Meet the UNA Youth Observer to the UN

About the Program

The UNA Youth Observer to the UN elevates youth voices in the global policy dialogue around international issues. For a one-year term, an American between the ages of 18 and 25 is selected to engage and connect young people in the U.S. to the work of the UN. The Youth Observer travels throughout the U.S. to discover the issues important to young Americans and participates as a UNA delegate at UN conferences.

 

Get to Know Jay’Len Boone

 

Jay’Len Boone was born and raised in Ypsilanti, Michigan, a small township just outside Detroit. He is a Senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio double majoring in Global Affairs and Sociology. 

Jay’Len is passionate about empowering young people to take the lead in solving global issues. He is the founder and executive director of Sustainable Youth in Action, a nonprofit organization that trains and equips students with the tools they need to take their ideas and turn them into projects and even businesses. He is a Global Citizen Curtis Scholar, Cultural Vistas Fellow, and a winner of the 2016 Gates Millennium Scholarship. His desire to combat social issues such as extreme poverty and climate change has taken him across the globe, working on the ground with communities in Hong Kong, South Africa, and Japan. 

One of his primary goals is to increase local action and involvement in the Sustainable Development Goals. It is his belief that community activists and young change-makers at the local level will play a pivotal role in determining whether the SDGs will succeed or not. 

In his spare time, Jay’Len loves to sing, compose music, and build relationships with new people. He is the former director of UTSA’s Gospel Choir and a bible study leader with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries.

 

Follow along as Jay’Len travels to high schools and colleges across the nation to build a connection between the UN and young Americans. 

 

WEBINAR: Meet the 2019-2020 UNA Youth Observer to the UN

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Celebrating 74 years of Global Leadership at the UN

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An Interview with Jay'Len Boone the New UNA Youth Observer

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Youth Advocate for Climate Action and Sustainability Named 2019-2020 UNA Youth Observer to the United Nations

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Experience the 2019 Global Entrepreneurship Summit with the U.S. Youth Observer to the UN

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Top Tips for Personal Growth and Success from the U.S. Youth Observer to the UN

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Youth Delegates Breakfast at the ECOSOC Youth Forum

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U.S. Youth Observer at GES 2019

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Youth Observer at YSEALI 2018: Never Too Young To Lead

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International Religious Freedom Day 2018