ST COLUMBA Anglican School students Liam Wallace and Emma Dennis represented the school and Port Macquarie at a UN Youth Summit held in Sydney this month.
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The Youth Summit, open to students in years 9 and 10, provided the students with the opportunity to act as world leaders.
Each student was given a country to represent in debates and lead discussion and decision making on current issues.
The annual conference is a model UN and each student is assigned to one of six councils consisting of 20-25 students.
The conference focuses on a particular theme every year which later becomes the issue to be discussed. This year the theme was global health.
The students said one of the major concerns raised in the first committee discussion was the equal distribution of pharmaceuticals to all countries. Other major debates included the decision to allow autonomy or independence to both Kurdistan and Islamic State, as well as opinion on female representation in politics.
"A resolution is basically an agreement of demands made by all countries," the pair explained.
Up to 180 students participated in the Youth Summit this year and represented an impressive cross-section of Australia's ambitious youth.
Emma has been selected to represent the state in a council of 10 at the National Conference - her highlight of the summit.
Liam enjoyed the second committee hearing as the council debate was both interesting and enjoyable.
To get involved in next year's summit, register online or contact UNYouth via Facebook or Instagram.
