I became interested in international politics early on – I would say around the age of 13 or 14. I read the newspaper every morning at breakfast with my parents, would discuss issues with teachers and family, and was always interested in what was going on in the world. In high school my interest was nurtured by great teachers in History, Politics, English, and Economics (A serious shout out to Mr. Hoad, Mr. Menzella, and Mr. Cako for putting up with my precociousness), and extracurricular activities like debate and Model United Nations.

Debate and Model UN gave me the opportunity to discuss the things I was passionate about within a community of like-minded individuals. It got me thinking, and it eventually led me here – to PCJ at the Munk School/Trudeau Centre. Throughout my years here, I have watched my friends do amazing things in the global community, and had my own opportunities to participate in discourse surrounding issue like the war in Iraq, the detention of Omar Khadr, and the impact of the industrialized world on the environment.

I have remained active in the Model UN community throughout my undergrad, and with the close of the 30^th annual North American Model United Nations (NAMUN) conference (of which I am a secretariat member, and have been for the past several years) this past weekend, I’ve been taking time to reflect on the importance of engaging students in international and domestic political discourse.

The students of today are the global citizens and leaders of tomorrow. When today’s politicians make big decisions, they are making decisions for our generation that will impact the economy, environment, and political situation that we are left with. In many cases, today’s politicians may not be alive or in power when the consequences or impacts of their choices become obvious. We will be the ones making our way through adulthood – paying taxes, raising children, and being productive members of society.

This is why it is important for everyone to be educated about global issues, and to join the conversation to ensure we are heard. Model UN is a great avenue through which this can be achieved. Through imitating the real United Nations, students from all over the world engage in discourse to attempt to provide solutions to issues facing the global population. This year at NAMUN students talked about peak oil, redefining non-combatants and the use of drones, discussed the situation between Israel and Palestine, and so much more. I hope everyone came away from the conference being more aware of the world than when they arrived.

I was lucky when it came to being engaged in politics; I was interested with little prompting. But for others it isn’t so easy – these subjects are often complex, dry, and difficult to comprehend. From polling and voting data in the last elections, it’s clear that youth apathy is high and people are having trouble remaining interested in the political system.

I don’t know how we solve this problem – all I can say is that we have to try harder. For those of you reading this – bring your friends into the conversation. Ask them whom they’re voting for. Point them in the direction of good information that can give them different perspectives. Help them get involved in things like Model UN. Tell them it is ok if their opinion is different from yours.

Don’t give in to the thinking that you don’t matter, and that your voice won’t ever be heard. It will; we just have to push for a little more, and try a little harder. We have a right to be involved in the decisions that are being made for us. Now is the time to speak up, and have our say.