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How do I start to play a role in the (u)niting of (n)ations? Printable Version PRINTABLE VERSION
by TellUs, Jul 4, 2007
Peace & Conflict   Opinions

  

This October the 62nd UN General Assembly gathers in New York. Every year some issues involving young people’s lives are discussed by political leaders from all over the world. This year, 2007, the agenda is “Young people in the global economy”.
On October the 4th I’m leaving on a jet plane!
But the journey has already begun; it started this spring when the Swedish Government elected me as one of the delegates to the UN General Assembly of 2007. This journey has so far been an amazing experience. My days are filled with political discussions regarding young people’s role and importance in global politics. It will, without doubt, be one of the most exciting events of my youth.
Every year some countries send young people as delegates or “youth delegates”, as some prefer to call them, to participate in the forming of the global documents involving young people. These countries are viewed by most as role models. But to be really honest with you – I think it’s just a small first step! What it really comes down to is the perspective of the appointment and the will to grant real influence or not.
All since being elected the delegate of the Swedish Youth Organisations a slow chill has crawled through my spine, and not the good kind! Young people’s presence is way too often considered to be enough. It’s not!
Half the people in the world are children and youth. We have the right to participation, influence and power. Co-determination in society is our right and responsibility. The task of society is to see young people and create space for us on the basis of the resource we are and the even greater resource we could be. Our right and responsibility is to contribute here and now with our full potential, creativity and force. We are no more the future than middle-aged people are history.
Presence is not a synonym for participation, influence and power!
So, what is the first step towards participation, influence and power? Well, when I step into the UN building in October I have two weapons in my arsenal, two prioritized issues from the Swedish Youth Organisations – employment and leisure time. I know it sound simple, and maybe it is? But I think that the best effort any young person can do is to care. And not be afraid to show that we care! Regardless of the issue, a perspective from a young person and our organisations should matter. All of us young people must show politicians that we can contribute. If we do, how can politicians afford not listening to us?
Make sure to speak your mind – in issues from the school cafeteria to UN’s World program of action for youth. I think it’s the best thing you can do to help young people wherever they are!
Thank you for reading my thoughts on that I had on a rainy Tuesday night in July. If you want to continue following my journey you can do so on www.fndelegater.blogspot.com. Here you can track the UN delegates from the Swedish Youth Organisations struggle forward on making our voices heard and influencing the world.

Gabriel Ehrling
Delegate to the UN General Assembly 2007

gabriel.ehrling@lsu.se or +4673 580 66 96
Feel free to share your thoughts!





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