FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Youth Assembly at the United Nations?

  • The Youth Assembly is a three-day intensive program featuring guest speakers, seminars, and global youth exchange. To receive announcements concerning it, please sign up for the Youth Assembly mailing list (newsletter, at the sidebar)!
  • The Youth Assembly at the United Nations is an opportunity to help young people get involved with the United Nations' goals at a time of imminent reform and change. We feel that it is crucial for the sake of our world’s future that young leaders around the world are provided with this opportunity to familiarize themselves with the United Nations as a vehicle of future peace and diplomacy.
  • During the Youth Assembly, you can meet members of the Secretariat (staff), Missions (Nation states), and NGOs affiliated with the United Nations. You can hear from UN Agencies, such as UNICEF, UNESCO and also learn about major topics that the U.N. is facing during its major reconstruction.
  • The Youth Assembly focuses on young people championing humanitarian causes around the world and how to become involved, taking action for what you believe in.

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Who may 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

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How do I apply for the Youth Assembly?

  1. Fill in the on-line application form.  For individual forms, CLICK HERE.  For group forms, CLICK HERE.
  2. Expedite your payment of the application processing fee according to the instructions displayed when you submit your form.  The application processing fee is not refundable.  We would like to remind you that we have to receive your registration fee (after bank tax or fee).  Thus we kindly ask you to cover the costs of the transfer. No applications will be considered until payment is received.  
  3. When your application is reviewed and approved, you will be issued a Formal Acceptance Letter. Please bring your Formal Acceptance Letter with you to the Youth Assembly Registration as this will serve as your “assembly ticket”.
  4. Apply for a US Visa (if necessary).
  5. Complete your registration according to the instructions in your Formal Acceptance Letter.

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How much does it cost to participate in the Youth Assembly?

  • Events in the building of the United Nations during the Annual Youth Assembly are free of charge, after application and by invitation, only.
  • A processing fee ($100 per person) applies to all applications. No exemptions are possible.
  • A reduced application processing fee ($70 per person) 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 at the registration desk at the UN to verify their eligibility for the reduced fee, in order to receive their Youth Assembly entrance passes.
  • Delegates who fail to verify their eligibility will be required to pay the difference on spot plus $5 handling fee or be denied admittance to the Assembly.
  • Groups of 15 or more can take advantage of a special, discount application processing fee ($70 per person). Group leaders must be able to pay for each and every group member in one sum during the on-line registration process.
  • The application processing fee is non-refundable. We would like to remind you that we have to receive your registration fee net (after bank tax or fee). Thus we kindly ask you to cover the costs of the transfer. No applications will be considered until payment is received!
  • Paying the application processing fee does not automatically guarantee your acceptance to the Youth Assembly. Formal Acceptance Notices will be issued to all approved applicants.
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: Participants are responsible for their own travel-related costs (transportation, housing, meals, etc.).
  • FAF will offer safe and inexpensive travel packages that you can take advantage of, if you wish. These present a safe and inexpensive opportunity for those new to New York City to enjoy and get acquainted with this special destination, and attend evening and social programs, too. Walking tours, shows, special events and meals; Little Italy, Chinatown, the Cloisters, Broadway and more! Also prior to the Youth Assembly, we invite you to join us for a stimulating Leadership Retreat. Learn about these valuable, additional packages and associated details in the Delegate Accommodation Plans.

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How can I pay my processing fee?

Send processing fee using wire transfer, see details below.

Beneficiary:  Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, Inc.

Wire Transfer – Bank charges free for the beneficiary        
                   

CITIBANK 

111 WALL ST 

NEW YORK, NY 10043-0001

ROUTING NUMBER:  021 000 089

SWIFT CODE:  CITIUS 33

ACCT No:  000 481 0393

          
Reference:  YA Registration        
             
                   

If you live in the USA and would prefer to send the registration processing fee by check, please send the check payable to Friendship Ambassadors Foundation.  The address is 299 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830.  Make sure to include a note in the envelope indicating your name and contact information.

For alternative forms of paying the processing fee, please send an email to APPLY4YA@FAF.ORG

           

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Can I pay my application processing fee when I get there?

No. We are sorry, but it is not possible for us to digress from the procedure posted at this website. Applications can only be reviewed and evaluated upon the prior receipt of the application processing fee.

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Can I pay by bank transfer or credit card?

We are sorry, but it is not possible for us to accept credit card payments at this time.

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Why do I need to pay the application processing fee in advance?

There are a number of reasons as to why one needs to pay before his or her application will be reviewed:

First, there is the issue of fraud. This is the 9th year that the Youth Assembly (YA) has been held at the United Nations. Every year, we encounter more and more applicants who try to pay using fraudulent means – either by providing false or stolen credit card information, or forging Western Union forms. By asking applicants to pay before their applications are reviewed, we ensure that we do not accept individuals who are committing criminal acts in order to attend the Youth Assembly – such conduct completely contradicts with the purpose and mission of both the annual Youth Assembly and the organization in charge, Friendship Ambassadors Foundation.

Secondly, the time and money that Youth Assembly staff must contribute to the organizing, planning, and carrying out of such a widely-attended event are large; not only are there immense costs associated with the event itself, but there must be adequate manpower necessary to process the thousands of applications that we receive from individuals who wish to attend the YA. We ask that participants pay before we review applications, because members of the small YA staff read EVERY application thoroughly in order to ensure that the applicant is a good candidate for attending this event. YA staff occasionally encounter applicants who are NOT suitable for the Youth Assembly, and even if the applicant is not accepted, it has still taken time for a member of the YA staff to review his or her application.

Lastly, even though applicants ARE required to pay before their applications are reviewed, annual YA organizers work to ensure that the cost of participation at the event is as low as possible, so that delegates from all over the world are able to apply and attend.

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I paid my application fee – does that mean I am accepted?

Paying the application processing fee does not automatically guarantee your acceptance to the Youth Assembly. Formal Acceptance Notices will be issued to all approved applicants. Note that the application processing fee is not refundable under any circumstances!

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Who takes care of my travel, housing and meals?

Participants are responsible for their own travel-related costs (transportation, housing, meals, etc.).

FAF will offer safe and inexpensive travel packages that you can take advantage of, if you wish. These present a safe and inexpensive opportunity for those new to New York City to enjoy and get acquainted with this special destination, and attend evening and social programs, too. Walking tours, shows, special events and meals; Little Italy, Chinatown, the Cloisters, Broadway and more! Learn about these valuable, additional packages and associated details in the Delegate Accommodation Plans section.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the extremely high cost of the use of UN facilities for the Assembly, staffing, insurance, and speakers' fees, no other subsidies are possible beyond free admission to all activities inside the United Nations after registration at this time. No other support is available through FAF for any travel, special events, accommodations, or meals at this time.

We suggest you check local organizations and associations, such as the Lions or Rotary clubs in your area. Other delegates have found that a search through the internet, academic scholarships, local and national sources, and even family relations can also be a source of subsidy and support.

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Can FAF help me with my travel arrangements?

Help – Yes. FAF offers very affordable accommodation packages for Assembly delegates at discounted, NGO rates. In fact, we encourage participants to apply for Youth Assembly housing and special events as they provide even more opportunities for networking outside of the daily events. Beyond this, making arrangements with FAF saves delegates the inconvenience, money and insecurity of making arrangements on their own. Information about value travel packages can be found at the Youth Assembly’s web site, in the Delegate Accommodation Plans section.

Offer scholarships or subsidies – No. We are sorry, but due to the extremely high cost of the use of UN facilities for the Assembly, staffing, insurance, and speakers' fees, no other subsidies are possible beyond free admission to all activities inside the United Nations after registration at this time. No other support is available through FAF for any travel, special events, accommodations, or meals at this time.

We suggest you check local organizations and associations, such as the Lions or Rotary clubs in your area. Other delegates have found that a search through the internet, academic scholarships, local and national sources, and even family relations can also be a source of subsidy and support.

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Can FAF assist me with my visa application?

  • FAF will provide approved applicants with a Formal Acceptance Notice to attend the Assembly. Present this official note to the U.S. Embassy at your interview if you are applying for a visa.
  • Please note that the acceptance notice does NOT guarantee the issuance of a visa or admittance to the United States. Visa issuance is entirely contingent upon the U.S. Embassy’s and Consulate’s discretion, and admittance upon the Immigration authorities’ (INS) discretion at the point of entry.
  • FAF cannot make personal phone calls or requests on your behalf to specific Embassies or Consulates. Intervention with the diplomatic and consular affairs by a host organization is not possible, and reliance on such phone calls may slow your application process as well as decrease your chances of obtaining a visa.

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May I apply for Scholarship Support?

Due to the extremely high cost of the use of United Nations facilities for the Assembly, staffing, insurance, and speakers' fees, no other subsidies are possible beyond free admission to all activities inside the United Nations after registration at this time. No other support is available through FAF for any travel, special events, accommodations, or meals at this time.

We suggest you check local organizations and associations, such as the Lions or Rotary clubs in your area. Other delegates have found that a search through the internet, academic scholarships, local and national sources, and even family relations can also be a source of subsidy and support.

NOTE:  For those who may need travel support, please consult FAF's Complimentary Fund Raising Guide

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What is the Youth Achievers' Recognition?

The U.N./YOUTH ASSEMBLY Outstanding Youth Achievers' Recognition honors 16-18 years old students who have significantly contributed to humanitarian goals. All Outstanding Youth Achiever nominees must be chosen by a teacher/educator or a community supervisor.

The Youth Achievers' Recognition is only offered in August.

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May I still attend if I am older than 26?

Yes, as observers. All observers, NGO representatives, faculty, chaperones, and parents are welcome, at any age over 18 years old. The applicable fees are the same as for any delegate; please use our on-line application system to apply.

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May I attend one day only?

Yes; the full registration fee is still applicable.

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What is the Leadership Seminar?

The Leadership Seminar attendant to the annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations is a dynamic, comprehensive, and intensive training program held in a large and well equipped Metropolitan campus, just outside Manhattan. The Leadership Seminar aspires to effectively prepare participants to become agents of change in their home communities. This training takes place prior and post to the Youth Assembly. (Only offered in August.)

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Must I purchase a 'package'?   

No; if you have a place to stay in New York City or for any other reason you decide not to purchase one of the the packages offered by FAF, you can still attend the Assembly after registration and approval.

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What if I have not received an Acceptance Notice?

Ask yourself the following questions:
Did I expedite my payment of the application processing fee as instructed?
Did I send a copy of the receipt as instructed?

If both answers are yes, please allow 10 business days for the notice concerning the approval/rejection of your application to come. If you do not receive a notification after this time, your application is pending because payment could not be collected.

NOTE: Applications will be discarded if payment is not received within 10 business days of application submission.
To expedite a pending payment, email apply4ya@faf.org.

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I have a question that is not addressed here – what do I do?

You can e-mail your question to apply4ya@faf.org. Inquiries will be accepted and answered via e-mail ONLY. Our team will not be able to answer any questions by phone.

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Where can I learn more about the Youth Assembly at the UN?

There will be updates posted at this website periodically. Keep checking back!

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Where can I learn more about the United Nations?

At their official UN website.

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Where can I learn more about New York City?

Visit the Official New York City Guide website.

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Who is Friendship Ambassadors Foundation?

Friendship Ambassadors Foundation (www.faf.org) is a non-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that promotes reconciliation, and peace-building through cultural exchange. FAF is affiliated with the United Nations. FAF’s Executive Director, Patrick Sciarratta, sees the Youth Assembly as an example of bringing more youth leaders into the global arena. He is also the co-editor of the “NGO Reporter,” for the NGO DPI Executive Committee, which is disseminated to nearly 3000 UN-affiliated NGOs worldwide on a quarterly basis. Mr. Sciarratta is a speaker on the National Council of the United Nations Association of the USA.

Mr. Sciarratta and Dr. Elaine Valdov, the former co-chair of the Executive Committee of NGOs Affiliated with the United Nations DPI – Outreach Committee and long time NGO representative at the United Nations, originated this idea in order to introduce a new generation of active leaders to UN. For more details, email us at: apply4ya@faf.org

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