Margaret Orem from IDEA sent this event info.
Thank you Margaret.

(Please note that this event is not officially related to myself or to NYC Debate. That being said, I am sure it will be grand.)

- Jon B @ large in AustralAsians Championships 2008


Experience the power of youth advocacy and debate!
United Nations Foundation Youth Leadership Summit
New York, NY
July 17th ? 19th, 2008

Presented by:


United Nations Foundation and The People Speak

The International Debate Education Association (IDEA), Inc.

National Forensic League (NFL)


The Youth Leadership Summit will bring together more than 200 outstanding high school students and educators from Bulgaria, Chile, Moldova, Slovakia, South Africa, and the United States to discuss, debate, and advocate global climate change issues. Participants will develop environmental advocacy skills, discuss efforts to impact climate change in their own communities, and learn about global issues from UN experts, trainers, youth leaders, and youth organizations. The three-day summit consists of one day of panel discussions and other activities at UN headquarters, one day of communication and advocacy training sessions at Regis High School, and one day of environmental service learning in New York City.


The Youth Leadership Summit is the culmination of The People Speak Global Debates, a year-long international debate and advocacy project sponsored by the UN Foundation in partnership with the International Debate Education Association (IDEA) and the National Forensic League. As part of the Global Debates in[masked], high school students worldwide held debates about climate change in their schools, completed advocacy projects in their communities, and posted ideas, videos, and materials online (www.thepeoplespeak.org). Schools that returned the largest number of debate ballots and completed the best activities in their communities won trips to the 2008 Youth Leadership Summit.


Day One: United Nations Day

Thursday, July 17th


Participants will spend a day at United Nations Headquarters in New York to learn about the UN and climate change issues. Events include a keynote address, panel discussions, a UN tour, and a reception with youth leaders, UN representatives, and summit staff.


Guests are welcome to attend the following showcase event:


Panel Discussion: Young People and Activism on Climate Change

Thursday, July 17th, 2008

9:30am-11:00am

UN Conference Room


Five exceptional young leaders representing Chile, Moldova, and the U.S. will discuss youth advocacy around climate change issues. The panel discussion will showcase the power of fostering debate and critical thinking among young people, the hallmark of the International Debate Education Association (IDEA). Scott Wunn, President of the National Forensic League, will moderate.



Guests are welcome to attend the youth panel event, but pre-registration is required. If you would like to attend, please email Victoria Baxter at [address removed].


Day Two: Advocacy & Activism Training

Friday, July 18th


At Regis High School in downtown New York City, students and teachers will participate in workshops led by youth advocacy experts. Students will learn about creative projects to impact climate change and develop organizing skills to bring home to their communities. Educators will participate in a professional development workshop to learn how to integrate global issues and resources into their classrooms.


Day Three: Environmental Service Learning Project

Saturday, July 19th


On the last day of the summit, participants will disperse throughout New York City for small-group environmental service and community education projects. At the end of the day, students and educators will enjoy a closing awards ceremony.


The People Speak Global Debates


The People Speak is a UN Foundation initiative that gives young people who are passionate about global environmental issues the tools, resources, and motivation to advocate in their communities. Students from around the world can exchange ideas and learn more about how to make a difference locally and globally. Each year, the United Nations Foundation selects a globally significant topic for the online community. The International Debate Education Association (IDEA) and the National Forensic League work with young people to provide the tools they need to hold public debates in their schools and promote awareness in their communities. Participants who earn the most points by reporting and posting their activities win trips to the Youth Leadership Summit in New York, NY.


To see examples of youth activism on climate change, visit www.thepeoplespeak.org.