Delegates: Ms. Bianca Dragomir, Mr. Luca Ciubotaru (22 years)
State: Romania
69. Ms. Dragomir (Romania), speaking as a youth delegate, said that changes should be made to outdated education systems to enable young people to realize their potential to be better students, citizens and human beings. While financial investment was crucial, less costly but more efficient methods of education should be considered, such as those using cloud technology. Such systems should encourage creativity and collaboration among peers.
70. The purpose of education was not simply to give students practical skills but also to produce creative, courageous thinkers. Preparing students for the workplace was crucial, in view of the high rates of youth employment in many countries. However, studies had shown that employers were more interested in communication skills, critical thinking skills and integrity than industry experience. Work should begin to devise education systems that would meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.
71. Mr. Ciubotaru (Romania), speaking as a youth delegate, said that education should include a civic dimension for youth, who were part of the community and capable of shaping the world around them. Discussions at the United Nations and other international bodies on issues such as youth unemployment should lead to all young people making an individual effort to improve the situation for their vulnerable peers. Few young people were currently involved in volunteer work, and Romanian youth delegates should work to rectify that situation. They welcomed all forms of civic engagement, including youth establishing non-governmental organizations, fighting to protect the environment or working with persons with disabilities.
72. Young people had an optimistic attitude that encouraged them to become personally involved in bringing about positive change. They were capable of rethinking the education system and needed to be involved in the work of the community. That would give them the maturity that they needed to bring about systemic change. Consequently, there should be a focus on greater youth participation at the United Nations.
UN Doc.: A/C.3/69/SR.3
Cite as:
UN Doc.: A/C.3/69/SR.3, 8 October 2014, p. 11, Youth Delegate Search: https://youthdelegatesearch.org/romania-2014/, doi: 10.17176/20221018-193349-0.