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Regional UN Youth Forum Conference

Ryan Lau —

The annual regional UN Youth Forum Conference was held on the 2nd and 3rd of April, and inspired high school students to think about their own government and what needs to change.

Sean Woo and I represented the school at the two day event focused on the concerns of Dunedin, New Zealand, the youth of Otago and Southland had a chance to talk about issues and what we should be changing. 

Every student was placed in a focus group, and out of the seven topics I was put in the Culture and Heritage group. We discussed issues surrounding cultural engagement, the street art of Dunedin and our own refugee quota. And, to top it all off, we had our MP David Clark come in and read about our statements on changing Dunedin for the better. This included trying to upgrade the hospital, increase our very small refugee quota, and find more ways to get renewable energy. 

I encourage other students to join in next year, as well as the next regional UN event in June, the Model UN, in which you become a diplomat for one of the countries from the United Nations for a day, and discuss both issues within your country and how to overcome them. 

An amazing experience not to miss out on, join like-minded individuals wanting to have fun and make friends.

Ryan Lau