WINTER 2007
 
ACADEMIC PAPER AWARD DEADLINE:
May 1, 2007
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Exercising Leadership: The 2006 United Nations Youth Assembly

Daniel Sayani
Brooklyn Studio Secondary School
Brooklyn, New York Brooklyn, New York


Daniel with Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi

I had the honor and privilege of being a delegate to the 2006 United Nations Youth Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York City. From August 16-18, 2006, delegates had the opportunity to further develop their leadership expertise on the most challenging international issues of the 21st century, especially in developing more engaging and pragmatic ways to bring to fruition the magnanimous Millennium Development Goals, which include provisions to bring about gender equity, achieve universal primary education, encourage environmentally-sustainable means of development, and to create a culture of peace and non-violence.

I had the opportunity to personally and directly speak with some of the most engaging and dynamic leaders in international affairs and the NGO (Nongovernmental Organization) community, including Niger Innis of the Congress for Racial Equality; The Honorable Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey; and Dr. Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and a true friend. This event was truly a way for youth to leave their impact on the Millennium Development Goals campaign and on the profound issues most strongly affecting the developing world. I also had the opportunity to learn more about the activities of leading organizations at an exclusive dinner at the Turkish Cultural Society.

The Youth Assembly was followed by a life-changing Leadership Training Seminar and Leadership Retreat at Pace University from August 19-23, 2006. The seminar enabled me to tap into what Ralph Waldo Emerson considers "the inner Divine Providence inside each of us" in his essay On Self Reliance and to develop a greater sense of inner consciousness and awareness for others and the environment. The seminar included lectures and workshops by Pace University faculty, including my mentor Dr. Gregory Julian, on issues of philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, conflict resolution, and the Millennium Development Goals, as well as a meeting with Holger Rathbeger, author of highly acclaimed leadership book Our Iceberg Is Melting.

The entire leadership development program was truly a life-changing and educational experience that inspires me to continue serving the youth of New York City through my position as the Legislative Director of Future Voters of America, as well as to continue striving for greater excellence in academics, the arts and volunteerism.