Group Photo SG and Youth Delegates attending the 71st session of the General Assembly (Photo Credit:UN Photo/Kim Haughton)

Video by the Youth Delegates

Australia
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Chris Eigeland” alt=”Mr. Chris Eigeland” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Australia_Chris_Eigeland.png”]

Chris Eigeland is the United Nations youth delegate from Australia. A serial entrepreneur and international lawyer, Chris has founded two international enterprises, each addressing a unique social challenge. He is the co-founder of GO1 – a technology company producing an award winning online learning solution with over 150,000 users globally ranging from teachers in South America to the Australian government that was named in the top 100 Disruptive companies of 2016. Chris is also the co-founder of The Schoolbag, a not-for-profit that has distributed tens of thousands of primary education supply kits to Haiti, South Africa and Vietnam. Finally, he has been a Director of Global Voices, a not-for-profit providing pathways for young Australians to contribute to international diplomacy, and Griffith University in Australia. Chris’ passion and experience is well recognised, most recently through his invitation to be an International Associate at the Constitutional Court of South Africa, working on Human Rights jurisprudence. Recognized as a ‘Global Shaper’ by the World Economic Forum, Chris is an ambassador for the international leadership network One Young World, and is a contributor at forums such as the G20 on innovation and global challenges. In 2014, Chris was named Australian Young Innovator of the Year, and has previously been acknowledged as a Prime Minister’s Australia-Asia Scholar.
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Austria
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Dennis Vetter” alt=”Mr. Dennis Vetter” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Austria_Dennis_Vetter.jpg”]

Dennis Vetter is the United Nations youth delegate from Austria. Dennis is completing his degree in Political Science at the University of Innsbruck, Austria. During his studies, he spent time abroad at Ben-Gurion University in Israel as well as the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom. He also worked at the European Parliament in Brussels for 6 months. For many years, Dennis has been very engaged in youth issues at university and regional levels. Since 2013, he has volunteered at the Academic Forum for Foreign Affairs, an organization that provides a platform for students interested in international politics. In 2015, he was elected for a seat in his hometown’s city council elections. Dennis’ top priorities as a youth delegate are the challenges of young refugees, as well as the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals in his home country.
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Belgium
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Naomi N’sa ” alt=”Ms. Naomi N’sa ” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Belgium_Noami_Nsa.jpg”]

Naomi N’sa is one of the two youth delegates from Belgium. She has completed a Masters in international relations at Université catholique de Louvain (UCL) in Belgium.  Naomi is involved in many youth associations like the French-speaking youth parliament of the International Organisation of La Francophonie.  As a youth delegate, her priorities are quality education, youth participation on political issues, and peace and security. She envisions the United Nations Youth programme as the first step for young people to be included in United Nations structures and decision-making.
[/accordion-item] [/accordion] [accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Ines Swaelens ” alt=”Ms. Ines Swaelens ” img=”https://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Belgium_Ines_Swaelens.jpg”]

Ms. Ines Swaelens, aged 22, is one of two youth delegates from Belgium. Ines is presently studying Law in Brussels. During her studies, she spent one semester at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. For many years, Ines has been very engaged in youth affairs at local and regional levels. She represented the Flemish youth at the European Youth conference in Riga and Luxemburg, where recommendations for empowering youth political participation were drafted. In late 2015, Ines was elected as the Flemish United Nations youth delegate to the 71th session of the United Nations General Assembly. With the Flemish Youth Council, Ines has worked on a toolbox for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Bolivia
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Maria Fernanda Ribera Garcia” alt=”Ms. Maria Fernanda Ribera Garcia” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Bolivia_Maria_Fernanda_Ribera_Garcia.png”]Maria Fernanda Ribera Garcia is the youth delegate from Bolivia. Maria in her 5th year of her Law degree and is a founding member and national coordinator of the youth organization “Siembra Juventud” which aims to promote peace, development and the empowerment of Youth. From 2011 to present, Maria has led various projects for Bolivian youth and also has extensive experience creating spaces of participation for youth and coordinating campaigns with youth, such as “My World”, “HeForShe”, “Action2015”, among others.
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Bulgaria
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Alexandra Mircheva” alt=”Ms. Alexandra Mircheva” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Bulgaria_Alexandra_Mircheva.jpg”]

Alexandra Mircheva, aged 22, is one of two youth delegates from Bulgaria for 2016 to 2017. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Sofia University and for the past 6 years, she has been actively involved in with youth work and with non-governmental organizations. She was a member of the Board of the National Youth Council in Bulgaria for two terms, advocating for the needs of more than 110,000 young people and actively participating in evidence-based youth policy development. Alexandra is a passionate youth worker and trainer at the local, national and regional levels. She is also the co-founder of a youth-led NGO implementing projects and initiatives empowering young people, youth leaders and youth workers to participate and create positive social change. In her work, Alexandra is driven by the belief that every young person can realize their full potential through quality and inclusive formal and non-formal education, participation in the decision-making processes and proactive attitudes for personal and professional development.
[/accordion-item] [/accordion] [accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Iva Tsolova” alt=”Ms. Iva Tsolova” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Bulgaria_Iva_Tsolova.png”]

Iva Tsolova, is one of two youth delegates from Bulgaria. Iva is a team member of the Listen Up Foundation, which aims to provide innovative equal access services to people who are deaf or hard of hearing in Bulgaria. She is the founder of Berlle Creative Studio and co-founder of the social advertising agency, Lemur. Iva is a senior student in European studies at the University of National and World Economy. In 2015, she participated in the Summer Entrepreneurship Program (SEP) run by the America for Bulgaria Foundation. Additionally, Iva has experience in teaching English to Syrian refugees at the Voenna Rampa camp. She was vice president of the international organization AIESEC and is an active member of the Association of the Bulgarian leaders and entrepreneurs. Iva has recently been recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons in Bulgaria for 2016 in the Humanitarian and Volunteerism Leadership category.

Canada
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Dalia Tejeda Alix” alt=”Ms. Dalia Tejeda Alix” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/11/DaliaTejedaAlix.jpg”]

Dalia Tejeda Alix is one of the two Youth Delegates from Canada to the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Dalia holds a double Bachelor degree including a Bachelor of Law (Civil Law License) and an Honours Bachelor of Social Science in International Development and Globalization (Magna cum laude). She has been actively involved in her student community for the past 3 years through the student executive board and as a member of different societies. Dalia is currently working for the Federal Department of Employment and Social Development Canada as a Legal Student. She has previously assisted in executing refugee sponsorship programs and has also participated in a field research in Taiwan regarding Taiwan’s Indigenous People and communities, which has resulted in a commonly published book with her peers. Dalia feels honoured to represent her country and is planning to share this experience with as much young Canadians as possible, through the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. She believes that access to justice and strong institutions are key components to ensure inclusive and peaceful societies. Dalia is currently completing a Juris Doctor at the University of Ottawa. She is passionate about youth engagement in global affairs and hopes to pursue a career in international law.  She speaks English, French, and Spanish fluently.

Ahsan Syed is one of the two Youth Delegates from Canada to the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. He graduated from the Ivey School of Business at Western University in 2015 with a BA in Business Administration and a BSc Honours Specialization in Environmental Sciences. He currently lives in Calgary, AB and works for ExxonMobil Canada as an Industrial Lubricants Advisor. Ahsan has a great interest in the environment and sustainability and the deployment of renewable energy technologies in emerging economies. His interest in sustainable development through responsible commerce led him to organize and teach business skills to over 150 aspiring entrepreneurs across 4 countries through the Ivey LEADER Project. Ahsan hopes to one day continue his education by pursuing an MBA in International Development or an MPA in Global Affairs and Foreign Policy to enable him to pursue a career in international diplomacy. He is fluent in English and Urdu, and he speaks beginner French.

Chad
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Abdeldjalil Bachar Bong” alt=”Mr. Abdeldjalil Bachar Bong” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Chad_Mr._Abdeldjalil_Bachar_Bong.jpg”]

Abdeldjalil Bachar Bong, aged 26, is one of two UN Youth Delegates from Chad. He recently graduated from the University of South Brittany, having obtained a Master in Information Technology (IT) and a diploma of telecommunications engineering from the Higher School of Telecommunications (SupTelecom) in Morocco. Since high school, Abdeldjalil has been volunteering in various NGOs and at various events focused on youth and the promotion of internet for achieving the sustainable development. Abdeldjalil is the co-founder and chief of Training for Citizen Action Information and Education for Sustainable Development (ACIEDD) which actively campaigns to reach the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in Chad. He is also the co-founder and secretary for external relations of the Network of Youth for Leadership and Development (RJDLT) which offers development opportunities to young Chadians that allow them to positively change their life and their communities. He is a founding member of the Internet Society of Chad (ISOC Chad) which campaigns for an Internet for all Chadians and is the executive secretary of Internet Governance Forum   in Chad (IGF CHAD), a national dialogue framework and a multi-stakeholder platform for issues related to Internet governance in Chad. Abdeldjalil is particularly interested in working on issues of migration, internet governance, youth capacity building, entrepreneurship, sustainable development, peace and human rights.

Ibrahim Abubakar Guire is one of two United Nations Youth Delegates from Chad. Ibrahim is an engineer in telecommunications and has previously studied in Rabat, Morocco. He is currently working at the Ministry of Communications. In Chad, he is an advisor to youth with the French CNCJ (National Youth Advisory Council) and a representative of youth on the Board of Directors of FONAJ (National Fund to Support Youth). He is also member and co-founder of several of civil society associations, including ISOC Chad (the Internet Society of Chad), ADIL (Free Software Development Association) and RDJLT (Network of Youth for Leadership and Development). Ibrahim’s goal is to make a contribution to a Chadian and world youth.

Czech Republic
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Petra Bezděková” alt=”Ms. Petra Bezděková” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/11/PetraBezdekova.jpg”]

Petra Bezděková, aged 23, is one of two Youth Delegates from the Czech Republic to the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the first year of the Youth Delegate Programme for the country. Petra has been interested in human rights and international relations since high school and has actively participated in the Czech Red Cross Youth. She holds a bachelor degree from Political Science and European Studies from Palacký University in Olomouc and completed a semester at the University of Limerick in Ireland. Petra also participated in organizing regional National Model United Nations in Olomouc in November 2015, where she also represented her university and won an Outstanding Delegation Award. In 2016, she was chosen by the university as a delegate to the National Model United Nations events in New York. Petra is currently completing her Master’s in International Relations at Charles University in Prague and is interested in the human rights of youth, children and women as well as European issues, especially the external dimension of the EU policy.

Zuzana Vuova is one of two Youth Delegates from the Czech Republic to the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the first year of the Youth Delegate Programme for the country. Zuzana studied at Pomona College and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Prior to becoming a youth delegate, Zuzana had worked at the European Parliament in Brussels. Among Zuzana’s priorities as a Youth Delegate are improved access to quality education, gender equality, and fight against discrimination. As the result of her enthusiasm for youth issues, she was invited to speak at youth conferences in Turkey, South Korea, Poland and Slovakia. In 2015, she was voted the President of the 26th International Youth Forum in Seoul, where she led 80 delegates from nearly 30 countries. Besides running her advocacy platform, she also quite literally runs for children’s rights and was a member of the UNICEF team at the 2015 London Royal Parks half-marathon. Zuzana is also an accomplished debater and was recognized as the “Outstanding Delegate” at the National Model UN in New York and “Best Public Speaker” at the 25th Youth Forum in Seoul and awarded the “Honorable Mention” accolade at the West Coast Model EU in Seattle. She also served as the Deputy Secretary General for the Youth Model UN society at LSE. Zuzana speaks Czech, Vietnamese, English, Spanish and French.

Denmark
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Esben Holager” alt=”Mr. Esben Holager” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Denmark_Esben_Holager.jpg”]

Esben L. Holager is the United Nations youth delegate from Denmark. Esben has been selected by the Danish Youth Council and represents its more than 600.000 members. He has a background in scouting and has served the Youth Council in different positions, mostly in the field of development. Esben has also participated in the Council’s Ambassadors for Dialogue project and has conducted dialogue workshops in Denmark, Egypt and Jordan. Esben is presently involved in scoutings efforts to expand its membership and geographical span. He believes that partnerships are essential to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals and has supported the partnership between the World Organization of the Scout Movement and the United Nations. Esben holds a Master’s degree in Learning and Innovative Change and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

Eritrea
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Abdelwasie Ahmed” alt=”Mr. Abdelwasie Ahmed” ] [/accordion-item] [/accordion] [accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Okubay Berhe” alt=”Mr. Okubay Berhe” ] [/accordion-item] [/accordion]

Finland
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Sonja Huttunen” alt=”Ms. Sonja Huttunen” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Finland_Sonja_Huttunen.jpg”]

Sonja Huttunen is the United Nations youth delegate from Finland. She holds an MPhil in International Peace Studies (Trinity College Dublin) and currently works as an assistant at the Parliament of Finland. She completed her undergraduate degree in International Relations in England and has also spent a year as an exchange student in Australia. During her studies she has been actively involved in leadership positions in a variety of student societies, and has a particular passion for Model UN. During her year as a youth delegate, Sonja has been active in promoting United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security in Finland, bringing together different youth organizations to create a common “2250” network. She has also been advocating for a greater inclusion of young people in foreign policy and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Georgia
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Tatia Dolidze” alt=”Ms. Tatia Dolidze” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Georgia_Tatia_Dolidze.jpg”]

Tatia Dolidze is the United Nations youth delegate from Georgia. She holds Bachelor’s Degree (with honours) in International Relations from Tbilisi State University, Georgia, Master’s Degree (Cum Laude) in European Studies from Maastricht University, the Netherlands and is currently a PhD candidate in European Politics at the Institute for European Studies in Georgia. Additionally, at different times of her academic studies, Tatia has been enrolled at Vilnius University, Lithuania, Masaryk University, Czech Republic and University of Siena, Italy. She is an alumna of Erasmus Mundus, Open Society Foundation, Academic Swiss Caucasus Network and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Borsa MAE). Her post-graduate working experience includes a Professor’s assistantship at a Master’s course at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic (2015-2016), employment as a research assistant at the EU Foreign Policy unit of the CEPS think-tank in Brussels (2014-1015), and a traineeship at the European Parliament (2013-2014).  Since 2013, Tatia contributes to the analytical platform Beyond the EU as a political analyst and as an editor. She has also completed internship and volunteering experiences at AIESEC local committee in Turin, Italy as an environmental educator (2011), at the consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and HR department at the Ministry of Finance of Georgia as a trainee (2011) and at the European Youth Parliament as a Georgian National Committee member (2009-2013).

Germany 
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Katharina Buch” alt=”Ms. Katharina Buch” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Germany_Katharina_Buch.jpg”]

Katharina Buch, aged 23, is one of the two youth delegates from Germany. She is currently based in Berlin, where she studies Public Management. As the spokesperson of the NAJU (Youth Association for the Protection of Nature), she is working for young people eager to change their communities, environment and the world. Before being elected as the spokesperson, she was a member of the steering committee, and also previously completed a voluntary year at the headquarters. Additionally, Katharina has been the spokesperson of her study course and was a youth ambassador for ONE. She interned at the German NGO network against human trafficking and the German welfare association “Der Paritätische” and works as a student assistant at the extracurricular studies office at her university.

Eric Klausch is one of two youth delegates from Germany. Eric grew up in the German countryside, went to highschool in Brazil and worked in Berlin (at blu:boks Berlin) with kids from poor social backgrounds during his social service. He is currently studying for a Bachelor’s in Individual Studies at Leuphana University in Lüneburg, with a focus on Human Resource Management. Since 2013, he has been a founder and leader of Power On, an initiative that organizes summer camps for children. He and his fellow youth delegate, Katharina Buch, are focusing their efforts on youth empowerment. They call for more possibilities where young people learn to deal with responsibility and they want to encourage young people to stand up for their rights.

Honduras
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Ricardo Jose Donado” alt=”Mr. Ricardo Jose Donado” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Honduras_Ricardo_Jose_Donado.jpg”]

Ricardo Jose Donado, aged 17, is one of the two youth delegates from Honduras. He is a senior in high school and former member of the Honduran national swim team. For the past four years Ricardo, has travelled to the most rural areas of his country to work as a medical translator with organizations that focus on bringing eye, dental, and medical care to people that live below the poverty line.

Daniel Rosa is one of the two youth delegates from Honduras. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University, and a Master of International Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. He previously attended the University of Cambridge, where he took courses in economics and politics. Additionally, he received an Honorary Doctoral degree in Latin American politics from the Organizacao das Americas para a Excelencia Educativa of Brazil for his support to the Honduran electoral processes. Since 2008, Daniel has been the Model United Nations Advisor at Albert Einstein International School of San Pedro Sula, in Honduras. Also, he was an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Miami Dade College. Daniel is a Convention Delegate and an active member of the National Party of Honduras, representing the Hondurans living overseas since 2013.

Hungary
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. András Volom” alt=”Mr. András Volom” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Hungary_Andras_Volum.jpg”]

András Volom is the youth delegate from Hungary. András, the first youth delegate from his country, is a student of International Relations at the War Studies Department of King’s College London. An outspoken advocate of youth empowerment and global cooperation, András has worked on and managed initiatives aimed at enhancing young people’s capacity to take part in decision-making and influence the course of the future. At present, he leads the founding of a youth-led NGO, Holnap, which will provide a platform and guidance for change makers (aged 17-24) in launching projects to strengthen sustainability. Simultaneously, he acts as the president of two university societies and is a prominent figure in the Hungarian student cooperation in the United Kingdom. Last October, he participated in the 9th UNESCO Youth Forum as an independent representative and peer-facilitator. From 2012 to 2014, he helped the work of the Organising Committee of the 2nd Youth Olympic Games as a junior consultant. He has also been an active contributor to the global Model United Nations circuit since 2011, teaching students in South Korea and Hungary, attending and chairing at conferences from Tel Aviv to Cambridge and serving as the Secretary-General of Budapest International Model United Nations in 2015.

Ireland
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Samantha O’Brien O’Reilly ” alt=”Ms. Samantha O’Brien O’Reilly ” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Ireland_Samantha_ObrienOreilly.jpg”]

Samantha O’Brien O’Reilly is one of two United Nations youth delegates from Ireland. She is a graduate of both the Sutherland School of Law (University College Dublin) and Université Panthéon-Assas (Paris II). She is an alum of the Washington Ireland Program for Service and Leadership, which fosters peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland through a six month personal and professional development program. Samantha enjoys entrepreneurship and has set up two successful businesses, as well as a number of social innovation initiatives. She previously worked for the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress in Washington D.C., as well as various law firms in London and Dublin. Samantha is passionate about the empowering nature of education. She is the co-founder of an independent, all-island, non-profit organisation focused on improving disadvantaged students’ level of progression to third-level education through debate, public speaking and international affairs training. Samantha is a committed volunteer, particularly in support of marginalised groups. She was twice appointed to the board of UCD Student Legal Service, an organisation that provides legal information to those in vulnerable situations. She is an accomplished debater and has represented Ireland at both the European and the World Debating Championships. Through these experiences, she gained insights into the viewpoints of youth from across the world. In 2016, she received the UCD President’s Award for Excellence in Student Activities and was also previously a recipient of the President of Ireland’s Award (Gaisce) for Leadership and Community Involvement.

Colm O’Rourke, aged 25, is one of two United Nations youth delegates from Ireland. Colm is a communications professional, working as a public affairs executive for a leading international business communications consultancy. From Dublin, Colm was educated at Castleknock College, St Patrick’s College Maynooth and the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. He holds many key positions that have traditionally been held by people of an older age, in Ireland. He is also a former member of the Governing Authority of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. Furthermore, within the education sector, Colm is a former Executive Officer of Maynooth Students’ Union and he is a former university tutor. Colm is heavily involved with social justice and global development projects, and has travelled to Ethiopia on a number of occasions to volunteer at various projects such a street children’s project, a leprosy village and a deaf centre. Additionally, he is a member of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and has previously served as a national youth representative to the society. Colm has previously represented Ireland as a youth representative at the EU Youth Conference, Luxembourg, which was organised by the European Commission along with ministers for youth affairs from across Europe. Experienced in international initiatives, he is also a member of the International Advisory Committee of the National Youth Council of Ireland.

Israel
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Noga Halevy” alt=”Ms. Noga Halevy” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Israel_Noga_Halevy.jpg”]

Noga Halevi is the youth delegate from Israel.  Noga is the co-founder of the educational NGO, Bishvil, which inspires youth all over Israel to play an active role in their communities by volunteering on weekly basis. Now its third year, the NGO operates in over 30% of middle schools across Israel. Noga herself volunteers as a 9th grade Social Studies teacher in a school serving an underprivileged area. She worked as a delegate for the Jewish Agency in the Southeast region of the United States. Prior to her mandatory military service, she took a gap year to do community volunteering, and during which she also served as the president of Israel’s Youth Movements Committee. Noga completed three years of mandatory service in the Israel Defense Force (IDF) as an Intelligence Officer, and holds a bachelor’s degree (with honors) in Government, Diplomacy and Strategy from the IDC, in which she focused on conflict resolution and counter terrorism. Noga looks forward to her youth delegate experience. Her goals for her tenure are awareness raising and promoting at-risk youth and enabling access to education worldwide, regardless to gender, socio-economic status or other factors.

Kyrgyz Republic
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Meerim Kydyralieva” alt=”Ms. Meerim Kydyralieva” ] [/accordion-item] [/accordion]

Mexico
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Nelly Amairany Hernández Valdez” alt=”Ms. Nelly Amairany Hernández Valdez” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Mexico_Nelly_Amarirany.jpg”]

Nelly Amairany, aged 20, is one of four youth delegates from Mexico. She is currently pursuing a degree in International Relations with a focus on leadership for social development at Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM). She previously completed a Business Communication course at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Nelly is also a Gallagher Scholar, a scholarship provided to five students for academic achievement, ability, and leadership potential. She worked for AIESEC Monterrey for one year and presently coordinates the Social Development section of AEPI (Students Association for Indigenous People). Nelly developed a strong interest in arts and plays the piano and dances flamenco. In the summer of 2016, she attended New York Film Academy in Los Angeles and completed the acting for film workshop. Additionally, she has performed in several musical shows. Nelly is passionate about youth and women’s empowerment through education to achieve a sustainable development. This passion is the main reason that she works with vulnerable communities to make a positive impact at the local level, in order to contribute to the implementation of the transformative 2030 development agenda.

Susana Doen is one of four youth delegates from Mexico. She is currently pursuing a degree in Law at Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM). Susana is passionate about justice and believes strongly in the important role that access to justice has in the satisfaction of human rights and, consequently, in the development of nations. Susana earned a scholarship for her one-year studies at Yale University and a special Balfour Scholarship from the International Legal Honor Society Phi Delta Phi. She has worked as an intern in several law firms and legal clinics, where she has gained awareness about the problems in her community. Furthermore, Susana has participated in a variety of social impact projects related to access to justice, including the Mexican National Competition on Labour Law, winning first place with a project favoring vulnerable groups with an innovative labour contract for Latin American textile industry workers. She feels honored to have the opportunity to represent her country, and to be able to participate in the United Nations General Assembly with other nations.

Patricia Pérez Sistos, age 24, is one of four Youth Delegates from Mexico to the 71^st Session of the General Assembly. Strongly committed to sustainable development, she is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Management of Sustainability. She holds a B.A. in International Relations and was awarded the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program scholarship. Throughout her life, she has taken part in volunteering programs and courses through which she has developed leadership skills that allows her to better understand the challenges that young people face. Patricia is convinced that the participation of young people is the key to ensuring sustainable development and will continue to encourage, empower and engage young people in her role as a youth delegate.

Daniela Zaizar is one of the four Youth Delegates from Mexico to the 71^st Session of the General Assembly. She is currently pursuing her BA in International Relations in ITESO University. In the past she has been a Youth Delegate for the G20 Youth Summit 2015, held in Istanbul as well as part of the First International Program for Mexican Volunteers, in Honduras. Daniela works as a research assistant in Human Rights and Gender Studies. In her free time she works with TECHO, a youth led non-profit organization present in Latin America and the Caribbean, to eradicate poverty in irregular urban settlements.

Morocco
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Bassam Chekrane” alt=”Mr. Bassam Chekrane” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Morocco_Bassam_Chekrane.jpg”]

Bassam Chekrane is one of five youth delegates from Morocco. He is currently pursuing a MSc in Political Economy of Europe at The London School of Economics (LSE). Bassam has organized many conferences and seminars in Paris and Rabat to promote his country and discuss how Moroccan Youth can play a major role in political, social and economic decision-making. Moreover, Bassam’s main focus centres on international cooperation and how North Africa can achieve a sustainable development through coordination with developing countries. As a youth delegate, he wishes to collaboration and share ideas with the other delegates, to create synergies that can help him develop his projects. Bassam is the vice president of Josoor, a NGO in the MENA region which aims to promote peace and cooperation through youth empowerment and innovative dialogue.

Mariam El Atouabi is one of five youth delegates from Morocco. She is a graduate student at Sciences Po Rabat where she is majoring in Middle East Studies and Global Security. She is the co-founder and president of the MENA-based NGO called Josoor, which aims to reinforce peace-building and cooperation in the Middle East and North-Africa region. During her participation in the United Nations Youth Delegate program, Mariam hopes gain, and share, experience on the role of youth in peace-building and security.

Mohamed Hachim Wafdi is one of five youth delegates from Morocco. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in International Affairs at Sciences Po in Aix-en-Provence, France. He also studied political science, economics and development at EGE Rabat, Morocco and the University of Sussex, England. Hachim is passionate about economic development issues and believes strongly in the important role that investments and industry can play in the development process. He worked as a trainee consultant at EY but also as a trainee in the external relations department at the Moroccan Authority of Capital Markets. Furthermore, Hachim is the treasurer and head of the partnerships department of Josoor, a youth-led NGO which aims to promote peace and cooperation in the MENA region through youth empowerment and innovative dialogue.

Sofiane Kadmiri is one of five youth delegates from Morocco. He is currently studying at Al Akhawayn University in Morocco, majoring in International Studies and African Affairs. He previously studied political science at SciencesPo Paris. Sofiane speaks French, Arabic, English and Spanish. He area of interest is meaningful development through the inclusion of youth in Africa and in the MENA region. As an advocator of South-South Cooperation and economic inclusion, Sofiane worked as an intern in the Islamic Center for the Development of Commerce (ICDT), a subsidiary organ of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as research assistant, publishing articles to promote trade among member states. He was also one of the Moroccan youth delegates to the United Nations during the 70th session of the General Assembly, during which he focused on political affairs, with a particular focus on the work of the Security Council and the Third Committee. Moreover, Sofiane is the general secretary and head of the research department of Josoor, a youth-led NGO which aims to promote peace and cooperation in the MENA region through youth empowerment and innovative dialogue.

Sophia Semlali is one of five youth delegates from Morocco. Sophia is pursuing a master degree in Management of Innovation at the École Polytechnique in Paris. She has also been active in participating and organizing different seminars and conferences related to the promotion of sustainable development, such as the African Forum of Renewable Energy in Marrakech. Her main areas of interest are innovation, inclusive growth, and the development of a circular economy model in the MENA region. As a young delegate programme, she strives to defend the idea that developing countries are able to create adaptable, efficient and sustainable industrial and economic models where the youth are central. Moreover, Sophia is the spokesperson of Josoor, a youth-led NGO which aims to promote peace and cooperation in the MENA region through youth empowerment and innovative dialogue.

Netherlands
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Sahar Afzal” alt=”Ms. Sahar Afzal” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Netherlands_Sahar_Afzal.jpg”]

Sahar Afzal is the youth delegate from The Netherlands. She is a student at Amsterdam University College where she studies International law and International relations.  Sahar has been involved in many NGOs and organizations for the last couple of years. She has also worked as an Anne Frank ambassador around the world to spread Anne Frank’s ideals through international conferences and exhibitions. As a member of the European Youth parliament, she organizes and chairs sessions. In October 2015, after many selection rounds and a public campaign, she was chosen as the new Dutch United Nations Youth Representative. Sahar has worked on policies and resolutions previously, such as at the 54th Session of the Commission on Social Development, where she also gave a statement on behalf of the Netherlands, and at the 14th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 14) in Nairobi in July 2016. In the Netherlands, she works principally on young people’s implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. She believes that youth are a key factor for the achievement of the Sustainable Development goals.

Norway
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Jarle Aarbakke Tollaksen” alt=”Mr. Jarle Aarbakke Tollaksen” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Norway_Jarle_Aarbakke_Tollaksen.jpg”]

Jarle Aarbakke Tollaksen, aged 27, is one of two youth delegates from Norway. Holding a Master’s degree in Political Science, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, from the University of Oslo, Jarle is currently working as a research assistant at the University of Stavanger. Jarle has been involved with the Norwegian Christian Democratic Party and the Norwegian Christian Democratic Youth Party for several years, and has particularly worked on international and development issues within in the party. He has previously worked for the parliamentary group of the Norwegian Christian Democrats. In June, Jarle was a part of the Norwegian delegation to the UN Human Rights Council’s 32nd session in Geneva. Jarle is particularly interested in working with issues of migration, children’s rights, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
[/accordion-item] [/accordion] [accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms Margrete Bjørge Katanasho” alt=”Ms Margrete Bjørge Katanasho” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Norway_Margrete_Katanasho.jpg”]

Margrete Bjørge Katanasho, aged 21, is one of two youth delegates from Norway. She is currently the political vice president of Press, Save the Children’s youth organization in Norway. She has been involved in Press for the last five years, as a local group leader and a national board member. Before becoming involved in politics full time, Margrete studied political science at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). She has previously written a report on children with minority sexual and gender identities, while on mission from Save the Children Norway. Margrete is interested in the rights of children asylum seekers, especially unaccompanied children and youth’s right to participate.
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Peru
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Khiabet Salazar Mujica” alt=”Ms. Khiabet Salazar Mujica” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/11/KhiabetSalazarMujica.jpg”]

Khiabet Salazar Mujica, aged 23, the Youth Delegate from Peru to the 71st Session of the General Assembly.  Khiabet is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru (PUCP). In 2014, she was granted the Emerging Leaders of the Americas Scholarship from the Government of Canada to study abroad for a semester. She is very interested in research, foreign policy and human development issues. Khiabet has served on the Executive Board, and is presently a member, of POLITAI, a civil association that seeks to encourage the study of political science themes in Latin America (such as women and violence in politics) and the participation of national and international young researchers through the publication of two academic journals per year. Khiabet has also studied and worked in social and human development issues for the past years. She was an intern at the Permanent Mission of Peru to the United Nations and her last position was at the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC), a regional ILO project for Latin American and the Caribbean. Khiabet is eager to promote the participation of youth in decision-making processes in order to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. From her work in public policy, she desires to contribute to the empowerment of youth, especially women. In particular, she would like to promote and carry out initiatives on the ground so that they have a direct impact on the lives of vulnerable young people.
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Poland
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Michal Skreta ” alt=”Mr. Michal Skreta ” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Poland_Michal_Skreta.jpg”]

Michal Skreta, aged 19, is one of the two youth delegates of Poland. He is the youngest Polish delegate since the programme’s inception in Poland. Prior to holding his current position, Michal was the speaker of the Polish Youth Parliament. As a vigorous advocate of the importance of sharing experiences in the process of intellectual development, he mentored high school students from all around Poland in project management with the Social Wolves foundation. During the last couple of years, Michal has gained international insight through completing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, attending multiple Model United Nations conferences both as a committee chairman and a delegate, and participating in student exchange programmes in India and Liechtenstein. Embracing the importance of giving back to society, he enthusiastically volunteered for Amnesty International and Legia Warsaw Football Club. As a youth delegate, his priorities are quality education and the inclusion of youth in the decision-making processes.
[/accordion-item] [/accordion] [accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Mikołaj Solik” alt=”Mr. Mikołaj Solik” img=”https://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Poland_Miko%C5%82aj_Solik.jpg”]

Mikołaj Solik is one of the two youth delegates from Poland. He is an International Relations student at the University of Warsaw and completed his bilingual A-levels certificate in French. His bachelor thesis focused on the contemporary challenges in the provision of humanitarian assistance, proving that a significant role in this regard can be played by terrorists, as well as Angeline Jolie. He participated in the in the National Oratory Competition in 2010, was an exchange student at Sciences Po de Paris and served as an intern in the Polish Commission for UNESCO. Mikołaj was actively engaged in project management in AIESEC for one year and two of his projects were received prizes from Committee Board and National Board. As a Humanity in Action scholarship holder, Mikołaj took part in the 2016 Human Rights Academy and organised a social campaign about foreigners living in Poland. He is an active member of two university clubs, the manager of Human Rights Week 2016 at Warsaw School of Economics and a participant in Model United Nations and European Union in Warsaw and Vienna. Inspired by this experience, Mikołaj joined the BETA Polska association with aim to support the organisation of MEU Warsaw 2016. His interests involve the role of ideas and education in international relations, as well as challenges in the field of civic education.
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Republic of Korea
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Jinkyung Kim” alt=”Ms. Jinkyung Kim” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Korae_Jinkyung_Kim.jpg”]

Jinkyung Kim, aged 20, is one of the three youth delegates from the Republic of Korea. She is a sophomore at Korea Maritime and Ocean University, majoring in Coast Guard studies. Her interests in the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development relate to maritime and environment.
[/accordion-item] [/accordion] [accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Sohee Yang” alt=”Ms. Sohee Yang” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Korea_Sohee_Yang.jpg”]

Sohee Yang is one of three youth delegates from Republic of Korea to the United Nations. She is a young passionate activist who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Global Korea Studies and Public Policy from Sogang University, Korea. Sohee was awarded the Korean Presidential Medal by the Korea Young Talented Award in 2013, and is also a national scholar. Sohee’s work experience includes an internship at the Asia Economy Community Forum (2014) and the Secretariat at World Knowledge Forum (2015). She is also the founder and director at Global Korea Studies Forum (2015-16) and was the Korean representative at the  KIA-UNESCO Youth Work Camp (2015), in addition to being a national representative and finalist at the MIT Global Startup Competition (2016), a youth representative at UN DPI NGO Conference (2016) and an ASEAN-Korea Youth Ambassador (2016). She has actively contributed to improving the educational gap and building youth capacity in Korea by participating in volunteer programs and organizing various projects at both national and international levels. She is interested in advocating for the SDGs, especially on human and social development, youth capacity building and gender equality, and looks forward to sharing valuable ideas during with other youth delegates at the 71th United Nations General Assembly.
[/accordion-item] [/accordion] [accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Un Hyung Lee” alt=”Ms. Un Hyung Lee” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Korea_Hyung_Lee.jpg”]

Un Hyung Lee, aged 23, is one of the three youth delegates from the Republic of Korea. She is currently working towards her Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Business Administration at Korea University and is a national scholar of one of thirty young women leader of Korea. The last couple of years she has been actively involved in organizing, leading, and participating in international conferences across Korea to provide opportunities for youth in Asia to be involved in youth action. Recently she also served as the President to the Model General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies where she spoke about the importance of youth action in Disaster Risk Reduction for Children and Youth. At her university, she has been active in promoting intercultural communication among students and held leading positions at various student organizations. During her year youth delegate she plans to actively advocate the implementation of SDGs and positive change in society at national and international level and share her experiences with the youth of Korea.
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Romania
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Denisa Bratu” alt=”Ms. Denisa Bratu” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Romania_Denisa_Bratu.jpg”]

Denisa Ionela Bratu is one of the two youth delegates from Romania. She is a graduate from the University of Bucharest with a European Studies Specialization and is a second year student at the National School of Political Science and Public Administration in the Management and Government Master’s programme. She participated and organized summer schools as well as projects on cultural diplomacy and has above all, implemented her own project for youth-focused on leadership in a global context (Young Ambassadors Forum – “Tackling chess on the world stage. Be the pawn that counts!”). Through this work, she discovered the importance of being an active actor in her society, which made her continue her endeavours and explore civic leadership so as to contribute to the construction of the Romanian society. Together with her colleague, Gabriel Uifălean, she plans to bring about a positive change in society at a local, national and international level, by focusing on education, intercultural dialogue and civic participation, all done in a sustainable way.
[/accordion-item] [/accordion] [accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Gabriel Uifălean” alt=”Mr. Gabriel Uifălean” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Romania_Gabriel.Uifalean.jpg”]

Gabriel Uifălean is one of the two youth delegates from Romania. He recently graduated from the Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, having obtained a Master’s in International Relations and European Policy and one in Human Resource Management, two fields he became passionate about during his time as a student. Since high school, he has volunteered in various NGO’s and at various events focused on youth, culture or political sciences and european studies (including Cluj Napoca 2015 European Youth Capital, The Society of European Students, NapoMUN and The UN Youth Association of Romania – Cluj Branch, to name a few). During his tenure at the UN Youth Association of Romania – Cluj Branch, he met several Romanian UN youth delegates and worked with them to help promote the programme in his country. Together with his colleague, Denisa Bratu, he plans to bring about a positive change in society at a local, national and international level, by focusing on education, intercultural dialogue and civic participation, all done in a sustainable way.
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Slovenia
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Andraž Šiler ” alt=”Mr. Andraž Šiler ” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Slovenia_Andraz_Siler.jpg”]

Andraž Šiler is the youth delegate from Slovenia. He is a youth activist and a soft skills trainer.  Andraž has also been working in the student and youth sector for the past 10 years. He is the former president of the student Club of Kranj and a former member of the presidency of the Slovenian Student Union. Andraž is presently the head of the trainers pool at Student Clubs Association of Slovenia and the permanent Slovenian representative at the European Students Union. He is also co-founder of the Institute of Built Policies, which deals with youth policies and sustainable development. He holds bachelor degree in defense studies and is currently, finishing his master’s studies at the Faculty of Social Science at the University of Ljubljana. Andraž’s main points of interest are youth participation, youth unemployment and youth in peacebuilding and reconciliation, especially in the Western Balkans region.
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Sri lanka 
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Sachinda Dulanjana” alt=”Mr. Sachinda Dulanjana” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Sri_Lanka_-Sachinda_Dulanjana.jpg”]

Sachinda Dulanjana is one of two youth delegates from Sri Lanka. He is a young social worker and a youth activist and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from National Institute of Social Development, Sri Lanka. He is the youth adviser on Social Work in the United Nations Youth Advisory Panel (UNYAP 2014-2017) for United Nations country team. Sachinda is also currently working in the capacity of the Asia Regional Representative of the Commonwealth Student Association. He has previously served as the Social and Welfare Secretary of the Law Students’ Union of Sri Lanka. Sachinda is a passionate youth worker who was a regional finalist from the Asia region for the Commonwealth Youth Worker Award in 2013. Last year, he was awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons in Sri Lanka by Junior Chamber International (JCI) under the ‘Voluntary/Humanitarian Field’. He is the founder of H3 Foundation (Hearts and Hands of Humanity) which is an emerging youth-led voluntary organization in Sri Lanka. He also works with the British Council of Sri Lanka as a facilitator for the ‘Active Citizens’ youth empowerment program. He was previously a resource person on the Sustainable Development Goals for the first ever National Tour on Sustainable Development Goals and Peace which was organized by United Nations Information Centre, in collaboration with Universal Peace Federation. Sachinda has a special interest on promoting youth work and the SDGs.
[/accordion-item] [/accordion] [accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Chiranthi Senanayake” alt=”Ms. Chiranthi Senanayake” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Sri_Lanka_Chiranthi_Senanayake.jpg”]

Chiranthi Senanayake is one of two youth delegates from Sri Lanka. She lives life by two maxims: firstly, to experience the little wonders in every moment in life and secondly, to change the world one person at a time. Her aspirations are to establish a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) firm in Sri Lanka to mobilise the masses by improving their access to the country’s legal system of the country and to visit each and every country in the world. She attended the Ladies’ College Colombo where she held the position of Head Girl in 2013. After completing her secondary education, she worked at NGOs such as the Sri Lanka Anti-Narcotics Association (SLANA), as a trainee journalist at the Sunday Times and an intern at the Verite Research think tank, which allowed her to engage with people from all walks of life. She is currently completing her LLB at the University of London, through Horizon Campus, her Bachelor-of-Arts Degree at the Arts Faculty of University of Colombo and her Attorneys-at-Law at Sri Lanka Law College. As a UN Volunteer and a Rotaractor, she has a keen interest in, and knack for, social work.

Sweden
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Noura Berrouba” alt=”Mr. Noura Berrouba” ] [/accordion-item] [/accordion]

Switerzland
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Nicolas Penseyres” alt=”Mr. Nicolas Penseyres” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Switzerland_Nicolas_Penseyres.jpg”]

Nicolas Penseyres is the youth delegate from Switzerland. Nicolas is a Master student in contemporary history at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. He holds a Bachelor’s in contemporary history and has been commissioned as reserve officer of the Swiss Armed Forces, serving as first lieutenant. After attending several seminars and trips outside of Switzerland (including to Georgia, Bulgaria and the USA), Nicolas developed a strong interest in international work. His main interests are related to strategic affairs, international relations, international security and peacekeeping. Active in different associations, he has also done considerable work with younger people in sports associations. Nicolas loves to meet new people and to exchange knowledge on various different subjects.

Thailand
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Asun Hemrini” alt=”Mr. Asun Hemrini” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/11/AsunHemrini.jpg”]

Asun Hemrini is one of four Youth Delegates from Thailand to the 71st United Nations General Assembly. He is currently pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. During the summer in 2015, Asun was an intern at German Aerospace Center in Stuttgart, Germany. Asun also represented Thailand in the Southeast Asia Youth Forum in Singapore and Greater Mekong Subregion Youth Forum in 2014, which made him realize the power of young people. After those two conferences, Asun continued his work by taking a position in ‘international relations’ on his college’s Student Council, where he was able to build a strong network of youth in order to take action and raise the power of young people in the social development. Asun also worked as the president of his university’s biggest campaign to promote good, which aimed at encouraging young people to spread their ideas and do good collectively. This project was extremely successful and resulted in the establishment of many volunteer projects and also the collaboration between youth, the private sector and civil society. Asun strongly believes in the unlimited power of youth in order to change the world and that their voices should be heard.

Prinda Khuskul, aged 19, is one of the four Youth Delegates from Thailand to the 71st United Nations General Assembly. Prinda grew up in Laos, China, Jordan, Thailand, and is currently a sophomore majoring in International Relations at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Political Science. This year, Prinda is a member of the Harvard College in Asia Program in partnership with Chulalongkorn University, a staff with her university’s Model United Nations programme, and part of the Thailand Institute of Justice’s Youth Network. She has been involved in various volunteer activities over the years, including successfully fundraising for a boy’s heart surgery through Heart to Heart Shanghai. Her academic interests lay in Asian international affairs, in particular that of China. She enjoys reading, as well as improving her Thai, English, and Mandarin skills. She strongly believes that young people should actively engage in activities that will contribute towards the positive development of their community, society, and world.

Sirirut Sonjai, aged 21, is one of the four Youth Delegates from Thailand to the 71st United Nations General Assembly. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Chulalongkorn University. Sirirut is a faculty fellowship scholar and received Academic Excellency Award for the past 3 years. She held a position at the faculty in rural development project, and was one of campus leaders for Teach For Thailand. She completed an internship at The Stock Exchange of Thailand, and recently is a research assistant working on fiscal stimulus and household debt for the Bank of Thailand Symposium 2016, focusing on data revolution for economic policy. For the last two years of her studies, Sirirut was also a teaching assistant in intermediate macroeconomics. Her studies concentrated in quantitative analysis, with a particular interest in public policy and economic development, especially in poverty reduction. She believes that youth empowerment can lead to positive change in policy implementation for the Sustainable Development Goals.

Narawit Rujanant, aged 22, is one of four youth delegates from Thailand to the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly. He is currently pursuing a degree in Law at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. His specific area of study is international law and human rights. During his years in the university, Narawit has engaged in various types of youth activities. He is a former vice president of Asian Law Student Association Chulalongkorn Local Chapter (ALSA Chula), where he played an executive role in promoting the cooperation of the Law students amongst Asia. He also has experience moderating many youth forums including the Asian Society of International law (AsianSIL) International Youth forums and ASEAN Students’ Forum on Human Rights. He is also a part of the Faculty of Law’s Cheerleading team. Narawit’s areas of interest include human rights, child rights, humanitarian work and social development. He believes that the world is built in diversity and every human value should be appreciated without discrimination. With the power of the young generations, he believes that youth empowerment can move the world towards peace, prosperity and sustainability.

Tunisia
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Mohamed Mongi Ghedira” alt=”Mr. Mohamed Mongi Ghedira” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Tunisia_Mohamed_Ghedira.jpg”]

Mohamed Ghedira is the youth delegate from Tunisia. Born and raised in Tunisia, he is a medical student and a young civil society leader. He was president of the Tunisian International Model United Nations, and also the youngest member of the United Nations Association of Tunisia (UNA-Tunisia). As a member of UNA-Tunisia, he organizes many conferences on international health, AIDS and other related subjects. Actively engaged in Tunisian post-revolution civil society, he has written many articles promoting UN values and the power of youth, since he strongly believes that today’s youth can, and should be, heard in order to become today’s leaders. Mohamed also works as a consultant for the United Nations System in Tunisia.

Uganda
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Mr. Gilbert Happy Lwetutte” alt=”Mr. Gilbert Happy Lwetutte” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Uganda_Gilbert_Happy.jpg”]

Gilbert Happy Lewtutte is of the two youth delegate from Uganda. Gilbert is a young development strategist and is passionate about development and sustainability with particular focus on education. Believing that Education goes beyond going to school and that learning is key to development and change, Gilbert co-founded Education Forum Africa. He is a researcher, entrepreneur, activist and philanthropist who is interested in leadership and ensuring that all youth have equal opportunities to maximize their potential no matter the background or nationality. Keen to develop his own knowledge and expertise so as to better serve others, Gilbert received a scholarship from the Pan African E-Network to do a Post Graduate diploma in Information Technology in Amity University India. This opportunity bought his attention to the possibilities that technology brings to improving engagement, irrespective of the issue at hand. Gilbert is proud to be from Uganda, a country where 60% of the population is below 30 years old, and is particularly familiar with the challenges faced by young people. He is confident that the United Nations has a strong role to play in trying to find workable solutions for the challenges facing the youth especially through the Sustainable Development goals and endeavours to bring his experiences, energy, passion and potential to the United Nations youth delegate programme.

Lillian Aber is one of two youth delegates from Uganda. Lillian is a youth leader and an activist and has over 10 years of leadership experience. She was a vice guild president of Makerere University Uganda, president of the Uganda National Student’s Association and vice president of the Commonwealth Student’s Association in charge of advocacy and partnership. She is the first female chairperson of Uganda National Youth Council and private secretary to the President of the Republic of Uganda in charge of Youth Affairs. Lillian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication (Literature) and is pursuing a master’s in Business Administration of oil and gas. She is a results-oriented person and is passionate about achieving the Sustainable Development Goals across the world. She believes that young people are leaders of today and that a strong foundation for a better world begins with their inclusion in decision-making.

Ukraine
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Uliana Avtonomova” alt=”Ms. Uliana Avtonomova” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/Ukraine_Uliana_Avtonomova.jpg”]

Uliana Avtonomova, aged 22, is one of two youth delegates from Ukraine. She is a member of the “Young Generation Will Change Ukraine” Association. Uliana also cooperated with various projects related to education and has extensive volunteer experience. Additionally, she collaborated with the analytical platform VoxUkraine and the Eidos Center for Political Studies and Analysis. Uliana is a first year Master’s student at Taras Shevchenko National University, in the faculty of philosophy, majoring in political science. She participated in the 12th Yalta European Srategy meeting as a young leader. Uliana is the co-founder of the NGO ProOsvita and member of the NGO Forum of Young Diplomats. Together with her colleague, Kyrylo Beskorovayny, she would like to further involve youth the decision-making processes at the local and national levels by organizing trainings about active citizenship and advocacy.

Kyrylo Beskorovayny is one of two youth delegates from Ukraine. He is a first year Master’s student at Taras Shevchenko National University, majoring in Communications and International Relations. He is a co-founder of the Ukrainian popular science magazine “Kunsht”. Kyrylo took part in organizing Ukrainian youth initiatives like “Strengthening youth as active citizens in Ukraine”, “Tut is zaraz” and NGO “Help and Travel”. He has impressive volunteering experience, which includes WCF Davos Kyiv, IDCEE, OSCE mission and the NATO school. Kyrylo completed an internship at the Directorate General for Policy and Communications of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and was selected to participate in the 12th Yalta European strategy annual meeting as a young leader. He was an editor in chief of the Institute’s magazine “Mizhnarodnyk”. In 2010, he became a FLEX (Future Leaders Exchange) program finalist and was awarded a scholarship to spend an academic year in the USA.

United Arab Emirates
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Amna Al Suwaidi” alt=”Ms. Amna Al Suwaidi” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/UAE_Amna_AlSuwaidi.jpg”]

Amna Al Suwaidi is one of two youth delegates from the United Arab Emirates. Amna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs with a Minor in Media and Communication Sciences from Zayed University. During her studies, she was a Zayed Scholar and a UAE Youth Ambassador to Germany (YAP). During her time in Germany, Amna interned at Wintershall Holding GmbH, specifically at its political energy office in Berlin. Amna has also completed an internship program at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Amna later enrolled at the Emirates Diplomatic Academy, immersing herself in a multi-disciplinary program in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations. As part of the Youth Delegates program, Amna is interning at the UAE Permanent Mission to the UN to acquire hands on training and be involved in her country’s active participation in global governance. Amna and her fellow youth delegate, Mohamed Rafee, are passionate about youth empowerment, as they are key elements to achieving sustainable economic growth, peace and security. In her role as a youth delegate, she plans to focus on increasing opportunities for youth in the United Arab Emirates to be effective and constructive participants at local, national and international arenas. In this context, Amna is particularly interested in the issues of women and gender equality. Amna speaks native Arabic, as well as fluent English and Tagalog, in addition to basic German and Spanish.

Mohamed Rafee is one of two youth delegates from the United Arab Emirates. Mohamed holds a Bachelor’s Degree with Honors, from the University of Sharjah, with a major in Public Administration and a minor in Management. Furthermore, he was an intern at Sharjah Media Corporation. Mohamed is presently enrolled in Emirates Diplomatic Academy for a post-graduate diploma. He had previously completed a training course with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C. Mohamed is enthusiastic about the Sustainable Development Goals and eager to find ways for young Emiratis to actively participate in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Mohamed speaks Arabic as his native language, is fluent in English and speaks basic Russian.

United Kingdom
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Takyiwa Danso” alt=”Ms. Takyiwa Danso” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/UK_Takyiwa_Danso.jpg”]

Takyiwa Danso, aged 23, is one of two youth delegates from the United Kingdom. Takyiwa is a committed development activist from Tottenham, London. Having volunteered with VSO International Citizens Service in Kenya, she worked with like-minded young people who shared a collective passion to lead positive change. Takyiwa is now committed to ensuring as many young people from all backgrounds have similar opportunities, through her currentwork as a mentor through the IVO4ALL scheme, (International Volunteering Opportunities for All). Takyiwa was part of the ACTION/2015 UK Youth Panel throughout 2015, amplifying and advocating for the power of young people in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, before going to Paris as a climate activist to participate in the COP21 climate negotiations last December.

Minhaz Abedin, aged 18, is one of two youth delegates from the United Kingdom. Minhaz is from Leeds and lobbied his first member of parliament at age 10. Ever since then, Minhaz has been engaged in community and youth work, both locally and regionally.

United States of America
[accordion clicktoclose=true] [accordion-item title=”Ms. Nicol Perez” alt=”Ms. Nicol Perez” img=”http://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2016/09/USA_Nicol_Perez.jpg”]

Nicol Perez is currently the US Youth Observer to the United Nations. Her work with the United Nations is focused on capturing youth voices and bringing them to the table at the UN, as well as engaging more young people in the SDGs.  Professionally, Nicol does product marketing and communications at Instagram. Nicol graduated from the University of Florida where she was president of Nourish International, a student-run, non-profit organization that works towards making a sustainable impact on communities around the world. During her time at the University of Florida, Nicol spearheaded a project in Guatemala City where she taught business classes to a group of 50 single mothers living in extreme poverty and provided them with the tools and skills needed to start their own businesses. At University of Florida, Nicol co-founded the Global Leadership Program where elected students spent a semester leading business ventures around campus to raise money to start a Goat farm in Uganda. Later, Nicol studied abroad in Bangkok, Thailand where she volunteered with the Mechai Viravaidya Foundation and Maastricht, The Netherlands where she helped start a community house and business incubator.