The 12th United Nations Youth Assembly was held recently in New York and it was a great privilege for me to be the only speaker from the Middle East to address over 1000+ youth delegates from all over the world.  I spoke at the closing session on the subject of ?Post2015 , beyond the MDGs? .

I spoke from the same podium at the United Nations General Assembly Hall from where I had seen world leaders speak on TV .

My speech is live on UN webTV and can be viewed on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5DsLR34as0

( I come on after the first 6 minutes)

In my message to the youth leaders, I reiterated that we children are a very potent force and we are extremely concerned that we are marginalised and neglected in the sustainable development dialogue. We need more support and opportunities right from the grass roots level so that we can make a difference. Our efforts need to be recognised!

I also emphasized that the Rio+20 Outcome document sought to establish an "inclusive and transparent intergovernmental process open to all stakeholders?. And expressed concern that  the process really needs to evolve to be more inclusive of children - given the fact we constitute one-third of the global population.?

I was very encouraged by the great response received from all the delegates including the moderator of the closing session , Mr Amir Dossal.

7DAYS published a report with the headline ?Dubai teenager spreading her eco-friendly message around the globe?.

Link : http://www.7daysindubai.com/VIDEO-Dubai-teenager-spreading-eco-friendly/story-19713444-detail/story.html