UNA-USA Announces The 12th Youth Observer to the UN
Washington, D.C. (August 12, 2023) — The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) announced today, that Ose Ehianeta Arheghan (they/them) has been selected as the 2023-2024 UNA-USA Youth Observer to the United Nations. In this role, Ose will engage young Americans in the work of the United Nations and amplify their voices at UN events during their one-year term.
Ose Ehianeta Arheghan (they/them) is a journalist and community organizer with a passion for LGBTQ+ rights, focusing on queer and trans youth of color. A Truman Scholar with bachelor’s degrees in Chinese and Political Science, they have received numerous accolades, including being named a GLAAD 20 under 20 Rising Star and a Matthew Shepard Foundation Spirit of Matthew awardee. Combining journalism with political advocacy, Ose’s work spans topics like LGBTQ+ policy, arts, and culture. Their journalism can be found in NPR, The Advocate, GLSEN.org, GLAAD AMP, and other publications. Since 2018, they have been an active member of the United Nations Association and have presented at various conferences and workshops exploring queerness, race, and youth intersections. Armed with valuable insights gained as a student and youth organizer, Ose is determined to continue bridging the gap between youth-led movements for a better future and the policymakers who have the authority to enshrine transformative change. In their capacity as the Youth Observer, Ose plans to champion education, amplify youth voices, and advocate for increased representation to bring about a more equitable and progressive tomorrow.
UNA-USA’s Youth Observer to the UN program began in 2012 to connect young Americans to United Nations programs, projects, and people. Ose Ehianeta Arheghan succeeds Himaja Nagireddy.
In addition to conducting a Listening Tour across America (both virtual and in-person) to determine their priorities for their term, Ose will be available for interviews to discuss their role as UNA-USA Youth Observer to the UN, how young Americans can support the United Nations, and the importance of having the U.S. as a leader at the UN. To coordinate an interview, please email Rachel “Rae” McCave at rmccave@unfoundation.org.
Learn more about UNA-USA’s Youth Observer program and follow Ose as they begin their term as the UNA-USA 12th Youth Observer to the UN on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA):
The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) is a social movement made up of more than 20,000 Americans who believe in the ability of the UN to address global challenges such as conflict, hunger, poverty, inequality, injustice, and climate change. Through its 103 community chapters and 146 campus chapters, and many members-at-large present throughout the country, UNA-USA educates, inspires, and mobilizes Americans to support a strong US-UN partnership. By activating champions in communities, colleges, and in Congress, UNA-USA ensures that the United Nations is able to work towards a more peaceful, just, and healthy planet for all people. For more information, please visit www.unausa.org.
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Media Contact
Jasmin Chan | jchan@unausa.org
