UNA-USA Announces The 14th Youth Observer to the UN
The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) is proud to announce Jarrett James Lash as the 14th Youth Observer to the United Nations. A community planner and housing strategist working at the intersection of public service, land use, and sustainability, Jarrett brings a passion for youth engagement, equitable housing, and sustainable communities to this prestigious role.
Jarrett currently serves as the Township Planner for Upper Merion Township, one of Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing municipalities and home to the third-largest mall in America, where he leads long-range planning and land development. His work has helped position the township — recently ranked the second-best place in the nation for families by Fortune — as a model for sustainable growth.
A dedicated advocate for housing and youth empowerment, Jarrett serves on the Board of the HealthSpark Foundation and as a Youth Advisor to the Youth Housing Coalition, supporting community-led initiatives in Atlanta and Detroit. His previous experience includes shaping modular housing strategies at RSL Homes, contributing as a member of the Montgomery County, PA Homeless Task Force, and participating in fellowships with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and the Manhattan Institute.
Jarrett’s connection to UNA-USA is rooted in his service as Lead Ambassador for a Sustainable Future, where he co-organized the inaugural Sustainable Communities Summit, convening stakeholders nationwide to discuss the future of cities. He holds a B.A. in Global Liberal Studies from New York University, concentrating in Politics, Rights, and Development, and has studied in New York City, Paris, Shanghai, and Abu Dhabi. His senior thesis examined the political economy of housing affordability in the United States.
The son of a former UN Peacekeeper, Jarrett brings a deep commitment to building trust in civic institutions, advancing practical problem-solving, and fostering communities where everyone can build a future.
UNA-USA’s Youth Observer to the UN program, launched in 2012, bridges the gap between young Americans and the United Nations, empowering the next generation of leaders to take action on global issues. As the 14th Youth Observer, Jarrett will conduct a nationwide Listening Tour — both virtual and in-person — to learn from young Americans and elevate their priorities on the world stage. He succeeds Oscar Armando Lopez III.
Jarrett will be available for interviews to discuss his role as UNA-USA Youth Observer to the UN, how young Americans can support the United Nations, and the importance of a strong U.S. role in global cooperation.
To coordinate an interview, please email Rachel “Rae” McCave at rmccave@unfoundation.org.
Learn more about UNA-USA’s Youth Observer program and follow Jarrett as they begin their term as the UNA-USA 14th Youth Observer to the UN on 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.
###
