New York Week 1: My speech and meeting the SG

In my speech in the 3rd Committee of the General Assembly on Oct 5, I advocated for youth everywhere to get a basic knowledge of development. This, I emphasized, would lead to every young person forming their own opinion on global issues. I am concerned about the fact that there are too many young people in developed countries who misunderstand the concept of development, as well as humanitarian aid and carry a negative attitude, most of the times without having sufficient background information.

Monday 4.10. Meeting Slovak Permanent mission and first day in the UN HQ, precisely in the 3rd committee's plenary. Most of the youth delegates delivered their speeches today, but mine initially on 44place (eventually moved up to 32) was cut off and planned for Tuesday. Exciting day, many people present and the young deleagtes' speeches very refreshing; one could notice choice of stronger words, concrete references and rarely repeating cliche -like phrases. The speeches are uploaded here. It is worth to click on this link, I was very impressed by my colleagues and friends.

Tuesday 5.10. Highlight of the morning - I delivered my statement on development education. Et voila, it was not so bad. Here is the text, a short video is to come.

Highlight of the afternoon;
We, the youth delegates had the chance to meet the Secretary General, his excellency Mr. Ban Ki Moon. He spoke to us shortly and overwhelmed me with his incredible charisma. Photos are on the UN webiste, too. Ufff a day to remember.

I used a free moment in the afternoon to see a plenary on International terrorism. What happened afterwards? A break at Vienna café, having a huge chocolate muffin with Gitte, the Belgian (Flemish) youth delegate. Carlos, who sells so needed coffee and cookies remarked that it was the 3rd time we went there today. Yes and we deserved it each time.

Me and Gitte Briffa, the biggest fans of American cousine among the Youth delegates

Thursday 7.10. Workshop on Dialogue Initiatives for the International Year on Youth. We'll be brainstorming about possible joint actions for the rest of the IYY.

Divided in groups at the Saudi Arabian mission, an intense dialogue was held and some ideas of concrete actions on promotion of mutual understanding and tolerance among young people were born. Now it is time for follow up and make them happen..


Photo 1 on the right: Abdulaziz Tarazbouni, the YD Saudi Arabia. Photo 2: One group brainstorming

Friday 8.10. morning Meeting Alliance of Civilizations in Chrysler Building
lunch time side event on Youth unemployment at the German mission "Save the date"


Alliance of Civilizations. ______________________German side event