United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines
The United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (commonly abbreviated as UNYAP) is a national, non-profit civic organization run by students and young professionals across the 18 administrative regions of the Philippines. Established originally in 2000, the association functions as the official youth division of the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP), a prominent non-governmental organization founded in 1947 to champion the principles and charter mandates of the United Nations within the country.
History
The early iterations of the organization began in 2000 under the name Youth for United Nations (YFUN), operating as a localized youth-mobilization unit for UNAP. In 2008, following strategic directives issued by the World Federation of United Nations Associations – Youth (WFUNA-Youth) to align global naming conventions, the organization formally restructured and adopted its current designation as the United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines.
Core Mandates and Programs
UNYAP's primary mission focuses on educating Filipino youth regarding international relations, multilateral diplomacy, and civic duty. The organization targets leadership integration through several continuous structural programs:
- SDG Localization – Conducting regional training forums and community summits, such as the Philippine Youth Convention for SDG Localization, aimed at translating the UN Sustainable Development Goals into local municipal programs.
Governance and Leadership
The association is governed by an executive board alongside a national leadership body known as the National Board of Trustees. The trustees are tasked with drafting operational policy, overseeing regional chapter expansions, managing strategic multi-sector alliances, and directing national program frameworks under the active guidance of the UNAP mother chapter.
The national leadership team elected during the "2030 IS NOW: 1st Philippine Youth Convention on SDG Localization" comprises the following officers:
Name |
Position |
|---|---|
Marck Lester B. Esto |
National President |
Serafin P. Foronda III |
Internal Vice President |
Ramon L. Luistro Jr. |
External Vice President |
Shevana Jairah M. Hernaez |
National Secretary |
Kim Zyrelle S. Lumayas |
Associate Secretary |
Samantha Kim D. Patetico |
National Treasurer |
Marcus Jason C. Domingo |
Associate Treasurer |
Josiah M. Policarpio |
National Auditor |
Irven Bryce C. Furiscal |
Public Relations Officer |
Trisha Ann P. Apio |
Business Manager |
Joshua G. Dayuno |
National Board Trustee |
Ahron Pagayao Pakan |
National Board Trustee |
Siddalee B. Mozo |
National Board Trustee |
John Michael A. Cajandig |
National Board Trustee |
Jefferson C. Uy |
National Board Trustee |
See Also
- United Nations Association of the Philippines
- World Federation of United Nations Associations
- Sustainable Development Goals