About the United Nations Youth Association The United Nations Youth Association of Australia (UNYA) is a non-profit community group and the largest by-youth, for-youth organisation in the country. UNYA has been broadening the horizons of Australia's young people for nearly 50 years by working to provide a unique experience of education and empowerment. Run by volunteers between the ages of 15 and 24, UNYA aims to present an independent and informed youth perspective on issues of national and international significance. UNYA's primary goals are to increase awareness of the United Nations, to promote its ideals, and to empower youth to effect change within their community. UNYA is not aligned to any political movement, and is involved in regular consultations with all levels of government. UNYA also administers the Youth Represenative program each year, which sees one young person selected to travel with the Australian delegation to the United Nations and present an address to the General Assembly on behalf of Australian youth. UNYA ACT is the Australian Capital Territory division of UNYA Australia. UNYA ACT convenes a number of conferences throughout the year that place school students at the centre of the intrigue and excitement of international affairs. Mock sessions of United Nations bodies such as the General Assembly and the Security Council, world-class speakers on a multitude of topics, interactive educational workshops and discussion groups, and challenging hypothetical scenarios are features of the annual Year 9-10 Conference, Global Poverty Summit, Kofi Annan Shield Competition and Territory Conference. These events allow young people to develop skills in diplomacy and increase their knowledge of the global system while meeting new people in a fun and relaxed environment. UNYA ACT also assists young people by providing a forum in which their opinions may be voiced and valued. The local community benefits from the creation of passionate young leaders, and UNYA ACT is wholly dedicated to this objective. For more information, take a look at the UNYA Australia website Past Presidents of UNYA ACT 2009-10: Anthony Antioch 2008-09: Nicky Vreugdenhil 2007-08: Clare Walton 2006-07: Shobaz Kandola 2005-06: Tom Colebatch 2004-05: Simone Gubler 2003-04: Mathew Baldwin 2002-03: Nich Farrelly 2001-02: Nisha Amin 2000-01: Ali Jenkins