Interviews

“Young People Have the Capacity To Do Important And Meaningful Things”

Alumni Series #1: Jonty Katz

Meet Jonty Katz, a management consultant in McKinsey & Company’s Sydney office and former UN Youth National President. UN Youth Australia has shaped a large part of both Jonty’s personal and professional life.

From being encouraged by his debating coach to attend a NSW Evatt Round in Year 10, to being appointed as National President in 2017, Jonty is now part of our extensive alumni network and has taken the time to share his experiences with us!… Read more ›

“Young people are the generation that are on the threshold of leadership.” Keeping youth mental health in the spotlight

Sometimes, opening up can be difficult – especially in the midst of a global pandemic.

Approaching the subject with a positive, empowerment stance can make all the difference.

“I think that young people are already resilient,” says Professor Patrick McGorry, Executive Director of Orygen, Professor of Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne, and a Founding Director of the National Youth Mental Health Foundation.… Read more ›

Dr Hannah McGlade on the UN Indigenous Rights Declaration and the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

August 9 commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. The day aims to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous population.

It’s also a day to recognise the work of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.… Read more ›

Kevin Rudd on Diplomacy, Politics & Growing Up

Kevin Rudd was 15 years old when he wrote a letter to then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam asking for advice on becoming a diplomat, Gough replied and set Kevin’s life journey into motion.

“[Gough wrote] ‘I really think you should go to university and you should study a foreign language’ so that kind of began the idea,” Rudd tells me over a Zoom call with a smile on his face.… Read more ›

Youth Journalist Jack Ward on giving young people a voice

Jack Ward is a 17-year-old journalist based out of Ararat, Victoria. After his local newspaper shut down earlier this year, Jack was the only journalist for the entire town. He spoke with UN Youth about the importance of journalism, youth voices and skills.… Read more ›

A conversation with 2014 Youth Representative, Laura John

Laura John is a human rights lawyer and has worked with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva and with advocacy organisations across the globe,

Laura was our 2014 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations and is currently the National President of the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) Youth Professionals Network.… Read more ›