Be the Next US Youth Observer to the UN

UNA-USA, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, is looking for the next U.S. Youth Observer to the UN. The U.S. Youth Observer is a critical role aimed at bringing the voice of youth to the world’s table. If you are (or know someone) age 18-25 who is driven to engage young people in international affairs, please apply today!

Applications are open now for the year-long term, which begins in July 2017, and American youth ages 18-25 are eligible to apply before May 21. This year’s Youth Observer will have exciting opportunities to engage with youth across the nation and the international community.

A few highlights include:

• Attending events in NYC during the opening week of the UN General Assembly; 
• Traveling around the United States and inspiring young people to be a part of solving global challenges; 
• Diving into digital media to be a correspondent between U.S. missions to the UN and American youth;
• Meeting with youth delegates from around the world to foster international cooperation for our generation. 

UNA-USA and the Department of State are looking for a vibrant and passionate young leader to fill this role. Sound like you or someone you know? Submit your application by May 21!

More details about the position here: http://genun.unausa.org/could_you_be_the_next_youth_observer?utm_campaign=yo_app_2017_1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=genun

COP21: How you can influence global leaders

UNA-USA is hosting a nationwide conference call next Tuesday to talk with young people about how they can influence global leaders at the upcoming Climate Conference in Paris. Join the call and learn about how GenUN/UNA-USA is engaging youth around COP21:

December 1, 5 p.m. ET

#EarthtoParis:

Briefing on the Historic Climate Convening

and Tips for Effective Advocacy

featuring

Ryan Hobert

Senior Director, Energy and Climate, United Nations Foundation

Click here to RSVP.

About Earth to Paris:

This December, world leaders are gathering in Paris for a landmark convening to complete a new global climate agreement – an extraordinary opportunity for the international community to rise to meet the threat of climate change. UN Foundation has launched #EarthtoParis to drive awareness and host events that highlight the connection between people and planet and the need for strong action on climate; to showcase climate solutions and innovations; to bring together communities to promote collaboration; and to engage people around the world in the dialogue taking place in Paris. Whether you’re in Paris, France or Paris, Texas, you can help to drive the conversation and advocate for strong climate action in December.

Join us for a conversation with Ryan Hobert, Senior Director, Energy and Climate, at the UN Foundation for an in-depth look at these once-in-a-generation climate negotiations and how to best advocate to tackle climate change.

Hashtags: #EarthtoParis #COP21

Check out the Earth to Paris website here: http://www.earthtoparis.org/

Quick info on Earth to Paris: http://www.earthtoparis.org/resources/EarthToParis-One-Pager.pdf

How is WAGGGS engaging COP21?

WAGGGS has several exciting steps you can take to get involved! Taking this conference call will get you thinking about how you can engage your leaders. Here are some concrete steps you can take to address climate change with world leaders through WAGGGS (whether you take the call or not!): https://www.wagggs.org/en/what-we-do/speak-out/cop21-united-nations-conference-climate-change/get-involved/

'All Rise' Documentary Screening at UN. November 4 (RSVP OCT 29)

On November 4 there will be a screening of the documentary All Rise: Journeys to a Just World, which will be shown in the ECOSOC Chamber at UN Headquarters. The honorable Judge Hisashi Owada will be speaking at this event, and the documentary will be followed by a Q&A session with cast members from the film.

More info about the film: http://allrisemovie.com/home/#prettyPhoto[3425-ALL RISE Trailer]/0/

RSVP (by October 29): http://news.whitecase.com/166/6300/landing-pages/blank-registration-(screening-only).asp

UN International Day of Happiness with Pharrell this Thursday

For the "International Day of Happiness" on Thursday, March 20, the UN Foundation has teamed up with Pharrell, whose song "Happy" has recently become a sensation. Here's the official music video in case you didn't see it, which is actually an abridged version of a 24 hour video they did (which you can check out in full length here: http://24hoursofhappy.com/):

So, what can you do? Share your YouTube video or Instagram photo of you being happy (be sure to use the tag #happyday) and then upload it here: http://24hoursofhappiness.com/ Check back in on March 20 at noon and you may just find your video or photo featured on the website!

Confused why there is an International Day of Happiness? Here is a great article from Huffington Post, "Why in the world do we need an International Day of Happiness?": http://www.huffingtonpost.com/valerie-alexander/why-in-the-world-do-we-ne_b_4938095.html

Who is this guy Pharrell anyway? Great article on who he is and why he's so darn happy from Radio.com: http://news.radio.com/2014/03/07/pharrell-williams-and-united-nations-foundation-team-up-for-international-day-of-happiness-2014/