UNA Waikato Empowers Youth

On 3 August, nearly one hundred students from various high schools across the Waikato Region gathered at Rototuna High School for the Waikato High School Model United Nations Assembly. The event was organised with the support of Principal Miranda Makin, Iwi Leader Richard Entwisle, and High School Ambassadors at UN Youth New Zealand, Joshua Shinmar and Vennela Puvvula, along with student representatives Jannat Cheema and Lena Faisal. The event was chaired by Pauliasi Bauleka, Secretary at the New Zealand International Students' Association (NZISA), and Daniel Holroyd, Careers and Education Officer at Waikato University Law Students' Association, and judged by Ihsana Ageel JP, Manager of Long Term Systems Planning at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

The event was marked by vibrant discussions and strong displays of leadership. Congratulations to the following awardees:

• Best Delegate: Kurt Fuller from Hamilton Boys' High School
• Best Delegation: Kurt Fuller, Christler Liby, and Anuk Abeysinghe from Hamilton Boys' High School
• Outstanding Delegates: Flynn Alester Saldanha from Hillcrest High School, Ishaan Patel from Hamilton Boys' High School
• Honourable Mention Delegates: Teresa Nicole Oertly from Waikato Diocesan School for Girls, Jumana Fouda from Hamilton Girls' High School, and Amira Stephenson from Hillcrest High School
• Most Creative Delegates: Arastou Ramezanzadeh and Caitlyn Messer from Rototuna Senior High School

The second edition of the 2024 Global Youth Leadership Forum took place from 17 to 21 August and focused on the themes of diversity, leadership, and inclusivity. This event provided young people with an incredible opportunity to develop valuable skills and knowledge. Highlights included icebreaker games, a successful Model United Nations (MUN) conference session, and an inspiring speech by UNA Waikato President Mano Manoharan. Delegates engaged in policy debates and crafted resolutions. Hamilton East MP Ryan Hamilton shared his vision for Hamilton’s growth and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, while Ravinder Powar spoke on fostering community understanding and tolerance. Delegates visited Tūrangawaewae Marae and the Hamilton City Council Building, deepening their cultural insights and connection to the local community.

This season of events has been a testament to the power of global collaboration and the dedication of young leaders to making a positive impact. UNA NZ Waikato extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, speakers, and organisers for their contributions to a memorable and impactful series of events.

Author: Raymond (Wenrui) Liang 
UNA NZ Waikato Region