# data[].attributes.headline
Spot our alumni on the NYC Junior Ambassador website!

# data[].attributes.subject
Spot our alumni on the NYC Junior Ambassador website!

# data[].attributes.body
Check it out on the About page

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.text
GoFs on Children and SDGs discussed the importance of empowering youth for the implementation of the #SDGs with two NYC junior ambassadors. #HLPF2018 #agentsofchange

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.original_text
GoFs on Children and SDGs discussed the importance of empowering youth for the implementation of the #SDGs with two NYC junior ambassadors. #HLPF2018 #agentsofchange https://t.co/vD9nUiZLH2

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Something went wrong, but don’t fret — let’s give it another shot.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
GoFs on Children and SDGs discussed the importance of empowering youth for the implementation of the #SDGs with two NYC junior ambassadors. #HLPF2018 #agentsofchange pic.twitter.com/vD9nUiZLH2
— Luxembourg at the UN🇱🇺🇺🇳 (@LuxembourgUN) June 21, 2018

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.data.text
GoFs on Children and SDGs discussed the importance of empowering youth for the implementation of the #SDGs with two NYC junior ambassadors. #HLPF2018 #agentsofchange https://t.co/vD9nUiZLH2

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
GoFs on Children and SDGs discussed the importance of empowering youth for the implementation of the #SDGs with two NYC junior ambassadors. #HLPF2018 #agentsofchange https://t.co/vD9nUiZLH2

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.text
GoFs on Children and SDGs discussed the importance of empowering youth for the implementation of the #SDGs with two NYC junior ambassadors. #HLPF2018 #agentsofchange

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.text
Honored to have shared the story of @globalnyc #NYCJuniorAmbassadors at the Group of Friends for Children Meeting this AM at @UNICEF. Tx for the opportunity to share our #bestpractices for #youth engagement w/ the #SDGs! Thank you to @unicefchief for the kind words about #NYC!

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.original_text
Honored to have shared the story of @globalnyc #NYCJuniorAmbassadors at the Group of Friends for Children Meeting this AM at @UNICEF. Tx for the opportunity to share our #bestpractices for #youth engagement w/ the #SDGs! Thank you to @unicefchief for the kind words about #NYC! https://t.co/gLhATXrKfB

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Something went wrong, but don’t fret — let’s give it another shot.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
Honored to have shared the story of @globalnyc #NYCJuniorAmbassadors at the Group of Friends for Children Meeting this AM at @UNICEF. Tx for the opportunity to share our #bestpractices for #youth engagement w/ the #SDGs! Thank you to @unicefchief for the kind words about #NYC! pic.twitter.com/gLhATXrKfB
— Aissata M.B. Camara (@aissataTINL) June 21, 2018

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.data.text
Honored to have shared the story of @globalnyc #NYCJuniorAmbassadors at the Group of Friends for Children Meeting this AM at @UNICEF. Tx for the opportunity to share our #bestpractices for #youth engagement w/ the #SDGs! Thank you to @unicefchief for the kind words about #NYC! https://t.co/gLhATXrKfB

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
Honored to have shared the story of @globalnyc #NYCJuniorAmbassadors at the Group of Friends for Children Meeting this AM at @UNICEF. Tx for the opportunity to share our #bestpractices for #youth engagement w/ the #SDGs! Thank you to @unicefchief for the kind words about #NYC! https://t.co/gLhATXrKfB

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.text
Honored to have shared the story of @globalnyc #NYCJuniorAmbassadors at the Group of Friends for Children Meeting this AM at @UNICEF. Tx for the opportunity to share our #bestpractices for #youth engagement w/ the #SDGs! Thank you to @unicefchief for the kind words about #NYC!

# data[].attributes.headline
NYC Junior Ambassadors and Alumni Against Climate Change!

# data[].attributes.subject
NYC Junior Ambassadors and Alumni Against Climate Change!

# data[].attributes.body
What will YOU do to end climate change?
After attending UNICEF's Youth Power the Planet Earth Day talk at the UN, our NYC Junior Ambassadors and Alumni describe what they will do everyday to end climate change and keep our Earth habitable for everyone

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
NYC Junior Ambassadors Ending Climate Change

# data[].attributes.headline
Askadeline Represents NYC Junior Ambassadors at the 19th Annual Committee for Teaching About the United Nation Conference! 

# data[].attributes.subject
Askadeline Represents NYC Junior Ambassadors at the 19th Annual Committee for Teaching About the United Nation Conference! 

# data[].attributes.body
Over 500 educators and educational partners (including NYC Commissioner for International Affairs, Penny Abeywardena) came together at the UN on Friday, April 7th, 2018 to step up to protect the world's children, and Askadeline was there to represent the NYC Junior Ambassadors!

# data[].attributes.headline
Askadeline advocates for Youth Voices at the Committee for Teaching About the UN's (CTAUN's) 2018 Conference! 

# data[].attributes.subject
Askadeline advocates for Youth Voices at the Committee for Teaching About the UN's (CTAUN's) 2018 Conference! 

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.text
Through #NYCJuniorAmbassadors, students like Askadeline find their voice — and they have a lot to say. #CTAUN2018 @ctaun_teach

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.original_text
Through #NYCJuniorAmbassadors, students like Askadeline find their voice — and they have a lot to say. #CTAUN2018 @ctaun_teach https://t.co/U5n1LSmd24

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Something went wrong, but don’t fret — let’s give it another shot.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
Through #NYCJuniorAmbassadors, students like Askadeline find their voice — and they have a lot to say. #CTAUN2018 @ctaun_teach pic.twitter.com/U5n1LSmd24
— NYC International Affairs (@globalnyc) April 6, 2018

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.data.text
Through #NYCJuniorAmbassadors, students like Askadeline find their voice — and they have a lot to say. #CTAUN2018 @ctaun_teach https://t.co/U5n1LSmd24

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
Through #NYCJuniorAmbassadors, students like Askadeline find their voice — and they have a lot to say. #CTAUN2018 @ctaun_teach https://t.co/U5n1LSmd24

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.text
Through #NYCJuniorAmbassadors, students like Askadeline find their voice — and they have a lot to say. #CTAUN2018 @ctaun_teach

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
December 10 is Human Rights Day! Learn about your rights with Icahn Charter School 4 NYC Junior Ambassador Alumnus Gladisel and #StandUp4HumanRights!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
NYCJA Alumni #StandUp4HumanRights - Hawa

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join Icahn Charter School 4 NYC Junior Ambassador Alumnus Hawa in celebrating Human Rights Day 2017 and changing the world! #StandUp4HumanRights

# data[].attributes.body
NYCJA Program director, @aissataTINL, tweets about how our NYCJA Alumni tookover on #WorldChildrensDay!

# data[].attributes.body
Our NYCJA Alumni (left to right) Askadeline, Fatoumata, and Samirah with Chloe x Halle after an awesome rehearsal of "i say so" at the UNICEF House!

# data[].attributes.body
Thanks, @globalnyc! Check out the tweet here!

# data[].attributes.body
(Left to right) Fatoumata, Samirah, and Askadeline having a blast at UNICEF House getting ready for World Children's Day!

# data[].attributes.headline
NYCJA Alumni #Takeover the UN on World Children's Day! 

# data[].attributes.subject
NYCJA Alumni #Takeover the UN on World Children's Day! 

# data[].attributes.body
November 20th is World Children's Day. The day celebrates the ratification of the Convention of the Rights of the Child, highlights the amazing things kids around the world are doing, and encourages everyone to stand up for children's rights.

On November 20th, 2017, three of our NYC Junior Ambassador Alumni--Askadeline, Samirah, and Fatoumata--helped #KidsTakeOver the UN for World Children's Day. Accompanied by courageous children from around the world and celebrity guests Jaden Michael, Isabela Moner, Chloe x Halle, and Zari (from Afghanistan's Sesame Street), our NYCJA Alums: sang, danced, advocated for children's rights, and expressed their wishes for every child to Secretary-General Antonio Guterrez and other world leaders.

Check out the whole performance here!

# data[].attributes.headline
What will you do when you #takeover the world?

# data[].attributes.subject
What will you do when you #takeover the world?

# data[].attributes.body
On World Children's Day, the UK mission to the United Nations asked our NYC Junior Ambassador Alumni one important question: What will they do when they take over the world?

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.text
6 amazing kids. 
1 BIG question.

🤔 What will you do when #KidsTakeOver?

The @GlobalNYC Jr. Ambassadors are ready for their moment to change the world.
#WorldChildrensDay

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.original_text
6 amazing kids. 
1 BIG question.

🤔 What will you do when #KidsTakeOver?

The @GlobalNYC Jr. Ambassadors are ready for their moment to change the world.
#WorldChildrensDay https://t.co/yrTkG7ubcW

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Something went wrong, but don’t fret — let’s give it another shot.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
6 amazing kids.
1 BIG question.

🤔 What will you do when #KidsTakeOver?

The @GlobalNYC Jr. Ambassadors are ready for their moment to change the world.#WorldChildrensDay pic.twitter.com/yrTkG7ubcW
— UK at the UN 🇬🇧 (@UKUN_NewYork) November 20, 2017

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.data.text
6 amazing kids. 
1 BIG question.

🤔 What will you do when #KidsTakeOver?

The @GlobalNYC Jr. Ambassadors are ready for their moment to change the world.
#WorldChildrensDay https://t.co/yrTkG7ubcW

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
6 amazing kids. 
1 BIG question.

🤔 What will you do when #KidsTakeOver?

The @GlobalNYC Jr. Ambassadors are ready for their moment to change the world.
#WorldChildrensDay https://t.co/yrTkG7ubcW

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.text
6 amazing kids. 
1 BIG question.

🤔 What will you do when #KidsTakeOver?

The @GlobalNYC Jr. Ambassadors are ready for their moment to change the world.
#WorldChildrensDay

# data[].attributes.body
Thanks for tweeting about Askadeline's NY Daily News interview, @globalnyc!

# data[].attributes.body
Askadeline's NY Daily News interview has been retweeted by @NYCMayorsOffice!

# data[].attributes.body
On October 22, 2017, Thomas Tracy of the The NY Daily News interviewed Askadeline Milanes about her work as an NYC Junior Ambassador. Check out the digital copy of her interview here:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Even if Washington shies away from global efforts to confront climate change and poverty, the city's newest junior ambassadors stand ready to help.

The NYC Junior Ambassadors program that's about to expand Tuesday into 20 new city school classrooms has created dozens of ambassadors in training - all with a desire to make the world a better place.

"I believe climate change is real, unlike what other people say," said Askadeline Milanes, 13, politely refraining from naming any names. "It's a real problem considering that animal habitats around the world are getting destroyed."

The eighth-grader from Icahn Charter School 4 in Pelham Gardens, Bronx, who joined the junior ambassador program last year, said she was shocked when President Trump announced in June the U.S. was pulling out of the landmark Paris agreement on climate change.

"We should be able to help, but instead we are ignoring the problem and running away," she said. "That's not going to help. You have to be a part of it."

(Mayor's Office for International Affairs)

As a junior ambassador, Askadeline has personally given two speeches to members of the United Nations - about gender equality and violence against children. "The first time was very nerve-racking, but I got used to it," the plucky teen said.

Her entire class also visited the UN and has had a senior diplomat visit their class to engage them in global issues.

Each seventh-grade class enrolled in the program has a specific issue to focus on, including poverty, human rights, race identity, global warming, gender equity and immigration.

Classes have organized walks for hunger and children's rights and raised funds for women's and girls' education worldwide, among other activities.

(Mayor's Office for International Affairs)

More than 100 schools applied to be a part of the program, which is run by the Mayor's Office for International Affairs in coordination with the city Department of Education.

As it enters its third year, the program is on track to reach 1,000 students in more than 50 schools across the city.

Once the class project ends, junior ambassadors will still be able to work on global concerns through an alumni program.

The issues they are tackling may be global, but all the benefits will be local, Mayor's Office for International Affairs Commissioner Penny Abeywardena said.

"In this political climate, it is very important to understand what is happening around the world, but we also have to look to our own communities, because that's where the activation and empowerment begins," she said.
Send a Letter to the Editor

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
NYC junior ambassadors from city schools out to change world

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Even if Washington shies away from global efforts to confront climate change and poverty, the city's newest junior ambassadors stand ready to help. The NYC Junior Ambassadors program that's about to expand Tuesday into 20 new city school classrooms has created dozens of ambassadors in training - all with a desire to make the world a better place.

# data[].attributes.body
@globalnyc highlighted Askadeline's NY Daily News interview!

# data[].attributes.body
NYCJA Alum Askadeline's NY Daily News interview retweeted by @globalnyc!

# data[].attributes.body
After her wonderful speech on ending violence for children at the United Nations on October 10th, 2017, Askadeline received this lovely letter from Marta Santos Pais, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children.

# data[].attributes.body
NYCJA Alum Askadeline speaks out to end violence against children!

# data[].attributes.headline
NYCJA Alumni Askadeline Celebrates Childhood at the UN! 

# data[].attributes.subject
NYCJA Alumni Askadeline Celebrates Childhood at the UN! 

# data[].attributes.body
On October 10, 2017, the United Nations released a new publication called "Celebrating Childhood: A Journey to End Violence Against Children." Our own NYCJA Alum Askadeline was invited to the United Nations to speak about the responsibility we all share to make the world a safe place for kids to be kids.

Watch her speech below!

# data[].attributes.body
Check out @globalnyc's tweet highlighting NYCJA Alum Askadeline's words to end violence against children!

# data[].attributes.body
Thanks to @UN_Women for retweeting Askadeline and Jermaine's post about gender equality!

# data[].attributes.body
On The Day of the Girl Child, NYCJA Alumni Askadeline and Jermaine co-wrote a blog post advocating for gender equality. Read it here:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Guest post written by New York City school students
For The

Here's what NYC Junior Ambassadors Askadeline Milanes and Jermaine Norales had to say about the importance of gender equality: NYC Junior Ambassadors program is an initiative focused on empowering 7th graders in all five boroughs of New York City to become actively engaged with the United Nations and its mission of addressing the most pressing challenges in the world. The program leverages New York City's unique position as host city to the United Nations headquarters to enable youth to see themselves as global citizens. NYC Junior Ambassadors uses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the primary lens through which educators and students can understand the work of the UN and related global issues. International Day of the Girl Child, observed annual on 11 October, the N YC Mayor's Office for International Affairs asked two NYC Junior Ambassadors alumni - a girl and a boy - from Icahn Charter School 4 in the Bronx to share their views on why girls' empowerment is critical to creating a more peaceful and just society.
October 11th is the International Day of The Girl Child  - a reminder to empower girls. Girls need their rights to be the amazing human beings they can truly be and make our world better for everyone.

My name is Askadeline. As a girl, I care about gender equality because girls are half of this world's population. If half the world is not getting the equal rights they deserve, then half the world is not living up to its full potential. This means the world is only half as good as it could be. It's not fair that some girls can't get an education, but I can. If I couldn't go to school, I would be upset and feel as if I don't matter. I would feel like my only purpose would be to support everyone else, which would make me feel useless and frustrated with my own life. It's not fair that in some places or situations, girls can't travel freely. I love to visit my dad in the Dominican Republic, but if I could never visit him, I would be heartbroken.

My name is Jermaine. As a boy, I care about gender equality because I think, "What if I was in their shoes?" I love basketball. If I weren't allowed to play basketball because of my gender, I would feel mistreated. I think about how girls feel when they're told that they can't do something because they're not boys. Stereotypes make girls feel like they are nothing in this world. I love my mom, and it irritates me that she is treated differently than a man. Girls should have the same equal opportunities that boys do. I stand up for gender equality because girls and women should be able to do anything.

Girls around the world - girls in crises - aren't different from us. They are all human beings: just like us. The opportunities we have, they should have. We just got lucky.

That's why we worked with the NYC Junior Ambassadors Program last year to create The Gender Defender Carnival at our school. By the end of the day, we raised over $500 for UNICEF and girls' education. Even after the carnival, we've been teaching people in our communities about gender equality. But the International Day of the Girl Child is a chance to teach everyone around the world.

Girls are the future. What girls experience in their childhoods follows them for the rest of their lives, so let's make sure they have empowering experiences. People need to listen to what girls have to say (we are important!). People need to support girls and their equal rights so everyone can benefit. And most of all, people need to learn to believe in change.

The International Day of the Girl Child is a day for empowerment. Let's change one day into eternity by all coming together. Support girls! Take today (and everyday) to raise awareness, donate to girls' rights, teach others, and stand up for girls!

See also:

Follow the UN here on Medium

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Support Girls' Empowerment Today - United Nations - Medium

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For The Here's what NYC Junior Ambassadors Askadeline Milanes and Jermaine Norales had to say about the importance of gender equality: NYC Junior Ambassadors program is an initiative focused on empowering 7th graders in all five boroughs of New York City to become actively engaged with the United Nations and its mission of addressing the most pressing challenges in the world.

# data[].attributes.body
Thanks, Commissioner @PAbeywardena! We're also proud of Jermaine, Askadeline, and all of our NYCJA Alumni Gender Defenders!

# data[].attributes.body
At the end of the conference, our NYCJA Alumni got the chance to see the amazing new version of "Freedom" that Beyonce and UNICEF put out to celebrate The Day of the Girl. Check out the video below!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Freedom - International Day of the Girl | Global Goals

# data[].attributes.headline
NYCJA Alumni Celebrate the Day of the Girl Child! 

# data[].attributes.subject
NYCJA Alumni Celebrate the Day of the Girl Child! 

# data[].attributes.body
As Gender Defenders, our NYCJA Alumni were excited to celebrate The Day of The Girl Child at the UNICEF House and highlight the needs and potential of girls around the world, especially in emergencies.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
2017 International Day of the Girl Celebration at UNICEF

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
EmPOWER Girls: Before, during and after emergencies 11 October, 2017 Labouisse Hall, UNICEF, New York

# data[].attributes.body
Check out this tweet from @globalnyc, reminding people to check out NYCJA Alumni Askadeline and Jermaine's post about gender equality!

# data[].attributes.body
Thanked by Chilean President @mbachelet, NYCJA Alum Askadeline spoke for children's right to participate in the Sustainable Development Goals!

# data[].attributes.headline
NYCJA Alumni at the United Nations: Speak on It, Askadeline! 

# data[].attributes.subject
NYCJA Alumni at the United Nations: Speak on It, Askadeline! 

# data[].attributes.body
One of our NYC Junior Ambassador Alumni, Askadeline, had the honor of speaking at the United Nations on September 22, 2017, during the 72nd General Assembly. Invited by the President of Chile, Michele Bachelet, and the former President of Finland, Tarja Halonen, Askadeline talked about her experience as a NYC Junior Ambassador and Children's Right to Participation in the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

Askadeline reminded everyone: "You have power. You can change the world for the better. And you have to, because your world depends on it."

Check out the video below! You can watch the whole conference on Children's Right to Participation, or you can just watch Askadeline's speech (47:30-51:56).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Children's right to participation and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Children's right to participation and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

# data[].attributes.headline
NYCJA Alum Askadeline for UNICEF's Voices of Youth! 

# data[].attributes.subject
NYCJA Alum Askadeline for UNICEF's Voices of Youth! 

# data[].attributes.body
UNICEF's Voices of Youth blog invited NYCJA Alum Askadeline to guest write a post about her experiences as a Junior Ambassador and her passion for making a change. Check out the blog post below!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Take Action, Start Now - Voices of Youth

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Voices of Youth (VOY) was founded in 1995 as UNICEF's online place for young people to learn more about issues affecting their world. Today, VOY is a vibrant community of youth bloggers from all over the world, offering inspiring, original insight and opinion on a variety of topics.

# data[].attributes.body
@voicesofyouth is talking about NYCJA Alum Askadeline!

# data[].attributes.body
NYCJA Alum Askadeline speaks for children's right to participation during the 72nd UN General Assembly!

# data[].attributes.headline
Being a NYC Junior Ambassador ... on YouTube!

# data[].attributes.subject
Being a NYC Junior Ambassador ... on YouTube!

# data[].attributes.body
What does being a NYC Junior Ambassador mean? Our NYCJA Alumni explain. Thanks to The NYC Mayor's Office of International Affairs YouTube channel for featuring their video!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Icahn Charter School 4 in the Bronx made this great video highlighting what being a NYC Junior Ambassador means to them. Read more about the 2016-2017 cohort at nyc.gov/nycja/cohorts

# data[].attributes.body
NYCJA Alum Benjamin features in @globalnyc's tweet! Check it out!

# data[].attributes.body
Spot our NYCJA Alumni in @globalnyc's video about the 16-17 cohort!

# data[].attributes.body
2016-2017 NYC Junior Ambassadors, you graduated! You're OFFICIALLY NYCJA Alumni now!