How You Can Create Lasting Change at the United Nations

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TeenLifer Ben with Patrick Sciarratta, cofounder of the Youth Assembly at the United Nations

I recently had the honor of being invited to the 12th annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations, hosted by the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation (FAF).

This event took place from August 7 to 9 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. One thousand global youth leaders, representing 40 countries, gathered to discuss the role of young global citizens in attaining the 8 UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs):

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

2. Achieve universal primary education

3. Promote gender equality and empower women

4. Reduce child mortality

5. Improve maternal health

6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

7. Ensure environmental sustainability

8. Develop a global partnership for development

On Wednesday, I passed through UN security, alongside Development Director for the Youth Assembly Ana Maria Lebada. She explained that she invited me because she believed that TeenLife and the Youth Assembly have the same target audience. Upon entering the General Assembly Hall, she quickly said, “I’m sorry – I have to go sit with the Romanian Mission in the front. I’ll see you later, yes?” Ana Maria was right; we do share the same audience. The Youth Assembly attendees are extraordinary young people.

The first day featured a host of impressive world leaders, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists (UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, UN High-Representative Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, Dr. Jane Goodall, Head of Global Sustainable Development for PepsiCo Daniel Bena, and Andrea Taylor of Microsoft YouthSpark, to name a few). Perhaps even more impressive were the young, innovative speakers who are hot on their heels. There were high school students who have formed NGOs and non-profits, influenced educational policy, and rallied grassroots movements. Wednesday showcased students at the UN equally as engaged and passionate as the students who participate in TeenLife’s TeenLeader Contest.

Ramu Damodaran of the UN Department of Public Information’s Outreach Division put it best when he asked,

“Why are we talking about students as ‘future generations?’ This is the current generation.”

In an opening address via video feed, Secretary General of the UN Ban Ki-Moon pointed out that this is the largest generation of youth the world has ever known, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement. Chris Stampar, the very young, very impressive International Director of IDEAS for Us emphasized this idea by insisting that, “Youth need to be more involved in the higher level decision making at the UN. They need to allow us into the policy forming process.” I encourage you to go to the Youth Assembly’s website if you would like to join in this effort.

The Youth Assembly showed everyone present that global change is being spurred by increasingly creative means. Presenters shared efforts that employed the use of dance (Pierre Dulaine of the film, Dancing in Jaffa), song (Tami Tyree, founder of Echoes of Our Ancestors), corporate responsibility (Daniel Bena, Head of Global Sustainable Development at PepsiCo) and even dental hygiene (Paige and Ashley Alenick, founders of Donate A Toothbrush). Every speaker agreed that if you have an idea that can bring people together, it is worth pursuing. Each of them encouraged young people to contact them with ideas or questions.

The Friendship Ambassadors Foundation organizes the annual Youth Assembly to give young adults training and confidence to transform their biggest ideas a reality. Co-Founder of the Millennium Campus Network, Sam Vaghar urged the audience to never be afraid to talk to anyone. Mr. Vaghar spoke of his experience forming MCN as a teenager, and the many roadblocks and “No’s” he received every day before becoming a massively successful advocate for global economic stability. Mr. Vaghar got his start by cold calling the rock star economist Jeffrey Sachs and asking for help. He explained that in most cases, good ideas and enthusiasm are more important than experience, that it is important to learn from the experts and talk to everyone! He urged all youth to be persistent, and to contact leaders until you get a response. His morning pep talk received a standing ovation from youth and world leaders alike.

FAF aims to empower as many young people as possible. Executive Director of FAF and the Co-Founder of the Youth Assembly Patrick Sciarratta opened the Youth Assembly with a bit of history: “We began with about one hundred people about 13 years ago – look where we are now.” Mr. Sciarratta encourages young people to apply if they are interested in learning about the United Nations and how you can become involved in the success of the 8 UN MDGs.

The Youth Assembly is a fantastic opportunity to meet other dedicated young people from all over the world, and to voice your opinions on the urgent issues of today, while making a permanent impact throughout the world. Applicants to the Youth Assembly must be between the ages of 16 and 24. You can watch the entire 12th annual Youth Assembly on the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation YouTube Channel.

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