This is Youth Week at the United Nations. Well, it’s not really, but there are so many young people walking around, I’ve taken the executive decision to name it this.

There are about 60 youth representatives from about 35 countries that have made the trek to New York, and this seems to be the week that most of them are here.

You may be forgiven for thinking that having the voices of the young represented at the highest forum in the world, is a luxury that only rich countries can afford. Not so, apparantly. Some of my fellow youth delegates are from places like Malawi, Azerbaijan, United Republic of Tanzania and Georgia. Whilst in contrast, the United States doesn’t send one (despite the UN being in their own country). Different priorities I guess.

This year is the the 10th anniversary of something called the World Program of Action for Youth (WPAY). The WPAY was created by the UN, in conjunction and consultation with many young people and non-government youth organisations to place greater emphasis on creating change for young people. The 10 priorities of the WPAY tie in very closely with the Millennium Development Goals (greater focus needed on things like poverty, education etc).

As this is the 10th anniversary of the WPAY, there is a review being held on how the world has been going on achieving these priorities during this week at the UN.

As part of Youth Week, along with the youth reps, there are also many representatives of non-government organisations (Red Cross, Peace Child International etc) from all over the world who have come to participate in the review.

It’s great to see so many young people wandering (some aimless and lost) around the halls of the UN (it’s a big place). It gives it such a different feel.

The walls of the UN (I’m talking about the actual building) seems to constrict people’s behaviour and ways of relating to eachother into the most formal, impersonal way of being. As soon as they enter that building they are different people - it becomes bureaucratic, and almost emotionless. In a building with such history, and esteem and prestige, you can see why it is like this. But, it just doesn’t seem right when discussing some of the most emotive issues that exist (children in armed conflict for example).

Then again, maybe that’s why it becomes like this. To tackle the big issues, maybe emotion just clouds clarity. I hope not, otherwise I’m in trouble.

I’ve started to wonder what would happen if you took the delegations and people in the UN, and put them in tents in the middle of Central Park (a big Park in Manhattan, New York), and then began discussion again. Would getting delegations out of this place be productive or not? hmmmm

I see this week as a great opportunity to share the voices of young Australians with young people from all around the world. So I’ve been telling anyone who cares to listen (and many who don’t!) about the experiences and views of young Australians. Young or old, Engish speaking or not, if you they’ve crossed my path, they’ve copped it.

Rather than buying into a lot of the speeches and talk that happens here (and actually does seem to achieve some things), I see this mission as something that I can personally achieve.

We cut a small video with young Australians from rural, remote and metro Australia before I left for NY, and I’ve even had the opportunity to show it a few times (I’m hoping for many more..).

To tell you the truth, I am surprised how interested people are in finding uot about it. To the rest of the world, Australia apparently seems exotic - so far away, that we must either be paradise, or all have two heads.

People are simply fascinated to hear AND see young Australians talking about their life and their importance. Whether it be Halls Creek, or Sydney - people are genuinely interested, and whatsmore - care. It is so powerful to share this information. It is so humbling to see people’s reactions.