UNICEF calls for Auckland youth ambassadors

The theme for the UNICEF NZ Youth Congress this year is 'Living in Harmony - with each other and our planet.'

UNICEF New Zealand is inviting young people from Auckland and across New Zealand to attend the UNICEF NZ Youth Congress in Wellington from 10-12 July, 2015.

They will join 11 other youth from around New Zealand including seven from Auckland (Vincent Nguyen, Steven Wang, Nardos Tilahun, Saffron Huang, Jen Wright, Sonny Ngatai and Nadya Fauzia) who are currently UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassadors.

Interested attendees are asked to apply as soon as possible in order to secure their place. For further information on how to apply please visit: www.unicef.org.nz/YouthCongress

The theme for the UNICEF NZ Youth Congress this year is 'Living in Harmony - with each other and our planet.'

UNICEF NZ is on the lookout for 15-20 year olds who have a strong interest in global issues, including poverty, climate change, health, and are passionate about the rights of children everywhere.

This year's congress will also have an added global focus prompted by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs build on the enormous progress laid by the Millennium Development Goals and are due to take effect from September 2015.

Jacqui Southey, Child Rights Education Advisor at UNICEF NZ, said, "2015 is a milestone year that will see the establishment of new goals and targets that will determine the pathway for progress up until 2030.

"Young people will be the torch bearers of this progressive agenda and we want to see Kiwi youth playing their part.

"As a result, this year's Youth Congress will have a strong focus on active participation. Through this, we plan to explore what it means to be a global citizen both in a New Zealand context and internationally.

"The UNICEF NZ Youth Congress aims to provide participants with the tools and skills they need to have a voice in both local and global issues and to ensure that the issues they care about are high on the agendas of decision makers."

The congress will be an opportunity for the 45 chosen participants to learn more about children's rights and the issues UNICEF works on, as well as having a practical focus on media skills, campaigning, and how to use communications for advocacy.

"2015 marks our fourth congress to date and we're expecting an action packed weekend where young people can collaborate, learn more, share ideas and at the end of the weekend leave feeling empowered and ready to take action," Ms Southey added.