UNYA SA, as a branch of one of Australia's premier youth-run organisations, is serious about representing young people. One of the ways in which we do this is through the Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations program, a joint project of UNYA Australia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Each year, one young person aged 15 - 25 years old is selected to represent young Australians internationally.

The Youth Representative position was created in 1999, when the United Nations Youth Association of Australia (UNYA) presented a proposal detailing the need for a Youth Representative to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This proposal was based on many General Assembly resolutions calling for youth representation at the highest level of decision-making.

It is the role of the Youth Rep to gather the views of young Australians about the issues they care about, then take these opinions to the international stage - the United Nations. The Youth Rep conducts a listening tour around Australia to meet with young people from all different walks of life before heading to New York in September to share those views with the world.

This year, the Youth Rep is Benson Saulo. You can read more about the Youth Rep program and Benson's journey at www.youthrep.org.au .