UNICEF Aotearoa
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UNICEF Aotearoa's Young Ambassador Programme is about creating a platform to amplify young people’s voices on the issues that matter to them!
We're creating an accessible and meaningful way for rangatahi to champion their internationally recognised rights here in Aotearoa. YAs engage in advocacy activities across the motu and around the world as part of our global whānau.
Each year we support up to eight Young Ambassadors aged 17-24 from all over the country, to build their confidence in speaking up for what’s important to the next generation.
What do YAs do?
YAs travel across the motu speaking with other rangatahi to find out what matters most to them, all while representing individual communities and cultures. As part of the programme, participants receive specialist training in advocacy and tons of support in wider youth engagement.
Supported by UNICEF Aotearoa, the YAs raise the important issues with key decision-makers in Parliament.
"I want young people to feel like they have a space in New Zealand to advocate and be activists. That if they see someone like me, they realise there's room for them as well. That their lived experiences are incredibly valid, and that what they're going though is deeply important and want to hear their stories and make things better!"
Vira Paky, UNICEF Aotearoa Young Ambassador '23
MEET THE NEW YOUNG AMBASSADORS
CLASS OF 2024
We're super stoked to introduce our new group of YAs, who'll be amplifying their influence on the issues that matter to them.
We've hand picked seven passionate rangatahi from all parts of Aotearoa and we're so excited to see what they achieve over the next year.
Ronan, 20
“Kia ora, I’m Ronan, a medical student, health communicator, and public health leader based in Tāmaki Makaurau. I am a passionate advocate for youth participation, migrant & refugee equity, and using innovation to expand healthcare access.”
Mele'ofa, 17
“Mālō e lelei! I'm Mele'ofa, a 17-year-old student currently attending McAuley High School in South Auckland. I'm of full Tongan descent and deeply committed to excelling academically to complete my education with excellence as my driving force. In my downtime, I enjoy immersing myself in music and relaxation. I aspire to leverage my experiences and skills to connect, support, and empower youth in my community.”
Ella, 19
“Hi! I'm Ella, I am 19 and currently studying International Relations and Political Science at the University of Canterbury. I have a strong passion for children's mental health and education and look forward to working with UNICEF Aotearoa in advocating for positive development in these areas.”
Tom, 19
“Tēnā koutou katoa. My name is Tom and I'm one of your UNICEF Aotearoa Young Ambassador's. I was raised in the countryside of the mighty Taranaki rohe, and I now reside in Dunedin as an Otago University student. I look forward to representing not only my community and culture, but also being a voice for the rangatahi of our great nation.”
Olivia, 17
“Hi, I’m Olivia, originally from Belgium and now living on the Kapiti Coast. I am deeply committed to the well-being of young people and the environment, and my goal is to inspire rangatahi to take bold actions towards achieving their dreams and making a meaningful impact.”
Luca, 19
“Kia ora, I’m Luca, a 19-year-old socialpreneur with a passion for digital equity & inclusivity. I work in primary health technology and run a startup called Equitech which provides I.T for charities. I am a fierce advocate for better mental health outcomes for rangatahi and members of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Sara, 22
“Ko Sara tōku ingoa. Kei te noho au ki Pōneke. I'm excited to be a UNICEF Aotearoa Young Ambassador to amplify the voices of those in the state care and in the disability community. I'm passionate about challenging systems and ensuring young people are supported with their mental health. I want people to know they are not alone and their voice is heard.”
CLASS OF '23 HIGHLIGHTS
Travelling around Aotearoa
The UNICEF Young Ambassadors have had a busy year travelling around the motu engaging with rangatahi about the issues that matter to them. They've listened, learned and compiled a list of challenges and key priorities outlining how the elected Government can take action and meaningfully place the rights and wellbeing of children and young people at the centre of their decision making.
A parliament visit gave the YA's the capability to strengthen their government relations and empowered them to voice their concerns and advocate for the youth of Aotearoa.
Youth Debate
Young people had the opportunity to show their voice, speak their truth and passionately engage at the Youth Debate with familiar political faces from ACT, National, Te Pāti Māori, Labour and Greens.
Nele Kalolo, one of UNICEF Aotearoa's Young Ambassadors, was one of the three rangatahi invited to pose a question to the panel on climate change.
COP28
The UNICEF Aotearoa Young Ambassadors were given the opportunity to attend the biggest event on the global climate action calendar. There is no better platform for their voices to be heard on the climate discussion, than the United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai.
This year at COP28 the YA's participated in a panel discussion hosted by Arizona State University. They shared their lived experiences, their fears and anxieties and made their voices heard.