proud of what these students are doing, and what they will go on to achieve in the future.”
“I have no doubt we will see some of these young men and women leading the country in coming years,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Ms Nelson-Carr will officially open the summit at 9.30am Friday 29th February at the Undumbi Room, Parliament House, Alice Street Brisbane.
The United Nations Youth Association of Australia is an officially UN affiliated body, designed to represent and educate youth in international and domestic issues.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3237 0993
Youth Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the three day summit, sponsored by the United Nations Youth Association, aims to educate Queensland students about the importance of the United Nations and international relations.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the summit would provide the year 10 to 12 students with an opportunity to have their say about global issues.
“Today’s students will be tomorrow’s leaders, so this is an invaluable opportunity for young people to learn how countries relate on an international level,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The experience they will gain over the next few years will help equip them with the skills necessary to become effective and skilled leaders in the future.”
President of the United Nations Youth Association (UNYA) Charlotte Yellowlees said the Summit provided a unique opportunity for school students to learn about international relations, foreign diplomacy, negotiation and public speaking.
“These are areas that aren’t normally specifically addressed in school, so it’s fantastic to be able to provide educational opportunities for students who are passionate about global issues and international relations,” Ms Yellowlees said.
“UNYA is a network of young people that hosts a whole range of educational opportunities and policy forums. We’re a group of young people who are passionate about the ideals of the UN and the potential for change generated by involvement in theses sorts of activities,” said Ms Yellowlees.
On the first day of the summit students will receive talks on the role of the media from Courier Mail Editor David Fagan; juvenile justice issues by Youth Affairs Network’s Siyavash Doostkah; and substance abuse from John Heron the Chairman of the Australian National Council of Drugs.
The students will then take part in YouthSpeak, Australia’s largest consultation with young people, which seeks to include young people in the decision making process.
Ms Nelson-Carr said as a part of this consultation, the delegates will compile a declaration that will include ideas that have been discussed as well as statements on particular issues.
“The declaration will be presented to Members of Parliament and other Government and Non-Government organisations,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
The summit ends on Sunday, culminating with a mock UN General Assembly and workshops on negotiation and diplomacy.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the summit attracted some of Queensland’s top students from Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Townsville, Cairns and South East Queensland.
“We have some of nation’s best and brightest attending today, and it makes me proud to see the drive and motivation these young people have,” she said.
“As Queenslanders, we can all be proud of what these students are doing, and what they will go on to achieve in the future.”
“I have no doubt we will see some of these young men and women leading the country in coming years,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Ms Nelson-Carr will officially open the summit at 9.30am Friday 29th February at the Undumbi Room, Parliament House, Alice Street Brisbane.
The United Nations Youth Association of Australia is an officially UN affiliated body, designed to represent and educate youth in international and domestic issues.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3237 0993