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The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, T.D, today formally announced this year’s United Nations Youth Delegates, Jessica Gill and David Giles.

The UN Youth Delegates will work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs, including Ireland’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and Irish Aid, and with the National Youth Council of Ireland throughout their year in office. They will have the opportunity to engage with young people across Ireland about foreign policy issues and to represent the young people of Ireland at UN events, including this month at UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, which focuses on human rights issues. Minister Coveney said:

"It is a pleasure to congratulate them on their selection as Ireland’s UN Youth Delegates for 2022-2023.

It is vital that the voices of young people are heard and reflected in Ireland’s work at the United Nations, and the Youth Delegate Programme provides an opportunity for young people to engage directly in our work. Jessica and David will play an important role in shaping policy and advocating for change by participating in UN meetings and engaging with other Youth Delegates. They will also build awareness among young people of the role that Ireland plays on the global stage and the work of the UN. It is particularly important during Ireland’s tenure on the Security Council that we work with the Youth Delegates to amplify the voices of young people and ensure that their perspectives are taken into account at the highest international level, particularly in decisions that affect future generations.

I am delighted to support this programme and look forward to engaging with Jessica and David in the year ahead.”

Notes to Editors:

• This is the eighth year that the Department of Foreign Affairs has sponsored the UN Youth Delegate Programme, in partnership with the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI). NYCI manages the application and selection process for the programme.• Ireland is committed to amplifying the voices of young people at the United Nations. The programme seeks to empower young people to be agents of change and foster active global citizenship through engagement with the UN.• If you would like to keep up to date with news and information about the UN Youth Delegates’ work, you can follow the DFA (@dfatirl), NYCI (@nycinews) and UN Youth Delegate (@UNYouthIRL) Twitter and Facebook accounts.• Additionally, those holding youth events in Ireland can contact unyouth@nyci.ieto invite the Irish UN Youth Delegates to attend.

ENDS