Latest UNYA news

The latest from National Conference 2012

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Our committee of tertiary volunteers and I have been working hard over summer to prepare for the National Conference's arrival in Melbourne in July, after seven years elsewhere and what is to be a busy year in 2012.

Already we can confirm the generous support of the University of Melbourne, Monash University, the City of Melbourne, Newman College and the Foundation for Young Australians. The conference will canvas topics that touch upon justice in a local, Australian and Global context elaborating upon the manner through which justice underpins our everyday lives.

Student delegates will travel around Melbourne's CBD to debate in key historic venues and take part in cultural excursions with various community organisations and social enterprises to tackle justice issues creatively.

We’re honoured to announce that Chief Justice Marilyn Warren will formally open the conference on July 9th, we are currently in the process of approaching a variety of speakers on topics ranging from Australian Indigenous Constitutional Recognition, Justice in conflict and the origins of Human Rights.

We look forward to witnessing the culmination of two years of effort as we invite guests from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific to join with us and Strive for Justice in 2012.

From Conference Convenor, Anna Carrig

For more information, visit the Conference 2012 page.

Evatt Winners Announced

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1100

HOBART — After time deliberating, the Judging Panel for the Evatt Trophy Competition have announced the national champions. Winners of "Evatt" have gone through a tough process of debate, negotation, and compromise to reach their final goal. The Security Council format makes this competition a very difficult one.

The Evatt Trophy Competition is Australia's largest and most prestigious national secondary school debating competition, drawing delegates from all states and territories in Australia together to debate global issues in a mock session of the United Nations Security Council. The Evatt Trophy Competition is a flagship program run by UN Youth Australia.

1st Place

Hamish Lonergan and Damien Maher (QLD)

2nd Place

Robert Ferguson and Kevin Kim (NSW)

3rd Place

Simon Dukes and Anthony Small (NSW)

Honourable Mentions

Brock Gunthorpe and Calum Thatcher (QLD)

Jackson McKenzie and Nick Young (VIC)

Joshua Keenan and Liam Thomas (QLD)

Best In Chamber - White Chamber

Daniel Ergas and Nathaniel Jende (ACT)

Best In Chamber - Blue Chamber

Hamish Lonergan and Damien Maher (QLD)

Cabinet Crisis Winner

Mieke Foster and Natesha Somasundaram (VIC)

Cabinet Crisis Runner-Up

Thomas Speddling and Sam van den Nieuwenhof (NT)

National Grand Finalists

Matt Paterson and Mitch Sutton (QLD)

Hamish Lonergan and Damien Maher (QLD)

Emmet Ryan and Patrick McKinlay (QLD)

Joshua Keenan and Liam Thomas (QLD)

Brock Gunthorpe and Calum Thatcher (QLD)

Phillip Small and Jeeven Nadanakumar (ACT)

Grace Dickinson and Owen James (ACT)

Daniel Ergas and Nathaniel Jende (ACT)

Robert Ferguson and Kevin Kim (NSW)

Jesse Carey and Natasha Rubie (NSW)

Anthony Small and Simon Dukes (NSW)

Jackson McKenzie and Nick Young (VIC)

Kate Goodridge-Griffiths and Keahn Sardinha (WA)

Gordon Wicks and Liam Gage-Brown (SA)

Jethro Cohen and Andrew Dunn-Lobban (TAS)

Toone Shield for Overall Divisional Performance

UN Youth Queensland

We want to communicate again what a pleasure it was to spend so much time listening to so many brilliant students. Here's hoping they stay involved! Our congratulations and thanks go to Django and his team, as well as all the facilitators, for making this Evatt such a brilliant success.

We attach, for your interest and hopeful delight, the resolutions and briefing materials for the Grand Final resolutions this year. They are all, of course, copyright UN Youth Australia Inc. and can be used by any Division or UN Youth Australia program or project. For any other permissions, please contact the National Executive.

Have a very happy New Year,

Alec Webley

Chairman, Evatt Trophy 2011 Judging Panel

Nicky Hentrich

Tim Matthews

Deputy Chairpeople

Daniel Gibbons

Karen Chau

Gemma Renton

Mashood Qureshi

Paddy McCann

Tom Morrison

National Judges

1st Place

Hamish Lonergan and Damien Maher (QLD)

2nd Place

Robert Ferguson and Kevin Kim (NSW)

3rd Place

Simon Dukes and Anthony Small (NSW)

Honourable Mentions

Brock Gunthorpe and Calum Thatcher (QLD)
Jackson McKenzie and Nick Young (VIC)
Joshua Keenan and Liam Thomas (QLD)

Best In Chamber - White Chamber

Daniel Ergas and Nathaniel Jende (ACT)

Best In Chamber - Blue Chamber

Hamish Lonergan and Damien Maher (QLD)

Cabinet Crisis Winner

Mieke Foster and Natesha Somasundaram (VIC)

Cabinet Crisis Runner-Up

Thomas Speddling and Sam van den Nieuwenhof (NT)

National Grand Finalists

Matt Paterson and Mitch Sutton (QLD)
Hamish Lonergan and Damien Maher (QLD)
Emmet Ryan and Patrick McKinlay (QLD)
Joshua Keenan and Liam Thomas (QLD)
Brock Gunthorpe and Calum Thatcher (QLD)
Phillip Small and Jeeven Nadanakumar (ACT)
Grace Dickinson and Owen James (ACT)
Daniel Ergas and Nathaniel Jende (ACT)
Robert Ferguson and Kevin Kim (NSW)
Jesse Carey and Natasha Rubie (NSW)
Anthony Small and Simon Dukes (NSW)
Jackson McKenzie and Nick Young (VIC)
Kate Goodridge-Griffiths and Keahn Sardinha (WA)
Gordon Wicks and Liam Gage-Brown (SA)
Jethro Cohen and Andrew Dunn-Lobban (TAS)

Toone Shield for Overall Divisional Performance

UN Youth Queensland

Evatt Trophy Competition Grand Finals in progress

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1100

The Grand Finals of the 2011 Evatt Trophy Competition are currently in progress, with only one resolution not yet debated.

The first resolution on gay rights was passed by the mock Security Council after robust debate. The second resolution on the international illicit drug trade is currently being debated by the delegates, while the third resolution will be released later today for the grand final debate.

Chief Judge, Alec Webley, said that "the grand final is the most intense part of the competition. The delegates are nearing the end, and the debate is fantastic so far."

The national winner for the Competition will be announced later this evening during a final dinner celebrating the efforts of all the delegates.

The Evatt Trophy Competition is Australia's largest and most prestigious national secondary school debating competition, drawing delegate from all state and territories in Australia together to debat global issues in a mock session of the United Nations Security Council. The Evatt Trophy Competition is a flagship program run by UN Youth Australia.

National Evatt Trophy Competition

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1100

UN Youth Australia has its sights set on Tasmania as the National Evatt Trophy Competition kicks off tomorrow, December 8.

Many of UN Youth's members have already arrived in Hobart for meetings of the National Council, which takes place every six months. The high school delegates for "Evatt" have been arriving since this morning, in time for the first debates tomorrow.

Evatt is Australia's largest and most prestigious national debating competition, attracting participants from across Australia. The competition emulates the United Nations Security Council. Each team of two delegates represents a country that currently sits on the real UN body. The debates revolve around scenarios similar to ones that the Security Council encounters on a regular basis. Teams need to represent the views of their country by backing, rejecting, amending, and negotiating the resolutions presented.

The delegates who have made it to the national finals of Evatt have fought off numerous challenges in their own states and territories during the regional rounds of Evatt earlier in the year.

It's not all high pressure work over the four days of debate! A number of other educational programs and talks have been lined up to make sure that this Evatt will be an experience that the 60 delegates will not forget.

Follow what's going on with this Evatt via Twitter, using the #Evatt11 hashtag
Get involved with Evatt next year by contacting UN Youth in your area

Youth Representative applications closed

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1100

Applications for the 2012 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations officially closed yesterday evening. At this point, the selection panel will begin the process of reading through the applications received. The panel will invite long applications from a shortlist of candidates which will be submitted in December before a further shortlist is selected for interviewing over January 2011. The 2012 Youth Representative will be announced in March 2011.

The Youth Representative is selected by UN Youth Australia and endorsed by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to represent the views of Australian youth to the United Nations. The Youth Representative spends many months touring Australia to interact with as many young people as possible, even if it means going to every corner of the land (and, perhaps, to small islands beyond). After this "listening tour", the Youth Representative heads to New York as part of the Australian delegation to the United Nations General Assembly.

The current Youth Representative, Benson Saulo, is beginning to wind down from his unforgettable year in the role. You can follow his remarkable journey on his blog at bensonsaulo.wordpress.com.

Delegates return from Pacific Project

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Original article from Destination Dreaming

UN Youth Australia delegates recently returned from an amazing trip to Timor Leste, brushing shoulders with President Ramos Horta and Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, and supporting the Encouragement House in Maliana.

13 travellers had the trip of a lifetime last month, the first of a series of visits planned to the Encouragement House, to provide financial and project-based support to the rural boarding house. Destination Dreaming donated a percentage of the group’s program cost to construct an outdoor shelter at the Encouragement House, which the students assisting in building during their time in Maliana.

Highlights for the group included evening soccer matches with the local students, bathing in the river and group singing sessions at the Encouragement House. Asher Kosma (17 years old) said, ‘my trip to Timor Leste was absolutely amazing. We were the first Australian students ever to visit one of the rural school and lived like locals for 6 days... This Destination Dreaming trip changed the way I view the world and I would be genuinely surprised if it didn’t for anyone who undertakes it.’

Grant Duthie (17 years old) commented that ‘our ability to make a difference on this trip made it stand apart from other travel experiences. Making a positive impact and discovering culture that is so fulfilled and content with so little…’

Click here for more info about Pacific Project

UN Youth marks International Youth Day

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Today UN Youth marks the 2011 International Youth Day, as well as the conclusion of the 2010-2011 International Year of Youth.

"Why Australia needs a child and youth participation strategy" by Catriona Standfield. Read the opinion piece HERE

International Youth Day draws attention to youth issues around the world, and encourages youth empowerment. This is embodied by the accompanying "Change Our World" message. Youth are making news right around the world—never have the issues surrounding youth been more pertinent.

While the International Year of Youth may have concluded, UN Youth hope to continue the youth conversation.

UN Youth attends UNAA Federal Council

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1000

National President Ruvini Leitan headed off to Perth on Sunday August 7th for the United Nations Association of Australia's (UNAA) Federal Council meetings.

UN Youth and the UNAA continue to have a strong relationship and the meeting was a great chance for the two organisations to share ideas and practices. Additionally, the UNAA has been lucky enough to gain funding to support other UN Associations in the Pacific, allowing for the attendance of leaders from states like Tonga and Samoa.

UNYA Gets Published!

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +1100

The youth of Australia have had their views articulated in a recent string of commentary from UNYA Australia. During and immediately after the federal election, three opinion pieces were published on The Punch focusing on issues important to young people.

The Punch is one of the Australia's leading opinion websites, with a daily readership of nearly 15,000. Articles written by National Vice-President (Policy), Anthony Antioch, were featured on the website, dealing with the Coalition's plan to end Australia's bid for the UN Security Council, the necessity of implementing an automatic electoral enrolment system, and the failure of the two major parties to address the climate crisis. The piece regarding electoral reform in particular was linked on News.com.au, one of Australia's foremost news websites with over half a million daily readers, in addition to being the most commented-on article of its week on The Punch. Lobbying for electoral reform, together with engagement with the UN and action on climate change, are ongoing policy objectives for UNYA Australia, and these articles have allowed our message to reach an extensive new audience. Each piece may be viewed through this page.

Global Citizenship Survey Results

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1000

During the course of the 2010 federal election campaign, the United Nations Youth Association sent out a Global Citizenship Survey seeking responses from Australia’s major political parties on the burning issues of Australian foreign policy and engagement with international law. We similarly sent out a Youth Issues Survey to a select group of candidates from the Australian Labor Party, the Liberal Party of Australia and the Australian Greens.

'The Global Citizenship Survey consisted of 10 Yes/No questions with an opportunity for political parties to justify each response,' said Nuwan Dias, UNYA's Federal Election Campaign Manager. 'The survey enabled a critique of the present Labor Government's performance on global issues. To ensure fairness, the survey was also sent to the Australian Labor Party in pursuit of their justification for their performance.'

'The Youth Issues Survey consisted of 9 Yes/No questions. Whilst the surveys were sent out to individual candidates, the Liberal Party of Australia and the Australian Greens provided collective responses on behalf of their candidates. We are anticipating further responses from individual Australian Labor Party candidates throughout the election campaign.'

UNYA would like to thank all of the respondents for their overwhelming support in completing these surveys. We also wish to thank the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition who were instrumental in drafting the questions for the Youth Issues Survey. We will make every effort to continue to post additional responses from participants as we receive them.

To view the results of the poll, please choose from the links below:

Global Citizenship (ALP)

Global Citizenship (FAMILY FIRST)

Global Citizenship (GREENS)

Global Citizenship (LIBERALS)

Youth Issues (ALP)

Youth Issues (LIBERALS)

Youth Issues (GREENS)

Count Me In

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1000

Did you know – Over 1 million eligible Australians aren’t enrolled to vote? And 1/3 of those are aged 18-24?

“Count Me In!” is UNYA’s way to let you know how important it is to enrol to vote NOW.

Once an election is called, you won’t have much time to enrol. Once the roll for the election is closed, if you’re not on it, you can’t vote.

Being enrolled to vote gives you the opportunity to have a say about the direction of Australia and issues that matter to you.

So don’t wait! Enrol now at www.aec.gov.au/enrol

Even if you have already enrolled – are you sure your details are correct? Check your enrolment now at www.aec.gov.au/check

War: It’s a ‘youth issue’, too

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +1100

From internecine strife to counterinsurgency operations, war is immediately present in the lives of far too many people. In particular, children and young people are affected by armed conflict like no one else. Youth are combatants in wars, as well as the victims of horrendous wartime atrocities. However, young people’s voices are rarely heard when it comes to key decisions regarding war and peace.

In Australia, young people bravely volunteer to serve in our Defence Forces, knowing full well that they place their lives in the hands of our Government when they sign the contract. When wars erupt, it is the young people on the frontline that live out the consequences of politicians’ decisions. Elsewhere, youth are forced to fight against their will. Foul and evil gangs like the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda gather new recruits by way of raiding and kidnapping. By way of initiation, these children and youth are made to commit horrific acts that isolate them from their families and communities and inure them to further atrocities. Much of their time as combatants is thickly swathed in a haze of dangerous and addictive narcotics that numbs them to their suffering and that of their victims.

As well as wielding the guns, youth stand in the crosshairs. When conflict comes their way, young people lose their homes, families, health and communities. If they are lucky enough to escape with their lives, war whittles down their chances of an adequate education and a decent livelihood. The final tragedy is that ongoing trauma can lead young people back into violence, this time as the perpetrators.

Achieving a more peaceful world – that is, one free of armed conflict – is the stated goal of Western governments and the United Nations. Young people are unarguably key stakeholders in achieving this goal. Conflict and aggression will always exist, but with strong institutions, transparent governance and an active civil society, stopping these conflicts going ‘hot’ becomes possible. Strengthening youth participation in each of these areas is vital. Australia can and should embrace this.

Firstly, young people need to be empowered to act as global citizens dedicated to the peaceful resolution of conflict. Empowerment comes through education. At primary and high school, students need to learn about the impact that violence (at all scales) can have and how they can manage conflict without it. Plenty of non-government organisations have developed educational resources that could help form a comprehensive and sensitive curriculum for peace and conflict studies at school.

Secondly, fear and hatred fuel bloodshed. It is imperative that we develop an Australian culture that promotes not just tolerance (which does so easily crumble), but respect and empathy for the humanity and fundamental rights of all people. We need to start public discussions about the media’s role in promoting peace. We need to question whether we are doing enough to protect human rights. We also need to take a hard look at ourselves and question our judgements and assumptions about others.

Finally, we need get rid of the notion that young people are only capable of contributing and participating where traditional ‘youth issues’ are concerned. War is a youth issue. As a practical step, the Commonwealth Ministers for Defence, Defence Materiel, Foreign Affairs and Veterans’ Affairs, and their relevant Departments could consult with young servicemen and women, youth peak bodies, youth-run organisations and community youth representatives about matters like crisis resolution, asylum seekers, defence budgeting, deployment and the health and wellbeing of defence personnel. Here, the Government should gather the views of a wide and representative range of young people.

The hackneyed phrase ‘youth are the future’ still has currency. Well, what sort of future are we looking forward to if we choose to let it be riddled with bullet holes? Better still, let’s look at young people as a critical part of the here and now. War is an urgent problem now, young people are being affected now, and now is the time for young people to be a part of the solution.

International Year of Youth

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +1100

In an effort to harness the energy, imagination and initiative of the world’s youth in overcoming the challenges facing humankind, from enhancing peace to boosting economic development, the United Nations proclaimed an International Year of Youth. IYY will be held from the 12th of August 2010 to the 11th of August 2011.

The United Nations called on governments, civil society, individuals and communities worldwide to support activities at local and international levels to mark the event. Under the theme ‘Dialogue and Mutual Understanding,’ the Year aims to encourage dialogue and understanding across generations and promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights and freedoms, and solidarity.

To help organisations in Australia celebrate IYY, UNYA Australia, in conjunction with UNIFEM Australian National Committee, UNAA, UN Information Centre (Canberra) and the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition, has created an IYY Events Kit.

The Events Kit, which can be accessed here, is a guide to celebrating IYY. The Kit is designed for use by community organisations of all kinds across the country. Anyone is welcome to use the Events Kit and distribute it further in its original form.

For further information about the Events Kit or IYY, please contact UNYA's International Year of Youth Coordinator at catriona.standfield@unya.org.au.

UN Youth Australia launched

Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 +1000

Nicky Vreugdenhil, President of UN Youth Australia, today announced the launch of UN Youth Australia’s new brand.

“Our new brand and name reflect UN Youth Australia’s serious and professional purpose, as well as the vibrancy of the way we deliver peer to peer education experiences. “ Mr Vreugdenhil said.

“Having a fresh and consistent brand is important in dealing with our stakeholders, right through from the delegates who attend our events to our partners in the youth sector and government.” Mr Vreugdenhil said.

Mr Vreugdenhil also announced UN Youth Australia’s new tag line: Opening Young Eyes to the World.

“The new tagline symbolises UN Youth Australia’s core mission: to educate young people and give them new opportunities.” Mr Vreugdenhil said.

UN Youth Australia was formerly known as the United Nations Youth Association of Australia Inc. (UNYA). It consists of a national executive and divisions in each state and territory. All officebearers remain contactable on their previous email addresses, although UN Youth Australia’s website has moved to www.unyouth.org.au.

Say "Yes" for Climate Action

Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 +1000

As part of the National Day of Action for clean energy and a price on pollution, on June 5, ‘Say Yes Australia’ is organising a series of rallies around the country featuring high profile speakers and bands so that you can advocate for the future you want in a fun and family friendly way.

The 'Say Yes Australia' campaign is supported by a group of community and environmental groups including GetUp, The Australian Conservation Foundation,The Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Greenpeace, The Climate Institute, Environment Victoria, the ACTU, the Climate Action Network and WWF.

The aim of the group is to advocate for climate action through an effective and strong price on pollution that helps transition Australia's economy to a safer and greener future.

The events, Sunday June 5:

SYDNEY 11am Prince Alfred Park, Sydney
MELBOURNE 11am State Library, Melbourne
BRISBANE 1pm Riverstage, Brisbane
PERTH 11am Perth Cultural Centre, James St Mall, Perth
HOBART 11am Franklin Square, Hobart
ADELAIDE 11am Victoria Square, Adelaide

Email your UN Youth Divisional President for contact details for more information, materials (posters and leaflets), or to volunteer to help out!

Australia's Role In The World

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1000

UN Youth Australia, in partnership with the Australian Institute of International Affairs and the University of Melbourne, has developed Australia's Role In The World. Australia’s Role in the World aims to promote debate on global issues and Australia’s role in international affairs. Major news, opinion pieces, polls and educational information are updated regularly.

Australia's Role In The World is also featured in a number of public lectures from the University of Melbourne, with such speakers as Tim Costello, Peter Singer and Sir Gustav Nossal. You can get more information to go to australiasroleintheworld.org.au

Take A Seat Competition

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1000

Passionate about the UN Security Council? Want to be in the running to win a specially engraved iPod or iPad? How about getting your views published in local and national media? The Take A Seat Essay and Multimedia Competition for high school students could be for you!

In the lead up to Australia's 2012 bid for a seat on the UN Security Council, UN Youth Australia in partnership with Australia's Role in the World and UNAA are giving high school students the chance to express their views about this important campaign. The competition is accepting both essay and multimedia submissions, which are divided into years 7-9 and 10-12.

Submissions for the competition are open until midnight of May 20, so jump onto the website today and get your submission started!