About the Program
WFUNA is committed to fostering the active participation of young individuals, whether through our ongoing programs, or by integrating youth perspectives into broader matters. Our engagements align with the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda and showcase our dedication to advancing global initiatives that empower and amplify youth voices. Through our initiatives and involvements, young people are able to harness their energy and passion and drive positive change on a global scale.
Prioritizing the engagement of youth is a central focus of WFUNA’s initiatives. WFUNA consistently involves youth in various ongoing programs, and seeks opportunities to integrate youth in related matters when they are not the primary focus. Some of these programs and initiatives include the Young Leader of the Year Award, WFUNA’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC), the Youth Delegate Program, Youth Seminars, as well as our educational programs such as our training programs and WFUNA International Model United Nations (WIMUN).
- Empowering youth voices
- Driving positive change
- Advancing global initiatives
Young Leader of the Year Award
One of our youth centered initiatives is WFUNA’s Young Leader of the Year award, which aims to showcase the remarkable achievements of exceptional individuals aged 15-29 from UNAs and UNYAs worldwide. This recognition highlights their commitment to UN values and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each year, a specific theme guides the nomination and selection process, often aligned with relevant global issues and topics for that given year. Past themes include gender equality, quality education, and responding to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The selected Young Leader’s profile is prominently featured on the WFUNA main webpage, the WFUNA Youth Network webpage, and across our social media platforms, amplifying their inspiring contributions to a broad audience.
More about Young Leaders
Youth Advisory Council
The WFUNA Youth Advisory Council (YAC) consists of nine members from various UNAs and UNYAs. This group plays a pivotal role in shaping WFUNA’s strategies and initiatives by providing advice and counsel on matters specifically related to youth. Their advisory capacity extends to guiding WFUNA on effective ways to integrate the perspectives of young individuals within our organizational endeavors. By actively engaging with the Youth Advisory Council, WFUNA not only ensures a direct and authentic representation of the youth voice, but also fosters an inclusive and collaborative approach to addressing global challenges. This symbiotic relationship reflects our commitment to not just involve, but empower, the youth in driving positive change on a global scale.
Current council members
Youth Delegate Program
WFUNA has been involved in the Youth Delegate Program, actively contributing through programs like the WFUNA Youth Delegate Programme Multipliers. In this initiative, members play a crucial role in promoting awareness about the extensive UN Youth Delegate Programme and provide valuable guidance to aspiring young participants. Additionally, we have developed a comprehensive handbook titled “Creating a National Youth Delegate Programme to the United Nations.” This resource is designed to empower youth with the necessary tools to skillfully draft proposals and persuasively advocate to their national governments for the establishment of a UN Youth Delegate Programme (UN YDP).
Learn more
Youth Seminars
WFUNA’s Youth Seminars have brought together members of the WFUNA Youth Network and other proactive young individuals who identify as global citizens and sustainable development ambassadors. These seminars serve not only as spaces for capacity building, but also as valuable feedback mechanisms for young individuals actively involved with WFUNA. Aimed at nurturing global citizenship and sustainable development advocacy, the Youth Seminar Series addresses topics such as raising awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG16 on Peaceful, Just, and Inclusive Societies, and Youth, Peace, and Security. Complemented by project management workshops, these seminars empower young participants to design and implement small-scale projects upon their return to their home countries.
Previous seminars
Educational Programs
WFUNA is also engaged with members of youth through our educational programs, namely our Training Programs, and WFUNA International Model United Nations (WIMUN).
WIMUN NY
Global Coalition
WFUNA plays an active role in the Global Coalition on Youth, Peace, and Security (GCYPS), contributing further to our involvement in youth related matters on the global scale, while also broadening our youth network and staying up to date on relevant issues and events impacting members of the youth.
More on GCYPS
WFUNA Youth Opportunities Network
The WFUNA Youth Network is a newsletter that aims to bridge the gap between young people and the wide range of opportunities available within the UN. Subscribe to receive updates on internships, programs, and global events that will help you engage with key global issues. Stay tuned—more opportunities are coming every month!
Join our Network