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THE 9th ANNUAL YOUTH ASSEMBLY AT THE UNITED NATIONS (YA) WILL TAKE PLACE AT UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS IN NEW YORK, AUGUST 3 - 5, 2011.
THE 9th YA @ THE UN WILL BRING TOGETHER 600 YOUTH LEADERS (16 - 24 years old) FROM AROUND THE WORLD AND INVOLVE THEM IN THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE 8 U.N. MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS (MDGs).
** THE 2011 YA PROGRAM WILL DEBUT ON THE YA website BEGINNING ON OR BEFORE MONDAY, JUNE 6 **
REGISTRATION IS OPEN, ONLINE AT: WWW.FAF.ORG. DUE TO UN RENOVATIONS, SPACE IS VERY LIMITED.
HUNDREDS OF YA DELEGATES HAVE ALREADY SIGNED UP FOR PRE- AND POST-YA LEADERSHIP SEMINARS AT FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY: 1) July 30 - August 2 and 2) AUGUST 7 - AUGUST 10, 2011. BOTH ARE CERTIFICATE BASED, LED BY FDU FACULTY and FAF STAFF.
WESTCHESTER, NY AND FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO JOIN FAF'S HOMESTAY FAMILIES: FAF IS ACTIVELY SEEKING A COMPLIMENTARY HOME STAY FOR OUR RUSSIAN BORN UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INTERN, FROM MID-MAY THROUGH MID-AUGUST, 2011. THIS IS A CHANCE FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS TO MEET TOMORROW'S LEADERS, TODAY!
LEARN MORE
We are thrilled to welcome back Angélique Kidjo for another appearance at the 2011 Youth Assembly!
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Angélique Kidjo performing at FIFA
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Photo of YA participants, January 2011 · courtesy of Layla Love
About the Assembly: The Annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations is one of the largest, public youth gatherings on the UNs annual calendar. Youth Assembly delegates learn ways to identify viable approaches to MDG success - the cornerstone of the UNs better world approach to improving the lives of millions of people across the globe. Attendees receive practical help on how to start NGOs and how to administer or manage campaigns. They develop networks that identify existing work by governments, the UN, or civil society at home or abroad, and the implications for social entrepreneurship and corporate responsibility on MDG success.
"For the foundation, the YA is core to our mission," said FAF's Executive Director and YA cofounder Patrick Sciarratta, of the Youth Assembly events. "Here we have created a real opportunity for exchange at the United Nations by inviting young people into a great networking opportunity. We bring together UN staff, youth leaders, and International NGOs dedicated to the success of the Millennium Development Goals. We want to empower youth leaders to create careers and other opportunities in fulfillment of the MDGs." Mr. Sciarratta concluded, "If peace through cultural exchange is indeed our mission, then this is the place and programme that will ensure its success."
Announcing the YA Anthem Contest:
Delegates who are passionate about music are urged to take part in this year's YA Anthem Contest. The competition invites YA delegates to create an original song inspired by Youth Leadership, Cultural Exchange for Mutual Understanding, or the Achievement of the Eight MDGs. All songs should be uploaded to YouTube by June 27 so viewers can vote for their favorite via Facebook. The winning video/song will be screened and performed at the YA and the winning delegate(s) will receive special recognition.
BACKGROUND:
Created to enable more and improved youth access to UN venues and goals, the Annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations™ is produced and directed annually by FAF. Highlighted guests have included Dr. Arun Gandhi, Kathy Ireland, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Angelique Kidjo, Cory Booker, and UN leadership. Youth Achievement Recognition highlights the accomplishments of ten younger delegates, ages 16-18. During a gala luncheon hosted by a Youth Assembly Director, those delegates receive personal recognition from the YA for significant contributions to humanitarian service at home or abroad. In 2009, nearly 1000 delegates attended the Youth Assembly, Leadership Seminar, and UC Peace Arts Festival during August. Since then, delegate numbers have been limited to under 600 due to the Capital Master Plan - this why early registration is strongly recommended.
Please click here for a YouTube video about the YA.
Please visit our website for more information; sponsors and media are invited to contact Friendship Ambassadors Foundation directly for speaker and workshop programming, support opportunities, interviews, and further updates at (203) 542-0652.
"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."
- Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary General
"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 7, 2010
"If you saw the impact you have had on the youth (and young at heart) attending (FAF's Youth) Assembly, you would have to shade your eyes from the brightness of hope."
- Paulette Schatz, Project Manager, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Photo of YA Participants January, 2011 courtesy of Layla Love
"Most inspiring to me was the excitement, enthusiasm and genuine appreciation that the participants shared following the event. It is a powerful experience to meet so many others who recognize importance in the same issues you do."
- Katy Mixter, Program Associate, Corporate Sustainability, Citigroup
~ Be The Change ~
Register now for the 9th YA@ the UN: 3 - 5 August
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