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UNYA ACT Territory Conference
UNYA ACT's flagship event, the Territory Conference, is an annual conference aimed at ACT high school students with an interest in international relations, the United Nations, politics, youth affairs, human rights, and various other contemporary global issues. The two-and-a-half day residential conference follows a similar template each year. After arriving on Friday, on Saturday students are addressed by a selection of politicians, academics and diplomats, and are then split into smaller groups to participate in workshops. These workshops are an excellent way for students to discuss their opinions in a inclusive and unintimidating setting. Participation in workshops helps students to improve their teamwork skills, learn how to listen effectively and respect the diverse opinions of others. Experienced UNYA facilitators encourage, direct and control the discussion, and ensure that all attendees benefit from the conference's learning experience. Sunday is focused on mock sessions of the General Assembly. Having been assigned a member-state of the UN before they attend the conference, delegates are encouraged to do a small amount of research in order to effectively represent their member-state. During the mock sessions of the General Assembly, students debate resolutions which focus on pertinent issues, ranging from human rights to development and the environment. Delegates learn the rules of procedure and are expected to conduct themselves from the point of view of their member-state. Diplomacy, negotiation and public-speaking skills can all be gained from this experience. A selection of the best and brightest delegates from the Territory Conference are invited to participate in UNYA's National Youth Conference, which is held annually in July in a different capital city. Ten delegates are selected on the last evening of the Conference according to ability, participation and enthusiasm. Past Convenors: 2010: Bill Browne and Chris Maguire (Chief-of-Staff: Emily Murray) 2009: Lauren Waugh (Chief-of-Staff: Will Jenkins) 2008: Beth Gunningham (Chief-of-Staff: Anthony Antioch) 2007: Ewen Hollingsworth and Isabel Robinson 2006: Will Fitzgibbon and Ben Halligan 2005: Fe Donaghue and Heather Murray 2004: Tom Colebatch |
