Manual for the Selection of the Sri Lankan Youth Delegates to the United Nations

Manual for the Selection of the Sri Lankan Youth Delegates to the United Nations

The UN Youth Delegate Program

Youth participation in decision-making is one of the key priority areas of the United Nations agenda on youth. One form of youth participation in decision-making at the United Nations is through the inclusion of youth delegates in a country's official delegation to the United Nations General Assembly and various functional Commissions of the Economic and Social Council.It is the responsibility of the Member States to establish a youth delegate programme at the national level, and to decide who will represent the young people of their country. The roles of a youth representative varies from country to country, but normally includes providing input to their delegation on issues related to youth and participate in their delegation’s general work through attending meetings and informal negotiations1.

Since 1981 the United Nations (UN) recommends Member States to include Youth Delegates in their national delegations in order to ensure direct youth participation. The ‘World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 20002 and Beyond’ focuses on increasing the quality and quantity of opportunities available to young people for full, effective and constructive participation in society.

In particular, it invites Governments to strengthen the involvement of young people in international forums by considering the inclusion of youth representatives in their national delegations to the General Assembly (General Assembly resolution 50/81, paragraph 107).

This invitation has been renewed several times in subsequent resolutions (52/83, 54/120, 56/117, 58/133, 59/148, 60/2, 62/126). In its resolution pertaining to youth policies and programmes (General Assembly resolution 64/130), adopted in 2009, the General Assembly: ‘Urges Member States to consider including youth representatives in their delegations at all relevant discussions in the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and its functional commissions and relevant United Nations conferences, as appropriate, bearing in mind the principles of gender balance and non-discrimination, and emphasizes that such youth representatives should be selected

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www.unyouth.com and UNDESA Guide to UN Youth Delegates adopted by the General Assembly in 1995

through a transparent process that ensures that they have a suitable mandate to represent young people in their countries; Benefits from a Youth Delegate Program to Sri Lanka

The inclusion of Youth Delegates in the work of its Mission to the United Nations gives a country legitimacy in representing the views of its young population and promotes the voice of young people in global decision making. In fact, a youth policy designed involving young people themselves stands a much greater chance of success as it will have greater legitimacy amongst youth. Youth Delegates have demonstrated themselves to be of great value to their Governments that will benefit from their fresh perspectives, creativity, energy and idealism.

The creation of a Youth Delegate to the United Nations position in the Government can lead to more effective solutions to problems facing young people as they present an invaluable perspective into issues that affect them.

The existence of a national Youth Delegate Programme or position is a concrete demonstration by the respective government of their commitment to young people, improving relations between the government and youth. It can encourage more young people to become actively involved in political processes on the national and international levels and motivate them to take a greater interest in international issues.

Specifically for Sri Lanka, as the Host of the 2014 World Conference on Youth- the inclusion of youth delegates would show the government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the conference and the youth delegates can also engage in advocacy to promote the Colombo Declaration on Youth.

The UN Youth Delegate Program in Sri Lanka Since its inception in the year 2012, The Ministry of Youth Affairs of Sri Lanka has successfully hosted the United Nations Youth Delegate Program. The program has povided a fine platform for young people’s voice to be strongly represented in policy making in global decision-making

processes

affecting

young people. The UN Youth Delegates thus appointed for the 67th and the 68th UN General Assemblies have been actively engaged discussions and the World Conference on Youth 2014 process.

Moving

onto

its

fourth

consecutive year, the two new UN Youth Delegates will be specially mandated with presenting and lobbying for the Colombo Declaration on Youth at the UN Headquarters in New York. This remains a crucial task at this stage since the reception of the Outcome Document and the enthusiasm of the governments to adopt it as a guiding document for the Post 2015 Development Agenda will largely reflect the success of the World Conference on Youth 2014.

in

policy

negotiations,

Former Sri Lankan Youth Delegates to the United Nations

UN Youth Delegates 2012 Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake Ms. Aruthra Rajasingham

UN Youth Delegates 2013 Ms. Chapa Perera Mr. Adhil Bakeer Markar

UN Youth Delegates 2014 Ms. Mahishaa Balraj Mr. Senel Wanniarachchi

Selection Process

Call for Applications In order to facilitate a smooth and a transparent selection process while also allowing the two new Youth Delegates adequate time for preparation, it is recommended that the following guidelines be adhered to in calling for applications. o

Launching the call: 1st week of May

o

Deadline for receiving applications: 3rd week of May

The advertisements should be shared via leading Sinhala, Tamil and English print and electronic media, social media platforms and with the established youth-led and youth serving organizations including the Sri Lanka Federation on Youth Clubs.

Eligibility Criteria o

Sri Lankan Citizen

o

Between the ages 18 and 26

o

Previous experiences with youth engagement initiatives

o

Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil and a working knowledge of English

The Application package should consist of: o

Complete application form (to be developed by the National Youth Services Council of Sri Lanka)

o

A motivation letter explaining ‘Why I am the ideal candidate to represent young people in Sri Lanka at the United Nations’. (Word Limit: 400)

The package should be submitted online to a designated email address or via post to the International Youth Affairs Division of the National Youth Services Council of Sri Lanka.

The applications thus received would be shortlisted by an independent panel of experts designated by the National Youth Services Council- it is recommended that the panel comprises of academics, representatives of civil society organizations, representatives of the State Ministry of Youth Affairs and former UN Youth Delegates.

It is recommended that 150 to 200 applicants are shortlisted depending on the number and strength of the applications received.

First round of interviews Recommended date of commencement: 1st week of June Shortlisted applicants may be called for an interview where their basic qualifications such as previous experiences with youth engagement initiatives, language and communication skills, and understanding of current affairs would be assessed.

In the event that there are multiple interview panels. It is recommended that there be a standardized set of questions from which the interviewers may chose questions at random.

Each panel should comprise of

-1 representative of the State Ministry of Youth Affairs -1 Representative of the National Youth Services Council & - 1 former UN Youth Delegate.

It is recommended that up to 60 candidates are shortlisted for the 2nd phase.

Second round of interviews Recommended date of commencement: 3rd Week of June The applicants shortlisted from the first round should be invited for a 2nd round of interviews where each applicant would be expected to do a short presentation with a project proposal for an initiative to enhance youth engagement in Sri Lanka which is to be implemented following their return from the UN General Assembly.

It is recommended that that State Ministry of Youth Affairs supports the UN Youth Delegates thus selected to implement this project (financial support etc..). 

The applicants should be informed of this requirement at least two weeks in advance, giving them sufficient time for preparation.



The applicants should be requested to consider including the following when developing their proposal: o

How the candidate plans to follow up on the outcome of the World Conference on Youth within Sri Lanka.

o

How the candidate plans to utilize his/ her experience gained through the program in contributing to his/her own community.

The presentation may be followed by a short interview focused on the proposed plan, along with a careful assessment of the candidate’s potential towards executing it.

The rationale for such a proposal is to gauge the following: o

The vision of the candidate in joining the program.

o

To assess the commitment of the candidate towards the follow up process of the World Conference on Youth, and towards bridging the young people of Sri Lanka with the United Nations and vice versa.

It is recommended that the panel comprises of the following individuals: -1 representative from the Ministry of Youth Affairs /National Youth Services Council -1 academic/representative of a civil society organization -1 former UN Youth Delegate It is recommended that up to 8 candidates will move forward to the next round.

Third round Recommended dates: 4th week of June The 3rd round comprises of an open debate between the 8 finalists and a final interview.

The third round of the selection process comprises of an open debate and an interview between the 8 finalists on a topic related to youth engagement. It is recommended that a partnership be made with an electronic media institution to telecast the debate on television.

The debate would be adjudicated by an eminent panel.

The results of the debate would amount to 50% of the final score of each applicant.

Following the debate, the 8 finalists would be convened for a final interview.

It is recommended that the panel comprises of the following individuals: -

A senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs

-

A senior official from the State Ministry of Youth Affairs

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A senior academic

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A former UN Youth Delegate

o

Commitment and availability for the entire period of the tenure (one year)

o

Knowledge of the current global political trends, especially with connection to youth development

o

Engagement in youth engagement initiatives

o

Understanding of national policy formulation and implementation

o

Engagement with international processes on youth engagement

Additional Recommendations with Regard to the Final Selection -It is recommended that the panel ensures that the selection is balanced in terms of gender and the ethnic and cultural diversity of Sri Lanka is reflected.

-Furthermore, it is recommended that the top 8 finalists be added to the ‘Foreign Pool’ of the National Youth Services Council and be given opportunities to represent the country at various international platforms when and when the opportunity arises.

Announcement It is recommended that the results of the selection process be made public and announced via media by the 2nd week of July.

Funding and Logistical Support It is recommended that the Ministry of Youth Affairs provides the financial and logistical support to the two Youth Delegates thus selected and facilitate their travel to the UN General Assembly in New York.

Consultation Process It is advised that, upon being selected, the two new Youth Delegates engage in a consultation process around the country. This would provide them the ideal opportunity to interact with young people across the country and to collate their inputs towards the preparation of the National Statement on Youth and also any other discussion that may ensue at the United Nations head Quarters.

Training Prior to leaving to New York, the two Youth Delegates should be given adequate training on the following: o

The World Conference on Youth and its outcome.

o

The Post 2015 Development Agenda

o

Sri Lankan foreign policy

o

The current trends in the global arena towards Youth Development.

o

Working with the other UN Youth Delegates and the Mission.

The following persons should help in facilitating the training. o

Officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs.

o

Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs.

o

Representatives from the United Nations Country Team.

o

Former UN Youth Delegates

The Youth Delegates may be given short fellowships at the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, The National Youth Services Council and with the UN Country Team so as to understand the work that is already being done.

Furthermore, the Youth Delegates may be required to hold meetings with key policymakers, decision-makers and other youth leaders prior to their visit.

During the General Assembly During the UN General Assembly period, the mandate of the UN Youth Delegates should consist of, but not limited to, the following: 

Delivering the National Statement on Youth at the Third Committee Meeting.



Lobbying the UN Youth Delegates and other representatives at the United Nations on implementing the outcomes enshrined in the Colombo Declaration on Youth, in consultation with the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations.



Hosting a side event on a topic of interest to Sri Lanka.



Actively taking part in the activities, side events taking place on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

Upon the return to Sri Lanka Upon their return to Sri Lanka the mandate of the two UN Youth Delegates should consist of, but not limited to, the following. 

Actively engaging in the follow up process of the World Conference on Youth within Sri Lanka.



Mobilizing support from the United Nations and other organizations/institutions towards executing their project on youth engagement.



Nearing the end of their tenure, the two Youth Delegates should prepare and present a report analyzing how far they have come, how successful they were in executing the proposals brought forth during the selection process, obstacles faced and recommendations for the future.



Facilitating the selection process/training of the two new UN Youth Delegates for the following UN General Assembly