Our Work
The Youth Voices Program
The Youth Voices at the UN is a global training program run by the World Youth Alliance. The program provides an opportunity for our youth members to attend events at the United Nations in New York. Participants benefit from informational training at WYA that teaches them how to articulate the core concepts of human dignity protection at the UN. Participants learn how to interact with delegates, and most effectively represent themselves, their countries and the mission of WYA.
Participants of the Youth Voices program are selected through an essay writing competition that covers themes discussed in actual United Nations Commissions. Writers of the winning essays will receive:
- An invitation to attend UN commissions together with the WYA team
- Training at the WYA Headquarters prior to attending the UN Commission
- Free lodging in New York City for the duration of the program
- A certificate of completion of the Youth Voices Program
Please note that participants will have to cover their own transportation costs to and from New York City, and within New York City.
2012 Essay Competition Details
Winners of the 2012 Essay Competition will be eligible to attend the 57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), which will be held from February 27 to March 9, 2013. The CSW theme is “Elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls.”
Submission requirements:
• Participants must be Track A Certified*
• Word count: 600 – 800 words
• Format: MS Word or PDF
• To submit your essay, fill up the application form on this page and attach your essay in MS Word of PDF format
• Deadline for submissions: December 14, 2012
• For any questions, email advocacy@wya.net
*For more information about Track A Training and Certification, please read our Track A Training page or contact your regional office:
• Africa: africa@wya.net
• Asia Pacific: asiapacific@wya.net
• Europe: europe@wya.net
• Latin America: latinamerica@wya.net
• Middle East: middleeast@wya.net
• North America: northamerica@wya.net
Important Dates
• November 15: Start of essay acceptance
• December 14: Last day to submit essays
• December 18: Announcement of winners via personal email
• January 4: Winners confirmation of participation
• February 27 – March 9: 57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women
Application Form
Past Winners
2011 winners share the best thing about joining the Youth Voices program.
Photo Gallery
