Delegate: Dan Ryan (24 years)
24. Mr. Ryan (Australia), speaking as a youth delegate, said that the cultural diversity of his country fostered a peaceful and tolerant society. In his travels throughout Australia in his capacity as youth representative, he had been struck by the common concerns and aspirations of youth of all social backgrounds and geographic locations. The new phenomenon of social media allowed young people to share those concerns and aspirations not just within their own countries but globally. Social media had demonstrated its power to catalyse democratic governments, spread early warnings of natural disasters and push private sector companies into using more ethical work practices. It was also being used to apply political pressure for greater focus on achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
25. However, the new media were not immune to old problems. Cyberbullying had proven to be a problemon the local level. Internationally, the digital divide was separating those who are technologically literate from those who were not. All groups across the social, geographic and age spectrum should have equal access to social media. It was important for the international community to create a structured process for youth voices to be heard at the decision-making table.
UN Doc.: A/C.3/67/SR.2
Cite as:
UN Doc.: A/C.3/67/SR.2, 24 December 2012, p. 5, Youth Delegate Search: https://youthdelegatesearch.org/australia-2012/, doi: 10.17176/20221018-193726-0.