Youth Assembly Overview
- Focus: Building Youth Leadership for the Success for the 8 UN Millennium Development Goals
- Program: 12th YA – 3 Full Days in the UN General Assembly Hall, UNHQ, NYC, USA; a 4 day Preparatory, certificate-based course at Fairleigh Dickinson University; UN Mission Visits for all delegates; Resolution Project new Social Venture Awards through Competitions for University-level Delegates, more.
- Theme: On the Road to Actions: Moving Beyond the MDGs, post 2015
- Platform: Plenary sessions, Workshops, Round table Discussions, Networking, UN Mission Visits, New Social Venture Competitions, MDG Related Skills Building and Campaign Introductions
- Leadership: Renowned speakers and expert workshop facilitators; U.N. Staff participation at sessions; Young leaders like yoursleft from around the world; Intergenerational Leadership Exchanges
- Special Events: Pre-YA "Emerging Global Leaders Seminar" at Fairleigh Dickinson University; 3 Days in one of the most prestigious meeting halls in the world; UN Mission Visits; Resolution Project Social Venture Competition; Takeover (with permit) of Dag Hammarskjold Park opposite the UN; Extended Volunteer Service Weekend (Optional); MDG Campaign Night Dinner, the infamous YA Culture Night, and the YA Farewell Dinner Cruise along Manhattan (optional)
Sponsorship and Participation
The 12th YA Sponsor Support opportunities exist in 3 areas:
- Sponsoring Delegates from Developing Countries
- Underwriting and/or donating venues and catering for evening events during the 12th YA: Pre-Conference Orientation Night; Opening Night MDG Campaign Night Dinner; YA Culture Night Dinner; YA Coffee breaks and Special Lunch Receptions; Final Evening 'Culture Night' Events
- Overall Event Administration/Logistics: A Singular Naming Opportunity for a Major Donor
Delegate Overview
Key Dates
Goals
Why attend?
Eligibility
Delegations
Language
Registration Fee
US Visas Note
Key Dates
March 15, 2013 - YA Registration OPENS
March 18, 2013 - YA Delegate Accommodations Plans Registration OPENS
June 15, 2013 - YA Delegate Accommodations Plans Registration CLOSES
June 15, 2013 - YA Registration CLOSES
August 3-6, 2013 - YA Global Youth Leadership Experience (CLICK HERE for more information)
August 7-9, 2013 - Youth Assembly at the United Nations
The goals of the Youth Assembly at the United Nations are to…
- Provide access to and information about the work, successes and current challenges of the United Nations;
- Promote increased youth participation in UN programs, agencies and NGO affiliates;
- Strengthen commitment to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals;
- Connect committed youth with opportunities, mentors, colleagues, and new associates;
- Recognize the artistic and diplomatic efforts of young people already involved in development and humanitarian initiatives;
- Promote renewal of a commitment to serve and respect this most important international institution.
Some background: At the Millennium General Assembly in 2000, all Heads of State created and unanimously agreed to work toward the accomplishment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). But it is the people of each country that must come together to take action to see that these goals are achieved and that we can finally live in a New Millennium that we are proud to bequeath to future generations of all nations. With great strides made over the past decade and more, we must now assure ourselves that youth have the skills and direction to take the challenge into the post-MDG world. After 2015: what? Youth in action, through the success of the Youth Assembly and its many partners throughout the world. Moving Words to Actions! Back to top
Why attend?
- To learn about the United Nations and how you can become involved in the success of the 8 UN MDGs
- To hear great speakers and workshop leaders
- To voice your opinions on the urgent issues of today and help make a permanent impact throughout the world
- To meet other dedicated young people from all over the world Back to top
Be Knowledgeable!
Ahmad Alhindawi, a YA alum, both as a delegate and speaker/presenter, grew up to become the First-Ever Special Envoy for Youth at the United Nations.
Mariel, a Youth Assembly alumna from the United States, says the Youth Assembly gave her the gift of knowledge. Knowledge is not only information; it is a commitment to learning and actively seeking the opportunity to connect with other youth leaders from around the world. This is what the Youth Assembly is about. The Youth Assembly equips you with the skills and tools needed to go back to your community and continue your work for social change with a new perspective.
“The International Youth Assembly at the United Nations provided me with a chance to hear about the issues that are normally ignored. I received the greatest gift that can ever be given: knowledge. It was refreshing and empowering to see so many young people concerned with global issues and finding ways to take action.” – Mariel Maughan, Richmond, Virginia
Perhaps youth delegate Daniel Smith put it best:
"The YA has brough a significant change in my life. I always thought about impossibilities. I thought that I can't achieve things on my own. But now, I feel inspired. I feel motivated…this conference has empowered me to go for my dream." - Daniel Henry Smith, Liberian delegate to the Youth Assembly Back to top
Be there!
The world, with all of its complex inter-relationships, is not always an easy place to understand. The Youth Assembly allows young leaders, through dialogue, to reach a greater understanding of the complex nature of international relations, creative activism and diplomacy.
“I had a great time at the UN. The information that I learned from the assembly helped me to have a better understanding of today’s world, the peace process and the most importantly, that all these NGO’s are working hard to help the UN meet its MDG’s.”
- Stella Xu, China Back to top
Registration Process & Processing Fee
The events at the UN are free for all accepted delegates. However, due to the administrative costs of processing each application, there is a one-time processing fee associated with each application submitted. The processing fee is $100 per person.
Reduced Fees
A reduced application processing fee of $70 will be accepted for citizens of the Least Developed Countries as defined by the United Nations. (NOTE: Delegates from these countries must present their identification card for verification at the registration desk prior to entering the Assembly. Delegates who fail to verify their eligibility do not qualify for the reduced fee and will be required to pay the difference plus a $5 handling fee or will not receive entrance passes and will be denied admittance to the Assembly.)
Groups
Groups of 15 or more can take advantage of a special, discount application processing fee of $70 per person ($60 per person for groups from LDCs). (NOTE: Group leaders must be able to pay for every group member in one sum during the on-line registration process or you will not qualify for this discount.) Larger discounts for groups of 15+, staying with global delegates residing at FDU and Pace University during the events, taking the Delegate Accommodation Plans, also apply; write for details: YAPACKAGE@FAF.ORG
The application processing fee is non-refundable. The processing fee is a net (after bank tax or fee) amount and must be received in full prior to application review. The work will be processed with care for every potential delegate; this is why there is no refund available, even if you are denied a visa for entry to the USA or cancel for any other reason. Wire transfer applicants: remember to include all bank costs over the cost of registration. Applications will be reviewed once complete processing fees are received. Formal acceptance notes will be issued to all approved applicants.
Thank you for understanding this process.
NOTE: For those who may need travel support, please consult FAF's Complimentary Fund Raising Guide (Click Here). Back to top
Eligibility: Who should apply?
Youth Leaders and those who wish to become Leaders, ages 16-24+
Advanced Youth Leaders and Young Professionals engaged in UN or MDG studies, internships, Fellowships, or early work stages, ages 18-26+, are most welcome to apply
Prospective summer intern applicants for FAF’s YA Preparation Program are also urged to apply PRIOR TO MAY 15, 2013. These are very competitive positions and those interested should send an email to victor@faf.org Back to top
Delegation
If you are part of a group interested in attending the Youth Assembly, please apply together using the group application form. Note that you must have at least 15 members or more to apply as a group; if you have less than 15 members, please submit individual applications for each group member. Back to top
Language
All events at the Youth Assembly are carried out in English.
Interpretation is available, at a cost to participant. Back to top
Regarding US Visas
- It is the responsibility of each participant to find out if you need a Visa to enter the United States.
- In case you need a visa to enter the U.S., we recommend that you apply to the Youth Assembly immediately. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE IF THIS APPLIES TO YOU!
- Friendship Ambassadors Foundation cannot make personal phone calls or requests on your behalf to specific Embassies or Consulates. Interference with the diplomatic and consular affairs by a host organization is not permissible, and reliance on such phone calls may slow your application process as well as decrease your chances of obtaining a visa.
Note
If the applicant does not appear to be appropriate for these proceedings, Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, Inc. reserves the right to deny or withdraw the right to participate in the Youth Assembly at the United Nation for any reason whatsoever. Admission is by accepted advance application only, and FAF may revoke any unruly or inappropriate participants’ admission at any time.
The Youth Assembly at the United Nations is a project of Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, Inc. and sponsored by several Permanent Missions to the United Nations, with participation of International NGOs, U.N. Agencies, universities and civil society organizations throughout the world. The conference is not organized by the U.N. Secretariat. However, please note that FAF is formally associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information, with Consultative Status at UNESCO. Back to top
Welcome to the Youth Assembly At U.N. Headquarters, New York City, USA
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 11TH YOUTH ASSEMBLY OPENING CEREMONIES
Delegations from around the world are set to apply. REGISTRATION for the YA+11@UN to open soon!. NOTE: Over 30 other UN Missions are expected to be involved.
"I urge you to see your time (at the YA) as a call to action. The world needs each and every one of you to do your part in transforming our world and building a more sustainable and equitable future for all."
– U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, August 2009
"It is a great pleasure to send greetings to Friendship Ambassadors Foundation's Youth Delegates. I can't thank you enough for demonstrating your commitment to making a difference, and I encourage each of you to continue to give back to others.”
– Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, New York City, August 2010
“If you saw the impact you have had on the youth (and young at heart) attending the Assembly you would have to shade your eyes from the brightness of hope. We applaud you for your good work.”
– Paulette Schatz, UNDP Kabul-Afghanistan, September 2007
"This is a WONDERFUL program for youth. If you have an older teen or university student in your family, please check out the 2011 Youth Assembly Program!"
– Sondra Harnes, Artistic Director, World Childrens Choir, May 31, 2011
"Possibly one of the best among the Youth Assemblies" "One of the best conferences I have ever attended"
- YA Attendees, January 2011 Back to top