UN youth representative visits Westmead to tackle hot topics

Climate change, young people’s representation in politics and the changing perception of millennials.

These were just some of the themes raised in a vibrant discussion led by the United Nations (UN) Australian youth representative Kareem El’Ansary at Westmead Hospital.

Kareem is on a ‘listening tour’ of Australia to identify what the future will look like for young people and some of the issues they face.

The UN youth ambassador heard views from the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network youth councils.

In September, Kareem El-Ansary will travel to New York to represent Australian youth at the UN General Assembly and deliver his findings from the listening tour.

WSLHD youth council member Lauren Moujalli said being part of the UN consultation allowed her to feel that she can represent young people and contribute to making a difference.

“It was refreshing and it gave me hope that there are many young people out there advocating for change and establishing a brighter future for all of us.”

WSLHD integrated health and community health acting executive director Luke Felicetti said WSLHD’s youth representatives at the event were aged around 13 to 24 years of age.

“Our district values the views of young people, so it was great to host this event with a representative from the UN,” Luke said.

For further information about the WSLHD youth council, visit http://www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Consumer-Partnership/WSLHD-Youth-Council