Ben Fraser, Deputy Chair of the Howick Youth Council, has been selected as one of 22 elite young people from across New Zealand to participate in UN Youth New Zealand’s Global Development Tour.
The tour takes in six countries in January and February 2020, giving participants an opportunity to learn about different approaches that will help him serve the community more effectively.
The delegation will visit the New Zealand permanent mission to the UN, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise as well as the OECD, UNESCO and UN headquarters while visiting New York, London, Paris, Rome, Vienna and Berlin.
Ben is most excited about how the tour will allow him to more effectively serve his community.
“I’m looking forward to learning how some of the largest organisations in the world are tackling pressing issues from climate change to urbanisation,” he says.
“The Global Development Tour is going to give me new skills that will allow me to be a more effective youth advocate in my community.”
Ben is a youth advocate and the Saint Kentigern College student is working across a wide variety of issues in east Auckland and New Zealand.
He has led a campaign to improve student representation in education through a petition to place a student on the board of NZQA. Earlier this year he presented to the Howick Local Board supporting the implementation of a T2 Lane on Pakuranga Road.
In addition, he is a member of the Youth Board in mental health advocate Mike King’s organisation I Am Hope.
Ben says, “For me, serving my community is massively important. Instead of seeking a part time job, I’ve dedicated my time to variety of causes including better mental health services, youth empowerment, improved public transport and a more effective education system.”
Throughout the remainder of 2019, Ben will be seeking financial support to cover the cost of the tour.
“This opportunity is a large monetary burden and I am hoping to receive some financial support that will help me more effectively serve my community.”
