Apply to be the 2017-2018 U.S. Youth Observer to the United Nations here by May 21, 2017.

About the Program

Created to elevate youth voices in the global policy dialogue, the U.S. Youth Observer to the UN is a role appointed annually by the U.S. Department of State and UN Association of the USA. For a one-year term, an American between the ages of 18-25 is selected to engage young people in the U.S. in the work of the United Nations and international issues.

As a correspondent between U.S. missions to the UN and American youth, the Youth Observer travels throughout the United States to discover the issues important to young Americans and participates with the U.S. delegation at international organization meetings.

The most critical role of the Youth Observer is to engage young Americans in the work of the UN, empowering them to be active participants in dialogue on international issues and to have a global impact. The Youth Observer will travel to high schools and colleges across the nation to build a connection between the UN and young Americans.

 

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Are you the next Youth Observer?

Do you have what it takes to be the next U.S. Youth Observer to the UN? UNA-USA is looking for a dynamic and internationally-engaged young American to fill the role of diplomat for the 2017-2018 year. Qualified individuals are:

  • Talented writers, capable of digesting lots of information and quickly turning around blog posts to inform other youth.
  • Team players, willing to work with multiple stakeholders to tell the story of the UN.
  • Intellectually curious and able to have meaningful conversations with high-level individuals.
  • Experienced public speakers who are enthusiastic about engaging with young Americans.
  • Digitally engaged and tech-savvy, with a knack for communicating online in creative and effective ways.
  • Passionate and entrepreneurial about civic engagement, youth issues, and the United Nations.
  • Interested in international affairs and passionate about solving today’s most pressing problems.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, ages 18-25. Current students or recent grads employed part time are highly preferred, and UNA-USA can work with a college or university for course credit. In addition, interested candidates must be:

  • Able to commit at least five to ten hours per week to the position, excluding travel, which will consume additional time.
  • Eager to collaborate with UNA-USA and Department of State staff, staying in close communication throughout the year.
  • Available to travel nationally and internationally (travel and reasonable lodging costs associated with participation as U.S. Youth Observer will be provided).
  • Willing to participate in social media and in-person media events hosted by UNA-USA and the U.S. Department of State.
  • Capable of quickly producing high-quality blog posts and other social media content based on her/ his experiences as the Youth Observer.
  • Currently unaffiliated with the UN Foundation, UNA-USA, and Department of State as a staff member, intern, or consultant.

Past Youth Observers

Follow the adventures of current and past Youth Observers here, and learn more about the day-to-day of the position with this short documentary.

  • Catch up with Brooke Loughrin, 2012-2013 Youth Observer, here.
  • See how Tiffany Taylor, 2013-2014 Youth Observer, learned to approach courage differently.
  • Find out what Jackson Dougan took away from his term as the 2014-2015 Youth Observer.
  • Donya Nasser’s travels as Youth Observer took her around the world as the 4th Youth Observer. Read about her “Roman Tour for Gender Equality“.
  • Nicol Perez, the most recent Youth Observer, met with youth delegates from other countries to discuss youth unemployment and youth entrepreneurship at the ECOSOC Youth Forum.