UNICEF Aotearoa:
Young Ambassadors
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Young Ambassadors
UNICEF Aotearoa's Young Ambassador Programme is all about creating a platform to showcase young people’s voice on the issues that matter to them. Here and around the world.
We want to help create an accessible and meaningful way for young people to champion their internationally recognised rights here in Aotearoa. YA's engage in advocacy activities across the country and around the world as part of our global whānau.
Each year we support up to eight Young Ambassadors aged 17-24 across the country, to build their confidence in speaking up for what’s important to the next generation.
What do the YA's do?
YA's travel across New Zealand to meet and understand what matters most to other rangatahi while representing individual communities and cultures. As part of the programme, participants also receive specialist training and tons of support in wider youth engagement.
Supported by UNICEF Aotearoa, the YA's are able to raise the important issues with the key decision-makers.
"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
Who are the YA's?
It doesn’t matter what background, skill set or experience UNICEF Aotearoa's Young Ambassadors come with. It doesn’t matter where they were born or went to school, how high their grades are or even what colour your hair is.
Our Young Ambassadors are people who champion the rights of rangatahi and speak out on the social and environmental issues important to them. They empower other young people to find their own voice and speak out on what they feel strongly about too.
Finley, 19
Young leader, and social equity advocate from Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington.
"The exact direction of my future is uncertain, but I know that I will always continue fighting for the social justice that we as a society need."
Vira, 23
Award-winning public speaker, activist, & storyteller from Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.
"I look forward to helping to amplify the voices of ethnic young people who are not directly engaged through traditional means."
Ngārita, 17
Deputy head girl, community mobiliser, & proud Māori from Ōtautahi / Christchurch.
“I believe that creating effective, sustainable change throughout Aotearoa is achieved through the work of individuals and communities.”
Ceilidh, 21
Teacher in training, LGBTQIA+ & mental health advocate, & space maker from Paeroa.
"Creating diverse spaces and voices allows the youth to feel safe and seen in their identities and reassures them that it is okay to be different."
Priya, 17
Head student, youth mentor, mental health advocate & young luminary Matamata.
"When I look at my peers and the students at my school, I see the leaders of the future. I see potential. I want to encourage them to step up and aspire to influence them so they can see themselves as leaders."
Thomas, 20
Passionate student, youth mobiliser, & housing advocate in Ōtautahi / Christchurch.
"My time growing up through the Christchurch earthquakes played a central role in shaping how I believe decisions are best made with the communities they effect."
Nele, 21
Youth leader, equity advocate & community storyteller from Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.
"As a tama’ita’i Samoa, my role is to serve my communities with all the gifts and alofa bestowed upon me by my village."Finley, 19
Young leader, and social equity advocate from Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington.
"The exact direction of my future is uncertain, but I know that I will always continue fighting for the social justice that we as a society need."Vira, 23
Award-winning public speaker, activist, & storyteller from Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.
"I look forward to helping to amplify the voices of ethnic young people who are not directly engaged through traditional means."
Get In Touch
Ngā mihi for your interest in UNICEF Aotearoa and the Young Ambassador Programme. Throughout the year, we may seek young people to participate in advocacy initiatives and/or consultations. If interested in registering, please complete the questions in this survey.
2023 YA Highlights!
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.
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.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.