UN day one

After hastily purchasing milk and a box of cereal for breakfast and taking it back to my rather luxurious room at the Hotel Affinia 50, I met up with Keeley and Kris in the main lobby.

It was a short walk to the UK Mission, situated on the 28th floor of number one Dag Hammerskjold Plaza. From that high up we had spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline - even though it was all looking a little grey, with the weather seeming unable to decide whether it was to be rain or shine.


We had a bit of both; as we approached the main UN building for a tour of the premises the heavens started opening. Luckily we got inside before the downpour really began. Although I'd done the tourists' tour before, this one was much better: the UK Mission's Third Committee expert Tom gave us lots of extra details and we even got to go inside the Security Council chamber.

Following this, we headed back to the Mission for a brief meeting with the UK's Ambassador to the UN, Sir Emyr Jones Parry (who we'd seen making a statement in the Plenary Hall earlier). He was a fascinating man, outlining to us his aims and achievements regarding the terrible poverty situation in Africa among other things. I got the impression that, although many modern-day politicians/diplomats are good at talking the talk, here was one who wanted to take the lead in action and really work for a better world.

Our afternoon agenda consisted of an 'informal' meeting in a UN conference room where the youth resolution was being discussed and negotiated. It was a very intensive session, but thankfully did not run to its full three hour allocation.

A lot of the national representatives present were quibbling at certain aspects of wording in the 13 paragraphs and it was hugely interesting to see which countries were bringing up which points. Unfortunately we weren't allowed to speak in the meeting - the UK's presidency of the EU means any statement made by our representatives is on behalf of all 25 member states. Additionally, the fact that Portugal are managing this particular resolution means EU countries don't really contribute in the informals - their points can be raised in separate co-ordination meetings.

So, the end of day one. I didn't really know what to expect, but I was excited anyway and really happy to be in NYC again. However, what is now clearer than ever is that to manage to influence anything which happens in the UN will be very difficult. Difficult though, not impossible. I truly believe that if this year's record number of youth reps can work together as a team and be organised with our plans, we can succeed in making a significant contribution.

Final Preparations

It's nearly time to head off to New York for the UN General Assembly - just a week left - and I can't quite believe how fast the time has gone. I can still remember receiving a call from the foreign ministry and being overjoyed at getting an interview. I can still remember the happiness of hearing that I'd been successfully selected, but equally the sorrow that one of my very good friends had not been chosen alongside me.

The last few months have been absolutely frantic, definitely the busiest period of my short life to date. At times I've felt like there's been too much happening for me to cope with, but nevertheless believe that it's important to be an active citizen and work for the good of society.

Tonight I'm in a very contemplative mood. On the bus returning home from my new job as Participation Support Worker for Hounslow youth council I had a truly fascinating conversation with one colleague. She's had a very tough life and people never expected her to get to where she is now, for a variety of reasons. It was this knowledge which motivated her to work harder and achieve more.

But the main theme of our conversation was the level of luxury that citizens of developed countries enjoy and often take for granted. In the youth council meeting earlier, all participants agreed that one of the major problems in British society at the moment is widespread disengagement of youth and our resulting apathy about democratic processes and politics in general.

While we worry about problems like this and ponder on possible solutions, people in developing countries cannot afford to even think about anything like it because of their everyday struggles against disease, poverty and oppression. Their version of a major political dilemma is the fact that many states are subject to horrific and tyrannical dictatorships, totalitarian regimes - while all the while, here in the UK, we're talking about how we want to help young people get more involved.

People need to think about their own lives in a wider global context. My recent experiences with youth from all over the world have taught me this. Too many of us take the simplest things for granted; we can go and have a drink of water, throw half the cup away when our thirst is quenched and move on to the next thing without even thinking. We can absent-mindedly misplace a pen or other seemingly insignificant everyday item and not worry about it, knowing there's always a supply of more.

These are the things people often do not realise are actually luxuries. Simple things. Things which seem like they're just normal. Next time you're doing something like this, please consider your priveleged position. Remember that the very essence of a civilised life in a developed country is a gift and be grateful for it. And please use this status to try and help others less fortunate than you whenever possible.

My realisation of this over the past few months has helped me work harder, just as it did with my colleague from the youth council. It may have been the busiest period of my life so far, and I may have become almost overrun at times, but it's been an unbelievable experience and hopefully will get even better.

The UN is going to be a massive challenge, there's no denying that. However, it will also be an awesome learning experience and that's something for which I really cannot wait. But one thing I'm going to remember every day, for the rest of my life, is just how lucky I am.

Tales from Tallinn and the Heroes of Helsinki

Another great trip to Scandinavia, unequally proportioned between business and pleasure. The Helsinki Youth Conference, which featured young people from all corners of the globe, was a memorable experience.

We worked for the first two days on a set of proposals based on different areas of the UN World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY), which was then promoted to the 'grown-up' politicians at the real Helsinki Conference. Taking place at the Finlandia Hall, we were lucky enough to have a 'Youth Corner' all of our own. We used it to maximum effect, really raising awareness of the problems which affect modern-day youth.

The major achievement was to promote young people's issues, which we approached from a truly international perspective thanks to the diversity in participants of our youth conference. The politicians, decision-makers and NGO reps really took notice of what we had to say.

That is the reason why everyone I met in Helsinki are heroes. We worked incredibly hard and reaped the rewards. Many people we spoke to at the Youth Corner were visiting the Helsinki Conference to research how major diplomatic events should be held in preparation for their own. Now they have been made interested in having youth representation and have vowed to guarantee it.

As for Tallinn, I had actually flown in on Saturday before taking the ferry to Helsinki. I returned again a week later and had a fantastic time. It's such a beautiful city, with striking medieval architecture in pastel colours and cathedral spires to admire from any distance as they loom over rambling rooftops.

This ancient charm, however, was at something of a paradox with the widespread dominance of modern tourism in the city. Souvenir shops, restaurants, bars and hotels were everywhere to be seen. The reliance of Tallinn's economy on this industry was all too clear.

But this did at least provide diversity in entertainment and the nightlife was truly excellent. I met a great variety of people again and will never forget the good times we had.

I would heavily recommend both destinations to anyone, particularly in a combination trip like I had. The two cities are fascinatingly different for places so close together; these two former Soviet states have developed in different ways since achieving independence.

Coming back to London after an eventful week-and-a-bit, I had a great feeling of satisfaction - as well as tiredness! But I cannot overemphasise how wonderful Helsinki and Tallinn are. In short: unforgettable.