Help Dushanka get to the UN

Every year, UN Youth gives 22 high school leavers the opportunity to embark on an overseas trip, visiting Europe and New York, to learn about global development, international relations, and of course, the role the United Nations plays in both. The trip culminates in the delegation representing New Zealand at the 2017 Winter Youth Assembly – an international conference for young people, hosted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

I have been fortunate enough to have been chosen to be part of the delegation heading to Europe and New York. This is an incredible opportunity for me to develop my views, widen my perspective and learn more about the inner-workings of the UN and their role in international politics.

There is no doubt that this is a trip of a lifetime and a fantastic opportunity for a young person with a keen interest in diplomacy, development and international relations. I believe this is an opportunity for me to further discover my passions and develop my views and perspective. It is not only an opportunity for me to see the world, but it is a chance for me to understand how it works. I believe there is an onus on all of us as global citizens, and that is to do what we can to better the lives of those who are less fortunate.

I heard a quote in the movie, 2012, quite a few years ago, which stated, “the moment we stop caring for one another is the moment we lose our humanity”. This quote stuck with me because I believe that the actions of one can make a difference and that if we care enough to do so, we can see change achieved.

Living in a beautiful, developed country where we embrace our freedoms, it is easy to forget how the other half live. This tour is a chance for me to see what is being done for the people who do not have their voices heard, it is a chance to see what is working and what is not, but most importantly, the tour will allow me to understand what I can do to make a difference.