Search on for Rwanda`s UN youth representative

Online applications for the youth willing to represent Rwanda at the UN General Assembly started Thursday, with messages sent to the official email of the National Youth Council (NYC) – info@nyc.gov.rw.Among other recommendations, the youth expected to apply should at least have completed university education and fluent in English and French.“Based on the qualifications, we shall then select ten out of those who will apply; for an examination that will identify the best two; a male and female,” said the Executive Secretary of NYC, Alphonse Nkuranga.He said that receiving applications will continue until August 28. Short listing will be done on August 30 while on September 3 the short-listed candidates will sit for examinations.Candidates must be between 18 and 24 years of age. The best candidates, who will serve a two-year non renewable term will be selected on September 7.The two will represent Rwanda in the UN Youth Delegates Progaramme that enables participation of the youth from various countries to play a role in influencing the resolutions made by the UN General Assembly.This aims at not only hearing the voice of the youth in terms challenges in their respective countries, but also influencing resolutions to capture or deal with the challenges.Rwanda first sent its UN youth delegates in 2009. The outgoing representatives are Aloys Ntezimana and Karine Rusaro Utamuliza. Speaking to journalists, Utamuliza said that during their mandate, they have managed to lobby and advocate for the youth, mainly about the employment problem in developing countries and Rwanda in particular.“It is not an easy task given the fact that some of our counterparts have represented their countries for a long time; meaning that they have enough experience that also includes knowing their rights,” said Utamuliza.She explained that among others, some of the key contributions that also managed to be reflected in the resolution is the UN creation of the ‘Basket Fund’ that will play a role in supporting youth to start income generating activities.Utamuliza explained that it will be done through some specific financial institutions in various countries.