UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA TARGETS YOUTH

USPA NEWS - The United Nations Association of Australia Young Professionals (UNAA YP) tonight celebrated the expansion of its network in Western Australia. The United Nations (UN) is the world´s leading international organisation on human rights. The UNAA promotes the aims and work of the United Nations.

The United Nations (UN) is the world´s leading international organisation on human rights. The UNAA promotes the aims and work of the UN amongst Australian citizens. The “˜Young Professionals´ (YP) branch was setup to involve and inspire like-minded young professionals in the WA community to utilise their professional qualities in a public-spirited environment. The UNAA YP offers a range of activities to its members, including education programs, advocacy work, and informative events which showcase the amazing work of the UN on a Global platform. The YP network was launched in WA at the end of 2013 and its Committee formed in early 2014. Neesha Seth, Convenor UNAA YPs WA, said, “The formal expansion event held 18 months after our initial launch reflects the amount of work our Committee has put into building a credible forum in which young professionals can learn more about current international issues.“ President UNAA WA Carolyne Gatward added, “We are extremely pleased to support the expansion of our young professional´s branch, and welcome the involvement of all young professionals in WA.“

Guest speaker the Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Robert Butler said “The City of Perth celebrates diversity, and supports initiatives by professional groups like the young professionals that do the same.“ He went on to say, “ The City of Perth is a strong supporter of knowledge sharing and providing people with the opportunities to expand the professional relationships.“ CR Butler is well known for his involvement and contribution to the people of Western Australia as chairperson on a number of committees, including Planning and Urban Development, Finance, City of Perth Employment and more recently Perth Fashion Festivals Advisory Board.

We then heard powerful words and wisdom from UNAA Young Professional WA Network Convenor and current Vice-President of the United Nations Association of Australia. Neesha Seth urged professionals to optimise performance and productivity within all levels of an organisation through workplace harmony. Neesha has a strong passion for working with organisations to optimise the wellbeing of their people by applying a positive and mindful approach.

Tonight´s very emotional and heartfelt speech by another guest, Paralympian and 2015 State Finalist for “˜Young Australian of the Year´ Jessica Smith was an inspiration to the hundreds of professionals who attended. Jessica spoke of her struggle to overcome adversity as a child born with one arm and gave hope to anyone feeling their body image is a handicap. Jessica dedicates her life to mentoring and empowering youth. She is one of Australia´s most avid activists for positive 'Body Image' and her relentless work with eating disorders and body image education made for an extremely inspiring speech. Jessica was State finalist for the Pride of Australia Medal in 2013 and is current 2015 nominee. Recently recognised by the Australian Government as an emerging leader after creating “˜ JOIN THE REVOLOUTION´ an international social media campaign designed to promote positive body image.

So why this active push to recruit new members in Australia? The answer to that is“¦ Why not! Being part of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) in Western Australia on a Global scale links its members to associations in most capital cities around the world. A smart move for an organisation with a diverse mix of young professionals from business, law, government, the arts and philanthropy that are mainly between the ages of 22 to 40 years. Well done I say to the UNAA Young professionals in Western Australia that realise that one day they may be asked to be part of the “˜Global United Nations Committee´ and their interactions, discussions and actions on global issues starts with educating the young to change the future. We the aging population didn´t have the social media voice to talk about CFC´s , greenhouse gasses , asbestos and coal as we grew up. Changing the future is now in the hands of our young population and the voice of the UNAA is one that will be heard on a global basis.