Youth Assembly Overview
- Focus: Youth Led Development toward the Success of the 8 U.N. Millennium Development Goals (MDGS)
- Theme: The MDGs and Beyond: Youth Leaders Making a Difference, Today and Tomorrow
- Program: Pre-Conference Course at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Followed by three days at the U.N. Headquarters in New York
- Platform: Plenary sessions, workshops, round table discussions, networking
- Leadership: Renowned speakers and expert workshop facilitators; U.N. Staff participation at all sessions; Young leaders like yourself from around the world
- Special Events: Tours of UN Headquarters and Evening receptions, MDG Campaign Night, YA Culture Night (Aboard a NYC cruise liner, circling Manhattan)
Sponsorship and Participation
11th YA sponsor support opportunities exist in 3 areas:
- Overall Event Administration / Logistics
- Sponsoring Delegates from Developing Countries
- Underwriting and/or donating venues and catering for evening events during the 11th YA: Pre-Conference Orientation Night; Opening Night Gala; Final Evening 'Culture Night' Events.
Delegate Overview
Key Dates
Goals
Why attend?
Eligibility
Delegations
Language
Registration Fee
US Visas Note
Key Dates
» April 15, 2012 YA Registration and YA Conference Package Reservation Opens
» July 1, 2012 YA Reservation Deadline for Conference Package
» June 20, 2012 YA Registration Deadline
» July 28, 2012 Arrival at Fairleigh Dickinson University for Emerging Global Leaders Seminar (EGLS)
» July 31, 2012 Orientation Night (Pace University, NYC)
» August 1-3, 2012 11th Youth Assembly at the United Nations
» August 1, 2012 MDG Campaign Night Dinner
» August 2, 2012 YA Culture Night Dinner and NYC Cruise
» August 3, 2012 YA Closing Night Farewell, Networking Dinner
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.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!
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 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 $65 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 12 or more can take advantage of a special, discount application processing fee of $65 per person ($55 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.)
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. 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 engaged in UN, global policy, or MDG-related studies, Ages 16-24
Prospective summer intern applicants for FAF’s YA Preparation Program are also urged to apply. 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 12 members or more to apply as a group; if you have less than 12 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. Back to top
Welcome to the Youth Assembly At U.N. Headquarters, New York City, USA
11th Youth Assembly at the United Nations August 1-3, 2012Delegations from around the world are set to apply. REGISTRATION for the 11th Youth Assembly at the United Nations open on March 1, 2012. 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