Youth voices at the UN: Participate in the essay contest and join us at the 2012 UN Commission on the Status of Women
Essay Competition
Selected finalists will be delegates at the
United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
in New York
Four finalists will attend the CSW 56th session at UN headquarters as a World Youth Alliance delegate
• Meet UN diplomats and advocate for the dignity of every woman
• Be part of an international team of young leaders and obtain a UN badge
• Receive high level training, gain real experience in U.N. negotiations and networking.
• Enjoy post-Commission celebratory events
• 4 finalists will be accomodated in WYA headquarters, Upper East Side Manhattan
U.N. Commission on the Status of Women
February 27 – March 2, 2012
The CSW is an important UN commission that occurs annually to present recommendations and reports to the Economic and Social Council on promoting gender equality in political, economic, civil, social and educational fields. It aims to promote implementation of the principle that men and women shall have equal rights. Following the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women, CSW was mandated to regularly reviewing areas of concern in the Platform for Action. WYA maintains an active presence at the CSW each year to advocate for the protection of the dignity of the human person. More details on the CSW and WYA’s attendance on our special webpage.
Instructions
Read the “Priority of Persons” by John Finnis, from WYA Certified Training, and respond to the following question:
Finnis argues that law is based on the relationship between persons. He also argues that this provides us with the only rational, or non- arbitrary basis for the development of legal norms that limit, direct, and condition the actions of individuals under the law. Is this argument valid? Can there be valid legal norms that are not based on an understanding of the dignity of the person? If so, what would be the basis for the development of these norms? If not, why not?
• Responses should not exceed 1000 words.
• WYA Track A certified members may submit an answer that has been previously submitted as part of their training. They are also free
to send a revised version.
• Submissions due by December 15,2011.
• Send to Elyssa Koren, WYA Director of Advocacy at elyssa@wya.net
Timeline
December 15, 2011: Submission deadline
December 22, 2011: Contest results will be announced online and winners will be notified by email
February 25, 2012: Selected WYA delegates arrive in New York
February 26, 2012: Delegates briefing and training session with UN experts
March 2, 2012: Closing reception with UN delegates
Winners will receive basic accommodations at the WYA headquarters in Manhattan. Travel costs are not covered by WYA. Guidance and support letters to raise funds will be provided.
