# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
UCC student announced as United Nations Youth Delegate | University College Cork

# data[].attributes.body
https://twitter.com/dfatirl/status/1702274036074532930(Update DFA website neded)

https://www.ucc.ie/en/news/2023/ucc-student-announced-as-united-nations-youth-delegate.html

https://www.southernstar.ie/news/alicia-excited-to-represent-ireland-as-a-un-youth-delegate-4274103

https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2023/09/15/young-mayo-man-selected-as-united-nations-youth-delegate/

https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/cork-climate-change-activist-appointed-27722348

https://www.mayonews.ie/news/home/1298130/mayo-student-selected-as-united-nations-youth-delegate.html

Social Justice Ireland Podcast

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
UCC student announced as United Nations Youth Delegate

Ireland's UN Youth Delegates announced by An Tánaiste Micheál Martin.

Alicia Joy O'Sullivan selected as Ireland's United Nations Youth Delegate.

Alicia will work closely with Ireland's Permanent Mission to the UN and will have the opportunity to represent the youth of Ireland.

The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD has formally announced Alicia Joy O'Sullivan as a United Nations Youth Delegate.
Alicia is a UCC law student, advocate and Quercus Scholar from Skibbereen, West Cork. She was the UCC Students' Union Environmental and Sustainability Officer in 20/21 and was part of UCC's delegation to the global climate summit COP26 in Glasgow.

As UN Youth Delegate, Alicia will work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs, including Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Irish Aid, and the National Youth Council of Ireland throughout her year in office.

She 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 the UN General Assembly (UNGA) High Level Week and the UNGA's Third Committee, which focuses on human rights issues.

Alicia will join Mohammed Naeem as UN Youth Delegates for 2023-2024.

An Tánaiste said: "I am delighted to announce Ireland's UN Youth Delegates for 2023-2024."

"The UN Youth Delegate Programme is an avenue for young people to become more involved in international cooperation while championing change and representing the voices of the millions of young people in Ireland. The programme offers a wonderful opportunity to build their networks, engage with other UN Youth delegates, and advocate on matters that concern young people globally through UN meetings and events."

"It is essential that young people are equipped to be effective global citizens, contributing to policy and decision making at local, national, and international levels. This is what we achieve through the Programme."

"It is my pleasure to support the UN Youth Delegate Programme in its ninth year and I look forward to engaging with Alicia and Mohammad in the future."

Alicia Joy O'Sullivan said: "It is a great honour to be appointed as one of two of Ireland's UN Youth Delegates. It is especially exciting to be doing this whilst also completing my final year of my Bachelor of Law with UCC. I envision my year working at the UN will benefit my studies and vice versa with my law degree assisting in my lobbying and diplomatic efforts. I'm looking forward to this role to represent the best interests of my peers from Skibbereen, UCC and the whole island of Ireland."

UCC President Professor John O'Halloran said: "It is a pleasure to congratulate Alicia on her selection as Ireland's UN Youth Delegate. It is critical that young voices are heard as part of international policy discussions that affect current and future generations. I wish Alicia continued success in her work to bring about policy change and impact decision-making in key areas including climate action, human rights and sustainable development through her advocacy and engagement."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
UCC student announced as United Nations Youth Delegate | University College Cork

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn, Study and Research in UCC, Ireland's first 5 star university. Our tradition of independent thinking will prepare you for the world and the workplace in a vibrant, modern, green campus.

# data[].attributes.body
Our handover included:

An initial introductory call between Diandra and us.

An in person meeting with Diandra and David with Jessica joining online.

An in person training day in Cork with Diandra.

# data[].attributes.body
A meeting with Tanaiste & Minister for Foreign Affairs Michael Martin and our first official meeting with the DFA.

# data[].attributes.headline
Meeting with Minister for Climate, Environment and Communications 

# data[].attributes.subject
Meeting with Minister for Climate, Environment and Communications 

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Ireland's UN Youth Delegates Address the United Nations (2023)

# data[].attributes.body
We spoke infront of the Third Committee

Alicia attended an event about climate change with the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Attended Irelands UN Event on Women in Afghanistan.

MGCY UN Youth Summit of the Future Planning Meeting

EU Youth Delegates Reception and Networking Event

Meetings with UNYDs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ireland's UN Youth Delegates Address the United Nations (2023)

# data[].attributes.body
Meeting with the Chair of 3C Committee. Asked about maintaining neutrality as chair.

Hosted 70 young people who work in UN spaces to the Mission.

Met with different UN agencies such as the International Organisation of Migration & Youth4Disarmament.

Mohammad attended an event hosted by Amnesty International about children's rights in the Digital World. He met with Ann Skelton the chair of the committee on the rights of the child at the event.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Digital Technology Faciliated Abuse Concept Note

# data[].attributes.body
Side Event: We hosted on side event during our last week on "Digital Technology Facilitated Abuse: A Path Forward".

Met UNGA President.

Worked on the Youth Resolution with the other UNYDs and provided suggestive changes to the Mission.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Digital Technology Faciliated Abuse Concept Note

# data[].attributes.body
Formal training to write the 3C speech, topics chosen and first draft produced.

Event planning - research speakers and topic.

Prepare for meetings with Ministers.

Prepare for upcoming UN Conferences

Meet the Mission team and create relationships more than once.

Resolution writing and how it works.

UN system.

Media training.

# data[].attributes.body
Should start earlier (May) and have a longer handover period (May-August) IMPLEMENTED

Renumeration: by not paying you are creating an elitist programme which before you even open applications has made it impossible for many young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply.

Instead of reimbursement for day trips giving the daily stipend IMPLEMENTED

Suggestion of a Senior and Junior UNYD, which is practiced in other countries and works well like Germany, this makes the role two years but allows for a continuous transition of learning. The UN system and the role is very particular and it would be better represented if at least 1 person in the role has experience already and they are both not learning everything for the first time. (This could only be done if its paid)

MoU

Transparency: Bi-annual report/reflection and end of year report both to be published

Difficulties with navigating the line between being an independant voice for YP through NYCI and representing Irelands views.

# data[].attributes.body
Suggested to have someone as part of the team who can be available for more well-being support. Someone trained to give advice and help during the year should the UNYDs wish to avail of them

Weekly check ins

# data[].attributes.body
Alicia spoke at this Summit on the Young Leaders panel where she spoke about her identity as a young person from rural Ireland and how she brings that with her to these spaces and representing young people at the United Nations.

# data[].attributes.body
We felt strongly that we needed to make a statement on Palestine given the extent of what was happening.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Concept Note East Africa UN Delegates for partners

# data[].attributes.body
During our time in NYC we met with CRISP which is a youth organisation and is currently running the East African UNYD Programme. We had multiple meetings with CRISP and a meeting with the East African Delegation to try and think of how Ireland might be able to support a UNYD from the global south.

# data[].attributes.body
We introduced the students to 3 concepts, the SDGs, Climate Justice and A Just Transition.

We then held a long conversation about the SDGs, which they thought was the most important and which were connected.

# data[].attributes.body
Alicia was asked to be a special guest for the YMCA Ireland AGM which was held in County Down.

# data[].attributes.body
It was wonderful to visit the 5th and 6th class in my old primary school. I introduced them to the SDGs and we had a very interactive discussion about them. I was hugely impressed by the students and gave them books, notepads and SDG pins for their engagement. This definitely increased engagement and interaction levels.

# data[].attributes.body
We met with three representative groups at the beginning out of term to hear projects they are working on and key policy concerns they had.

1. YMCA Cork

2. Climate Youth Delegate

3. Young People's Committee

# data[].attributes.body
Mohammad attended the World Food Forum in Rome with the Department of Agriculture.  He got the opportunity to learn about transforming our agrifood systems, for a better food future for all and how youth voice should be at the center of this as we will be the most affected. While he was in Rome he,

Organised a side event alongside the Irish and Kenyan youth Delegations.

Spoke on a panel at the Connecting Youth - Transforming Food Systems Side Event.

Attended side events throughout the week including the Global Youth Assembly which gave young people the opportunity to input directly into policy recommendations.

Wrote Ireland's National Youth Statement alongside the Irish Youth Delegation.

Attended the Presidental reception and met with President Michael D Higgins.

# data[].attributes.body
Mohammad attended the 2023 European Sustainable Development Network (ESDN) Youth Event in Berlin. ESDN is an association and network of public administrators and other experts dealing with sustainable development strategies and policies in Europe.

Over 50 delegates were present which included current and former European UN delegates, representatives from national organisations, young European civil servants, policy makers, and experts in the field of spillover effects and sustainable development policy processes.

Mohammad engaged in discussions regarding spillover effects and strategies to address them. He learnt about spillover effects across different sectors and at various levels. The event also offered valuable insights on SDG indicators, reviews of the SDGs, and case studies illustrating how spillover effects are being effectively managed in Poland, Austria, and Germany.

# data[].attributes.body
In Berlin, Mohammad was nominated to represent the ESDN Youth Network at the ESDN Peer-learning platform on the topic “Spillover Effects in the Context of SDG Implementation”, which took place in Bern, Switzerland. At this event European policy makers and civil servants were present. Mohammad was one of three youth delegates nominated.

In Bern Switzerland, he presented the recommendations from the ESDN Youth Network. He spoke on Climate Justice, Environmental Migration, Effects of the triple planetary crisis, redistribution of capital, fast fashion and transformative system change in the context of spillover effects.

# data[].attributes.body
Mohammad gave a keynote speech at the 8th Education for Sustainable Development Forum in TU Dublin, where he openly discussed my firsthand experiences with racism and the impacts they have had on him.

He highlighted at the core of Agenda 2030 is humanity, and the lack of education on the SDGs is having a direct impact on individuals.

# data[].attributes.body
Mohammad participated in the third Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Forum held at the Aviva Stadium. The primary thematic emphasis of this forum centered around "Biodiversity and Community,"

# data[].attributes.body
Mohammad was invited to speak at the Galway Youth Assembly held at the University of Galway. He spoke about his experience as UN Youth Delegate and encouraged the attendees to get involved with climate space/activism overall and different ways they can do that.

# data[].attributes.body
Mohammad met with the Benelux Islands Central Cooperation (BICC) in Dublin.

BICC is an informal group of National Youth Councils who came together this weekend to share best practices on inclusion within their councils. Mohammad spoke about his role as UN Youth Delegates and how he practices inclusion in their work. It also allowed countries without UN Youth Delegates to learn more about the programme.

# data[].attributes.body
This Climate Justice Roundtable: Global South perspectives on Climate Justice will bring together NGOs, activists & academics to hear and respond to perspectives on key issues, strategies and tactics of Global South activists for climate justice. This will provide:

• Opportunity for Global South actors to share their perspectives on priority climate justice issues and strategies with Irish stakeholders;

• Time to consider tactics and strategic decisions on climate justice;

• Space to discuss collaborative/complementary advocacy towards COP28;

• Space to deepen connections between Irish stakeholders and Global South activists.

The roundtable will consist of a number of interventions from our speakers and discussions on the following:

Impact of current geopolitics on climate just action - Tasneem Essop, CAN International

Key priorities for Global South activists/NGOs and strategic issues that Global North activists/NGOs can focus on - Julius N’Goma, National Coordinator for Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) in Malawi

Critical issues that need to be addressed on Loss and Damage – at this COP and beyond - Ineza Umuhoza Grace, Founder and CEO of the Green Protector.

# data[].attributes.headline
Meeting with Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

# data[].attributes.subject
Meeting with Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

# data[].attributes.body
We had a great opportunity to be Irelands Delegationt HLPF for Week 1 where we had an opportunity to speak about SDG 1, 2, 16 and 17.

# data[].attributes.body
Mohammad attended ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024, the forum provides a global platform for dialogue among Member States and young leaders from around the world on solutions to challenges affecting youth wellbeing. The discussions are centred around no poverty (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2), climate action (SDG 13), peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

He spoke at the SDG 13 & 17 Session

# data[].attributes.body
We attended the first Shared Island Forum meeting at Dublin Castle. We acted as participants and got to speak with young people from across Ireland on issues, challenges and differences on the island of Ireland. This was also a great opportunity to meet young people and hear their views before our term officially started.

# data[].attributes.body
Met with Ambassador Mythen and the team at the Mission.

SDG Weekend:

MGCY Education Roundtable

Picnic for Progress: intergenerational conversation about progress of the SDGs.

Met Minister Eamon Ryan

Met Tanaiste Michael Martin

Met Minister Stephen Donnelly

Met President Mary Robinson

Met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar briefly

Note: For all our Ministerial meetings with used our social media, up to date reports and our own experience of working in Comhairle Na nOg, ISSU, UCCSU, Ombudsman for Children, YMCA as tools to support our asks.

# data[].attributes.body
Statistics:

Instagram
Follower growth since takeover
15th September 2023: 2,290
Today 23rd January 2024: 2,489

Engagement
Last 3 months October 25th-January 23rd
Accounts engaged: 3,103

Highest engagement in the last 6 months:
Reels get the most engagement, followed by posts and then stories.

Tiktok
Gained 198 followers in the past 60 days.