History of the Australian Youth Rep

The Youth Representative position was created in 1999 when the United Nations Youth Association of Australia presented a proposal outlining the need for a Youth Representative to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This proposal was based on numerous General Assembly Resolutions calling for youth representation at the highest level of decision making and the success of Youth Representatives within other Delegations.

The position is reviewed on a yearly basis, and applicants should note that the 2010 position has yet to be confirmed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The 2010 Youth Representative would be the thirteenth Youth Representative that has travelled to New York as a fully accredited member of the Australian Delegation.

Approximately 12 Member States send Youth Representatives to UNGA in a similar manner to which Australia has.

Past Youth Representatives:

2009 – Chris Varney
Click here to view Chris’ website
2008 – Elizabeth Shaw and Melanie Poole
Click here to view Elizabeth and Melanie’s website
2007 – Ben Groom 
Click here to view Ben’s website including his Youth Rep documentary and final report
2006 – Elise Klein
2005 – Ben Whitehouse
2004 -  Thao Nguyen

View Thao’s documentary on her Youth Representative experience
2003 – Adam Smith 
2002 – Rebecca Jenkin
2001 – Kirsten Hagon 
2000 – Carrie McDougall 
1999 – Andrew Hudson