In September, two hundred young people were due to gather in New York from all corners of the globe to take part in the United Nations Special Session on young people. Teenagers had been invited to speak to world leaders and government delegates who hold the power and put their point directly across.
The horrifying events of September 11th, when New York's World Trade Centre was destroyed, forced the cancellation of the Special Session. But here, in an article produced for the Royal Institute of International Affairs before the terrorist attacks, Children's Express editor Lisa Skinner reflects on her hopes for the event.
| When you are young, you sometimes think that your opinion doesn’t count for much but it really does. |
You may ask why we are bothering to get involved but let's face it, poverty, unemployment, drugs, sex, bullying and racism are all ordeals young people face today. We should be part of the way forward to resolving these issues - our voices need to be heard!
As a young person, being listened to properly and taken seriously is important to me.
When you are young, you sometimes think that your opinion doesn't count for much but it really does. I have the opportunity to experience what it really means to participate and make a difference to the lives of children and young people today.
In preparation for the United Nations' Special Session in September, Save the Children organised a number of events and weekends so that young people like myself could discuss issues we want UN member nations to take on board. In May, I joined a group of twenty young people for a weekend of hot debate at the Warrington Peace Centre. We talked, listened and considered issues that face young people today, and we voted for youth representatives to bring their views to the Special Session as part of the official British government delegation.
Prior to going to Warrington I was a bit concerned that I didn't know enough and wouldn't have much to say. Not so long ago if I'd been asked a question about the environment or health issues, I wouldn't have known what to say or had the confidence to say it. It's amazing just how much you can learn in a weekend and how interesting topics like education or health can be - they're not just for adults, they are real issues for real young people.
Since joining Children's Express, a programme of learning through journalism, I have found a superb channel to express my opinions and to do something about issues that affect young people. It has given empowered me and given me confidence to take responsibility and stand up for what I believe in. Other children and young people should be encouraged to do the same. There are lots of organisations out there that want to help young people help themselves.
In ten years time, I could have a family with young children, I will rest easy knowing that through speaking up I tried to improve young people's lives and to encourage adults to recognise that young people's views are valuable and worth listening to.
So don't just sit there - look around and see what you can do. Make a date to participate.
About the author
This article was written by Lisa Skinner, 17, and was published in The World Today vol 57, number 8/9, published by the Royal Institute of International Affairs in September 2001.
