Sub-committee 2:

Promoting and Publicizing the Work of the U.N. Amongst Youth in order to Enable Youth Councils to More Effectively Participate in the Work of the U.N.

Introduction to the issue:

According to Article 1, par.3 of the UN Charter an important goal is: “To achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.”

Since 1945 numerous conventions addressing the rights of the child, human rights, the rights of women, child labor, etc. have been ratified by member states. Are, however, the young citizens of these member states aware of these conventions or the role played by the UN in overseeing the implementation of such agreements? Greater awareness of these conventions and the work of UN agencies in, for example, the fields of health, education, and labor, would not only further universal acceptance of these humanitarian principles but promote their realization and implementation.

The General Assembly resolution: A/RES/58/113 ; November 2003:
"Recognizes the importance of the full and effective participation of youth and youth organizations at the local, national, regional and international levels in promoting and implementing the World Programme of Action and in evaluating the progress achieved and the obstacles encountered in its implementation...“ It is obvious the implementation of the goals set out in the U.N. Charter and most recently in the Millennium Development Goals Program will foster peace and prosperity for future generations. The younger generation has a vested interest in advising today’s decision-makers concerning issues that will immediately affect the form and shape of the world that they are to inherit. A better communication and cooperation between youth councils and U.N. organs is therefore crucial for success on all levels.

At the same time, however, the work of UN agencies also touches upon the everyday lives of children and young people. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan evaluated in 1996 the progress made in implementing the goals established at the 1990 World Summit for Children. He concluded that these goals “have had an extraordinary mobilizing power, generating a renewed level of activity on behalf of children around the world and creating new partnerships between governments, non-governmental organizations, donors, the media, civil society, and international organizations.”

Are his optimistic words in 2004 still justified? What new partnerships exist and how effective are they?

How widely recognized is the UN’s work in combating sexual exploitation of children, the abuse of children in armed conflicts, and child labor?

How many people appreciate the efforts of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to provide children and youth proper health care and a basic education?

By what means can the UN and its work be promoted more effectively? How can Youth be made aware of the importance of the UN for their lives?

How can obstacles between youth councils and the UN be overcome, and cooperation be improved?

Questions to be considered as a basis for developing a youth opinion

1. What attitude do citizens have concerning the importance of the United Nations and its work? --> survey
2. Based on the results of the survey, what areas need to be addressed in order to improve the UN’s public image and standing?
3. How does the UN promote knowledge of its own work?
4. How is the UN system treated in the media, including television, radio and press?
5. What attitude does the government convey concerning the importance of the United Nations and its work? Is there any distinction made between its humanitarian role and its role in international affairs?
6. What non-governmental organizations exist to promote knowledge of the UN? How are these funded?
7. What non-governmental agencies or groups criticize the UN system? Why? How are these funded?
8. How can the UN and its goals be advertised and brought closer to young people and the common public? --> Develop specific programs
9. Who would support, carry through, and finance such programs?
10. Identify areas where this input and engagement would be most likely:
    • Education
    • Health, esp. HIV / AIDS
    • Young people in a globalized world:
      • Exchanges
    • Internship abroad

Field work /survey/ Interactive activity

Through a survey participants should find out about the attitude of the citizens concerning the work of the UN.

The questions for this survey should be streamlined to afford the comparison / combination of the results. Suggestions are welcome. The YA directors will then send out the questionnaire a.s.a.p.

Communication via the net should be used to share the work in finding out about different countries policies. Research about media can be split up as well. Organization can start as soon as we have all participants emails. The website will provide a chat room for the YA to exchange results directly.

Sources:
www.wfuna-youth.org

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