9th Annual UN Youth Assembly

The 9th Annual UN YA was a worthwhile experience. There were about 600 participants coming from different countries. Majority of these participants were Chinese. The assembly lasted for three days. I arrived in New York last August 2, 2011. I stayed at the Pace University, Maria Towers. We had a pre-registration at 7 pm where we were given vouchers for the different events and a UN badge. We had to wear this badge to get access to the UN Headquarters. Otherwise, we can’t get in. Last August 3, together with YA delegates, we ate our breakfast at Zeytuna, a nearby cafeteria. The food was great. There were many choices. After breakfast, we headed to UN by Subway. Mr. Patrick Sciaratta, FAF Executive Director, had his Youth Assembly Welcome Address. Then, there was a video presentation about the MDGs. Ms. Angelique, The Legend of Africa, showed a music video about the 8 goals for Africa. Together with the renowned artists from Africa, they used music to bring their view about Africa and the 8 goals around the world. It was nice to hear at. It makes me dance while I was enjoying and contemplating the content. Indeed, art is the means of advancing MDGs. It is like promoting a dialogue through performance. Music brings the humanity together. After lunch, we had Guided UN Tour. We went to see the Security Council. Un has tight security and rules. I learned that Un Headquarters in NY is an international territory. If someone has committed a crime within the Headquarters, the Security Council will deal with it. After the tour, we went back to the Conference Room 3. Impact Theatre of Harlem performed on the stage. It was nice. At 6:30 pm, we went to the Church Center for MDG Campaign Night. There were different speakers coming from NGOs. They introduced themselves and talked about their campaigns. At the second day, August 3, 2011, we had young speakers coming from different countries talking about their projects related to the MDGs. After lunch, I joined a workshop about making SMART Goals. The speaker asked for a SMART Goal from the delegates. I raised my hand and shared a SMART Goal. Good thing the speaker liked it and she gave me a token. Later in the afternoon, we had UN Mission Visit. I was assigned to visit the El Salvador Embassy. It was far from the headquarters and we walked. I guess that’s NY. We have to walk and walk. Taking taxi cab is quite expensive. I was so tired then. When we arrived at the embassy, they prepared a snack for us. It was great and I was enjoying the apple juice. After 5 minutes, the ambassador arrived and he gave us an overview about El Salvador and UN. During the plenary discussion, I asked him if class hierarchy is existing in El Salvador. He said none. However, during the dictatorship of General Martinez, there was the “unfair distribution of wealth” which caused a social uprising. This resulted almost thirty thousand dead where majority of whom were indigenous. It was a sad truth. Good thing, it no longer exists. I asked him again to tell us about some places where he could recommend us to visit whenever we want to go to El Salvador. He named many places. After the visit, we all went to Dag Hammarskjold Park for IYC Networking Event. We were asked to introduce ourselves to the different delegates. After an hour, we went to E. 23rd Road. We had YA Culture Night in the ship while we were cruising. We were taking pictures of the Liberty and NYC at night. It was great. I just saw this from movies and now it was right in front of me. Unfortunately, my battery was out. Good thing Bhindu had her camera and took a picture of me with the statue. The party started at 8 pm. Different countries participated in the cultural show. I was too short to see the show so I grab a chair and stand on it. I liked the Russian and Arab dances. I enjoyed it and I felt like dancing. Hopefully, there will be more participants coming from the Philippines so we could make our presentation too and together let’s shout Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! On the last day, August 5, 2011, we were watching videos. I pitied the boy from the video. He was living in a slum where there is no water and electricity. He had a little brother and a little sister. His mother died at the age of 28. Rumored said his mother died of AIDS. Thus, nobody would want to play with them. His father got married and left them. Despite of the adversities he had, he never blamed his parents. He did not even got mad with his father. He still goes to school even with an empty stomach. “If we feel hungry, we sleep..and if we wake up and feel hungry again..we sleep again,” he said. He barely gets ration from the school. Tears were falling from my eyes. I felt guilty. I ate three times a day. I even have in-between snacks. If I can’t finish my food, I will throw it right away to the trash bin. I felt I was sharing to it. I was so engrossed with the material world while others are fighting for survival. Yes, this is a call for me to make a change within me, reach out and help not only this kid but to all the people who needs our help. After the conference, we headed to a local Chinese restaurant for Farewell Networking Dinner. Even at the last day, I met new friends and I learned from them. Now, I miss them. This assembly taught me a lot. First, it taught me to be strong and not to be carried easily by my feelings. Yes, it was my first time to travel alone. I was scared but I said to myself that nothing will happen to me if I keep on entertaining my fear. I need to go out from my comfort zone and grow. I have to risk. Thus, I considered this traveling alone as one of my great accomplishments. Second, one must learn to initiate a conversation to make new friends. As they said anticipate new friendships and cherish the old friends. Third, share what you learn. Knowledge is powerful only if it is shared! Lastly, help and make a change. The world needs our help. In every project we do let’s include the 8 MDGs. Together, let’s make a difference and let’s act now.

Indeed, YA is truly remarkable! I would like to thank Mr. Patrick Sciaratta and his Staff for organizing this event. Most especially, I thank God also for keeping us all safe especially our loves ones at home.