Youth gets voice on world stage (Monash Memo, 6 May April 2009)

Youth gets voice on world stage

6 May 2009

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2009 UN Australian Youth Representative

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Monash arts/law student Christopher Varney has been appointed the 2009 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the United Nations Youth Associations (UNYA).

Christopher will be a fully-accredited member of the Australian delegation to the UN and will travel to New York in September to deliver an address to the General Assembly focused on youth participation in Australia.

Before taking the position in New York, Christopher will travel around the country, speaking to young people in an effort to ensure their views are represented at the UN.

Christopher has previously been involved in World Vision and its youth movement.

He said representing his generation was an amazing honour and privilege.

"Young people play a vital role in their communities today," Christopher said.

"I am thrilled to have this opportunity to elevate the voices of Australia's youth on the world stage.

"Young people are unfortunately thrown many criticisms.

"However I see today's young people as a 'generation of hope' that Australia can be proud of and as youth representative I am committed to sharing my generation's story and potential."

Christopher said the youth representative position was testament to Australia's commitment to respecting and developing young people's perspective and place in social discussion.

"I would like to thank the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the United Nations Youth Association for consistently providing young people with the opportunity to speak through this role," Christopher said.

The Youth Representative Program is an initiative of the United Nations Youth Association of Australia.