UNYANZ serves as the youth arm of the United Nations Association of New Zealand, a member of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA). WFUNA has consultative status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
Despite only being in existence since 1999, UNYANZ creates an amazing opportunity for youth to express themselves, learn about the United Nations and provide positive solutions for what is, ultimately, their future.
UNYANZ aims to achieve its purpose by:
- Educating New Zealand youth about international issues and the role of the United Nations
- Developing and maintaining connections with key organisations to facilitate youth involvement
- Being an effective nationally recognised, membership based, youth-run organsiation
- Providing opportunities for social interaction between youth with similar interests
What does UNYANZ do?
UNYANZ is the organiser of a growing number of events throughout New Zealand, at both a secondary and tertiary level. In the first half of each year, all four of our regions (Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago) holds a Model United Nations for anywhere between 100-160 secondary students, and in June/July of every year we hold our flagship event, the New Zealand Model United Nations where 200 students descend on Wellington to debate world issues and experience the United Nations themselves. UNYANZ also facilitates delegations to overseas conferences including Australia, Europe and Asia.