Vienna, 8 August 2007 (UNIS) -- To mark International Youth Day on 12 August, the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) in Vienna has invited a newly-founded youth NGO to the Vienna International Centre -- the United Nations' headquarters in Vienna.
On 10 August, UNIS staff members and representatives of established NGOs will welcome the group United Youth, which was founded this summer by 16-year-old school girl Helene Hayden.
Explaining her inspiration for the project, the founder states: "I had to write a portfolio for my school about any ideas what could be done to change the world. I thought a lot about it and out of these ideas grew a certain concept: the non-governmental organization United Youth." The group's main goal is to offer a forum to young people all over the world to state their opinions and be heard, for the protection of human rights, especially those of youth, and to participate in the political process and decision-making.
The aims of the young NGO correspond to this year's International Youth Day theme: "Be Seen, Be Heard: Youth Participation for Development".
On the group's website www.united-youth.eu.tf Helene explains: "One girl isn't able to do great things, but is able to do small things. And if several young girls and boys do small things together, something wonderful will come up."
Eventually, Helene Hayden hopes to achieve the status of an officially accredited NGO with the United Nations in New York for United Youth.
The General Assembly designated International Youth Day as an official observance in 1999. The Day gives the world an opportunity to recognize the potential of youth, to celebrate their achievements, and plan for ways to better engage young people to successfully take action for development. [ http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/iyd2007.htm]
