United Nations youth ambassador tackles global issues
Laura John, the 2014 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations
Unraveling the key issues facing young Australians including homelessness and mental health are on the agenda for former Monash University law student Laura John who kicked off her campaign last night as the 2014 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations.
The night unveiled Laura’s topic for the year, the Great Perhaps. A topic Laura hopes will drive discussion and allow young Australians to share their biggest dreams and the changes they want to see in the world, their Great Perhaps.
The international campaign as the Australian Youth Representative will conclude with a speech to the UN General Assembly in New York later this year, where Laura will put the change young Australians want to see to national and international leaders.
“Young Australians have the unprecedented ability to help shape the issues that our world leaders will consider, and with the G20 in Australia this year, this is the perfect opportunity to influence the global political agenda,” Laura said.
Laura was joined by many influential Australians on Thursday night, including the Australian Federal Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, Director of Monash University Castan Centre for Human Rights Law Professor Sarah Joseph, representatives from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Sri Lankan Consul-General Upul Pushpakumara.
Laura’s appointment as the Australian Youth Representative comes from many years of hard work and persistence. Her detailed resume
includes extensive work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Victorian Youth Week, and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
Laura is determined to give a voice to young Australians, and with her direct line to the change makers, Laura believes young Australians will be heard and drive change in policy.
“Through my travels, I expect to hear about a diverse range of issues that affect young Australians including mental health and homelessness as well as topical national issues including same sex marriage and climate change.”
The launch on Thursday night reviled Laura’s promotional clip, website and plans for the year. Young Australians can add their Great Perhaps at www.youthrep.org.au