Who We Are?

What is UNYAP?

The United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP) is the recognized official youth-arm of the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP). UNYAP is an organization run for and by young people. The name of the UNAP youth arm before was Youth for United Nations (YFUN) which was established in the year 2000. In 2008 as per guidelines from the World Federation of United Nations –Youth (WFUNA-Youth). The name UNYA was officially adopted and recognized by UNAP.

UNYAP places school students, young professionals, and even other youth sector at the center of the intrigue and excitement of international affairs in mock sessions of United Nations bodies, exposes them to world-class speakers on a myriad of topic and provides social events to allow young people to develop their skills both educationally and socially. United Nations Youth Associations are a great way to teach about the United Nations, and get other youth involved in understanding and sharing the ideals enshrined in the UN Charter. UNYAs are usually youth wings of United Nations Associations (UNAs), which currently exist in around 100 countries worldwide. The organizations provide the fertile ground for youth empowerment, education, networking, and also have social components that combine to be a lot of fun and present excellent development opportunities!

WFUNA-Youth Rules of Procedures

“Rule 4- UNAs and UN Youth Associations in WFUNA-youth”

1.A UNA can transfer its rights and responsibilities outlined in the following rules to the national UN Youth Association if such an organisation exists in the respective country. It informs the WFUNA-youth Coordinating Committee of such a decision.

2.When referring to UNAs in these Rules of Procedures only such UNAs are meant that are members of WFUNA.

“Rule 5- Membership in WFUNA-youth

Membership in WFUNA-youth is open only to UNAs. Rule 4 applies to this regulation.

Clearly only UNA has the exclusive right to organize UNYA of the country. In this particular case UNA Philippines for UNYA Philippines. Therefore, to be a member of UNYAP you have to be a member of UNAP. No other organization/ association can claim ownership to the name UNYAP.

UNYAP 5-Point Agenda

• Increase the level of the youth awareness of the United Nations while emphasizing a global perspective;
• Facilitate discussion and debate on a diverse range of issues through regular communication and activities;
• Provide inspiration and opportunities for youth to realize their full potential as decision makers; and
• Serve as a voice for youth within the United Nations with regards to policies, actions and structural change.
• Promote the Millenium Development Goals and to support existing UN programs

Core Airms of UNYAP

• Educate young people and the community about the work of the United Nations;
• Empower young people to get involved in international affairs and civil society;
• Represent the views of young people at a local, national and international level; and,
• Act as forum for young people to network and socialize.

Activities of UNYAP

In more practical terms, UNYA aims to develop students’ skills in vital areas such as public speaking, debating, negotiating, research, social interaction and leadership. UNYA assists young people by broadcasting their horizons not only on current global issues, but also on their own ability to solve problems and tackle challenges. The community benefits by having a larger pool of focused, motivated and skilled young leaders. UNYAs conduct a variety of activities, some of which are:

• Model United Nations, a mock Security Council for High School students (not unlike a competitive debate);
• Conferences (local, national and international) - these often have a Model United Nations component as well as leadership, education and representation;
• Education packages or programmes run for primary and secondary school students, informing other young people about the United Nations and international affairs.;
• Speakers events and panel discussions;
• Social events, movie nights, fundraisers.