“Greater political awareness means you’re constantly attuned to what is going on,
and hopefully interested in changing the world.” Josh Stevenson
this way with the world around us. Involvement in international relations forces you to develop different global perspectives, including taking a stance which might differ from what New Zealand does. You learn why and how we could solve problems by thinking through policy-making initiatives. Greater political awareness means you’re constantly attuned to what is going on, and hopefully interested in changing the world,” says Josh. Attending the four-day Aotearoa Youth Declaration in April gave him the chance to meet like- minded individuals and develop new friendships. Joshua took part in the foreign affairs focus group, one of 18 different groups at the symposium. “Over the first three days each group worked out a list of statements on key points we saw as essential to New Zealand in our focus area, debating our different viewpoints. “It has a really buzzing vibe and is a great way to meet new people who share common interests.” On the final two days, all 224 delegates assembled, with each group’s contribution entered into one combined document, which
At the same event Joshua also visited the British consulate. As a Model UN High School Ambassador in Christchurch, Josh helped organise a Model UN event held at Cashmere High School in September. “It was themed around causes supported by former Secretary- General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, who had passed away the month before the event. The ‘delegates’ (students) discussed two resolutions: one on peacekeeping and one on women’s rights. Everyone engaged wonderfully with the material at hand and acquitted themselves well through their insight and maturity. The point on these occasions is for the delegates to develop the skills necessary for discussion and negotiation.” Josh’s own talents in discussion and negotiation are increasingly well honed. He loves debating and is on College’s top team. He is now working within the school to introduce innovations and opportunities to interest a wider group of students. “Usually there are a few in each year group who are really into this kind of thing, who are politically aware and want to be engaged in
was subsequently sent to MPs, councils and other government bodies across New Zealand. “I’m planning to bring the declaration to Christchurch MPs. Through these little local actions together we spread the youth message across the entire country.”
College Issue 35 2018
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