International #YouthDay is held on the 12th of August every year, and serves the purpose of raising awareness regarding cultural, legal and social issues young people face. Following past themes on mental health, civil society engagement, the 2030 Agenda and peace building, the 2018 theme focuses on the need for safe spaces, where youth can come together, freely express themselves and participate in decision making. #SafeSpace4Youth
To commemorate this day, The World Health Organization office at the United Nations (WUN) decided to direct the focus on their four interns. Coming from a diverse set of backgrounds covering almost all regions of WHO (AMRO, EMRO, EURO, SEARO and WPRO) these young people are learning how to function as a team in a multilateral system, while partaking in WUN’s daily operations including WHO’s endeavors at the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) and in the preparations for the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in particular the High-Level Meetings on Tuberculosis and Noncommunicable Diseases.
The interns report that WUN provides a comfortable and welcoming professional environment for them to learn new and improved skills, share thoughts, apply skills and knowledge and to be actively involved in decision-making processes.
"Following the negotiations on the outcome document for the HLM on NCDs, was an incredible experience to first-hand witness the art of diplomacy, the power of word choice, and the commitment by member states to overcome differences in the fight against NCDs," said Jana.
"Managing the WUN 73rd UNGA calendar offers me an insider's view into the diversity of health-related events during the General Assembly; I am truly fascinated with the intersections of health and the most pressing issues facing humanity," added Shang.
It has been especially rewarding for them to be able to contribute towards Sustainable Development Goal 3, ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, as this objective holds special importance for the new generation. #GlobalYouth4GlobalHealth #SDG3 #OneHealthyWorld
Not only is the internship offering an exciting opportunity to learn how the WHO and the UN operates on a day to day basis, but it also gives the group a secure environment to collaborate, cooperate, socialize, network, learn from each other and problem solve together. It is particularly interesting to experience the processes that take place at the UN in the effort to bridging the gap between politics and health and ensuring health is at the center of the development agenda at the UN.
"It was truly humbling to chronicle the final rounds of intergovernmental negotiations leading up to the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration - a historic achievement that represents the best facets of international cooperation and multilateral diplomacy," stated Robleh.
Participation in the HLPF activities and preparations for the HLM meetings in particular has allowed them to be actively involved and be a part of the wider public policy process.
"Attending and supporting WHO co-sponsored health-related side events during the High-Level Political Forum was an insightful learning experience, which has further inspired me to pursue my passion for the area of health," said Barani.
As WUN’s commitment towards #YouthEngagement makes clear, our interns invite young people from all over the world to join the conversation on #YouthDay #SafeSpace4Youth #GlobalYouth4GlobalHealth #2030YouthForce to inspire actions on the SDGs. It is encouraging to see youth engagement in the promotion of safe spaces, quality health care and wellbeing as we work to reach sustainable and lasting solutions on such issues for all.