Dear Youth Assembly Delegates,

Yesterday, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, sent a message to the member states on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Ten years ago, the member states of the United Nations got together to act against the problems caused by drug abuse and illegal trafficking around the world. The member states committed themselves to becoming proactive in reducing both the supply and demand for drugs.

“Today, drugs continue to destroy lives, generate crime and threaten sustainable development. But we also have a better understanding of how to confront drug abuse and trafficking. Policymakers can draw on a growing body of evidence about drug dependence and drug-use trends. International cooperation and technical assistance are improving law enforcement capabilities. Increased development assistance is helping to reduce poverty and the sale of illicit crops by giving farmers sustainable alternatives. A stronger focus on prevention and treatment is putting health at the centre of drug-control strategies and helping to slow the spread of HIV/AIDS. And there is a growing consensus, both within communities and among states, that drug control is a shared responsibility in which we all play a part,” wrote Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Obviously, drug abuse is a serious threat to the Millennium Development Goals. Drug abuse promotes violence, illness, corruption and instability, the exact opposite of what we’re trying to achieve.

Let’s do what is in our power to rid our world from the awful consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Let’s listen and act upon the Secretary General’s call to “prevent and reduce the damage that drugs do, and thereby build a healthier and safer world.”

Don't Miss Out:

We are extending the deadline for Accomodation Packages!
Due to high demand, we have extended the deadline for Accomodation Package reservations from June 9 to July 9, 2008.

If you have not already done so, please go to http://www.faf.org/programs/unyouthassembly/packages.htm to check out your options. You will find detailed descriptions as well as invidual or group reservation forms so that you can reserve your place and ensure a safe and easy experience at the 2008 Annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations! Simply download a reservation form, fill it out and fax it to us with the required documents as indicated on the form.

You can choose from:

Youth Leader Bonus Package
August 6-17, 2008
Leadership Seminar + Youth Assembly + Post-Assembly Social Extension in NYC
Find out more about the Leadership Seminar by clicking here.


Youth Leader Package
August 6-15, 2008
Leadership Seminar + Youth Assembly
Find out more about the Leadership Seminar by clicking here.

The Big Apple Conference Package
August 11-17, 2008
Youth Assembly + Post-Assembly Social Extension in NYC

Basic Conference Package
August 11-15, 2008


Remember: Travel Packages are optional although HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Staying together adds a tremendous benefit to the delegates' experience. It allows you informal time with fellow delegates, makes exploring the New York City easy and enjoyable. For your safety and security, as well as to make the entire experience affordable and complete, we strongly encourage this option during your stay.

The 5th Annual Youth Assembly is approaching and we are looking forward to seeing you at the United Nations.

Here is some information you might want to have.

International Culture Night

You are invited to present and participate in one of our special events, the International Culture Night at the Youth Assembly on Wednesday, August 13.

Dress in your traditional national clothes and represent your culture and country through music, dance, or other artistic presentations. All the participants who signed up for this special event are invited to make a short, 5-6 minute presentation. It is always so much fun!


International Youth Day

FAF and the Youth Assembly have partnered up with International Youth Day organizers. As a YA delegate, you are invited to attend their events happening right outside the United Nations on August 12. International Youth Day also invites you to participate with them. Please let us know if you are interested in:

1. Helping create the Peace Wall Mural with Cityarts
2. Performing a dance, song, skit
3. Reading an original poem
4. Becoming a text pal/pen pal of a NYC teen/young adult
5. Joining a silent rave
6. Participating in a fashion show

If you are a registered participant, you are eligible to receive more information on how to sign up for these two very exciting events. Hope to see you in August!