Theme: Youth Leadership in Institutions
Sister Cities International is excited to share that the first SCI Youth Chat successfully concluded on May 31st, 2022!
The program started with Ms. Cynthia Yue’s 2021-2022 UNA-USA Youth Observer to the UN presentation on youth leadership in institutions. Ms. Yue shared her experiences of being a young leader in various organizations and gave advice to our students to help them with their leadership journey. After Ms. Yue’s presentation, students started the discussion portion of the program, moderated by the 2021 YLS Alumna, Ms. Maya Young. Throughout the discussion, participants shared their leadership stories, compared leadership traits, and examined different cultural approaches to youth leadership in institutions.
Check out Ms. Cynthia Yue’s presentation below!
We are excited to announce that during our first SCI Youth Chat we will discuss “Youth Leadership in Institutions” in the context of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions!
As an avid supporter of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we understand the importance of advocating for a more inclusionary future. This diverse and equitable future cannot be achieved without youth participation in decision-making and an emphasis on youth leadership in all aspects of our community issues.
We will be discussing how to have our governments and other organizations–from town hall meetings to national organizations to international institutions–listen more closely to the voices of the young people they represent. You will hear the experiences of the expert speaker, be able to ask questions, and get a chance to share your leadership stories with your peers.
Ultimately, what we talk about is up to YOU, the participant, and what you decide to bring to the table!
MAYA YOUNG
2021 YLS Alumna
Tuscaloosa Sister Cities International
Maya Young is a graduating high school senior from Alabama, USA. She is passionate about running, violin, and writing and plans to study biology on the pre-med track in college. Maya was delighted to participate in last year’s Youth Leadership Summit and is very excited to collaborate with a new cohort of young leaders this summer!
CYNTHIA YUE
2021-2022 UNA-USA
Youth Observer to the United Nations
Cynthia is an honors student studying International Affairs at George Washington University. As a first-generation American raised in the Southeastern United States, Cynthia grew up witnessing inequality throughout her community and abroad, which led her to develop a commitment to global citizenship, human rights, and youth empowerment at an early age—a commitment that motivated her to serve as a lifelong advocate for the UN and its vital work.
Cynthia brings nearly 7 years of experience as a leader at UNICEF USA, where she has spearheaded national initiatives promoting leadership development and diversity to over 30,000 supporters. She served on the UNICEF USA National Council to facilitate communication between youth and UNICEF leadership and to galvanize young people for advocacy and community-based development. This year, Cynthia hopes to continue bridging the gap between youth and the UN by building community within the UNA-USA youth and student network, and supporting youth leaders across the United States.
Questions? Email us at youth@sistercities.org
Didn’t get a chance to be part of our youth chats?
Check out our Youth Leadership Summit – Public Forum on Friday, August 12, 2022!