HUMAN rights, pollution and global warming are some of the concerns of Esperance youths that Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations, Elizabeth Shaw, will discuss at a UN General Assembly to be held in New York city.

Members of the UN Youth Association of Australia selected Perth based Ms Shaw and Melanie Poole from Canberra to travel around Australia gathering information on how young Australians see their country and the world.

Having already toured the east coast it was now WA’s turn and when Ms Shaw met with Year 8 Esperance Senior High School students she was impressed with their knowledge of current affairs and their enthusiasm.

As well as global issues the students also mentioned local issues they were concerned about.

These included the bad image they feel Esperance has because of the lead issue and how that has affected tourism, the frustration of having to share roads in town with trucks and trains at peak hour, and the lack of recreational activities available in town.

One of the suggestions of the students was to have a forum with members of the Shire council so students could voice their opinions on local issues, or have a website where could post they could post their ideas.

A UWA law graduate, Ms Shaw said engaging young people within the community encourages a broader awareness of issues and a greater sense of civic-mindedness.

“By taking the voices of passionate and inspired young Australians to the UN I want all world leaders to recognise the power of young people, not just as leaders of tomorrow but as the leaders of today.”

“Young people have been essential in instigating key social movements in history, from anti-war movements to civil rights struggles,” Ms Shaw said.

ESHS student Naomi Halls found Ms Shaw to be an inspiration for youths wanting to make a difference.

“I want to learn more about the UN and join the UN youth group in Australia because it could give me the chance to make a change in the world.”

Ms Shaw will travel to New York in September to voice all these concerns to world leaders along with 20 youth delegates from other countries.