As part of its December Presidency of the UN Security Council, the United States will host an innovative event to bring the voices of youth directly to the Council. Young people, representing nearly 50 percent of the world’s population, have a major stake in the key decisions on global peace and security made every day at the Security Council. It is time for their voices to be heard. On December 21, Ambassador Rice will chair an important Security Council Event entitled "Your World, Your Future: Voices of a New Generation” that will bring the 15 members of the Council together to debate three top ideas submitted by young people.

From now until December 14, the U.S. Mission to the UN will be accepting submissions for consideration. The question being asked is:  “What is the most vital challenge to international peace and security facing your generation? Tell the UN Security Council what issue you believe deserves more attention, and explain why it is important.”

Anyone 21 or under from anywhere in the world can submit their answer to that question in a one minute video, or in written form, in 250 words or less. Watch Ambassador Rice’s video announcing the event.

The three most compelling submissions will become the topics of debate among Security Council members at an event that will be broadcast live at www.un.org/webcast directly from the Security Council Chamber at UN Headquarters in New York.

The challenges we face as a global community have never been tougher, and the youth of the world have an important perspective to share. Now is your chance to be heard. Please participate by sending your best ideas.

Complete instructions as well as terms and conditions of participation are available at www.usun.state.gov/youth. Please write to us at youth@state.gov with any questions.