Janice Rodrigues, the 2026 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations is responsible for representing the views of young Australians both domestically and abroad. To do so, they conduct consultations with young people (aged 12-25) and share their findings at the UN General Assembly in New York, in October. A group of SPSC from Years 7 to 12 met with the representative to talk about their top issues and concerns.
SPSC students joined in a round table discussion and shared their concerns and hopes for the future. Among the most common issues shared was their desire to be able to talk about mental health, especially as young men, without judgment from family and friends. Students spoke about the cost of living, the need for education providing life skills and the impact of AI. The students then participated in a Spectrum Activity, voting with their feet on whether they felt hopeful for the future and if there were opportunities for young people to share their voice. To end the session, the students wrote letters to the Prime Minister to share about an issue they cared about, their recommendations, and why they care. Janice will be taking these letters directly to the leaders responsible in these areas and share our students voice in her UN presentation.
Ana Christensen
Deputy Head of Senior School – Students
