29 September 2009

The United Nations Youth Association of Australia (UNYA) is a national community-based organisation that aims to increase youth awareness and participation in international issues and political processes.  UNYA is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation and sits proudly as the only youth organisation in Australia run solely by young people aged 15-24.  

UNYA’s main aim is to educate young people about the United Nations and international affairs, with reference to the role of Australia in global issues.  In a society in which young people are not well represented, the United Nations Youth Association is a significant voice for youth opinion. Moreover, the Association plays an important educational role in Australian society, and creates outstanding young leaders as an organisation both run for, and managed exclusively by, young people.  As the world becomes more interconnected and there is an ever increasing need for skilled leaders with a global perspective, the role of the Association can only grow as it continues to develop future leaders by broadening youth horizons.

The Western Australian division of UNYA is part of the national body and works on a state level to achieve the goals of the Association. The preamble to the UNYA (WA) Constitution states: ‘The Associations’ members are committed volunteers who act on the basis of goodwill, giving shape and hope to our future.’  In recent years UNYA (WA) has formed a reputation as one of the key youth organisations in the state and has delivered many successful events for the youth of Western Australia.

If you are interested in finding out more about UNYA please explore our website or contact one of the WA executive for more information.

If you are a teacher and would like to find out how UNYA can get involved at your school, please check out our section for teachers.