International Youth Policy

Although the United Nations does employ young people (albeit the story of diplomacy being the world of old men in gray suits), these young people do not necessarily represent the hopes, aspirations and views of young people from their countries or indeed the world.

However, there is a form of youth representation at the United Nations, through Youth Delegates.

A Youth Delegate is a person usually aged under 30 who is an accredited part of the official national delegation to an international organization such as the United Nations. This delegate represents the country, but usually deals with issues of primary concern to youth.

The Youth Delegate travels with the country’s official delegation to the General Assembly at United Nations Headquarters (September / October). Within the General Assembly the youth delegate participates in the Third Committee hearings, which is where the topics with most relevance to youth are discussed.

The Youth Delegate has a somewhat binary role; Whilst representing the country and collaborating with the rest of the national delegation, s/he works with other youth delegates on youth issues and Initiatives.

The duration of the Youth Delegate's mandate and stay at the United Nations General Assembly is entirely up to the Government. The range of time is two to eight weeks, with most countries opting to have the Youth Delegate present for four to six weeks.

Download the International Guide to Lobbying for Youth Representation at the United Nations General Assembly by clicking on the Download button on the Tools menu on the left to find out more...