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INTERNATIONAL TOURS
Global Opportunities, Global Impact
At UN Youth New Zealand, our international tours open doors to the world. We empower young New Zealanders to step onto the global stage — connecting with international leaders, exploring critical global issues, and building the skills to drive change both at home and abroad.
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Our three major international tours — the Global Development Tour (GDT), National Conference with UN Youth Australia, and the EVATT Finals — offer transformative experiences for young people passionate about diplomacy, development, and leadership.
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Whether you’re meeting with United Nations officials, debating international security, or forging friendships across borders, each tour is designed to challenge your thinking, grow your confidence, and expand your horizons. You'll engage directly with global institutions, develop real-world skills in advocacy and negotiation, and join a network of young changemakers committed to shaping a better future.
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Each international tour captures the spirit of UN Youth: empowering, educational, and entirely youth-led. No matter your background or ambitions, there’s a place for you on the world stage.
Explore our international tours — and discover how far your passion can take you.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
In collaboration with UN Youth Australia
Each year, UN Youth New Zealand selects eight outstanding delegates to represent Aotearoa at UN Youth Australia's National Conference — a dynamic, week-long event bringing together high school students from across Australia and New Zealand.
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Held in a different Australian city each year, National Conference combines Model UN simulations, policy workshops, leadership development, and cultural exchange in an immersive programme that explores the big challenges facing our region and the world.
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For our New Zealand delegates, it’s a unique chance to engage with international peers, build confidence in diplomacy and advocacy, and gain fresh insight into trans-Tasman perspectives. The friendships, skills, and ideas formed at the National Conference often last far beyond the week itself — it’s a truly formative experience for any young person passionate about global issues and regional collaboration.
EVATT FINALS
In collaboration with UN Youth Australia
UN Youth New Zealand sends two teams of two students each year to compete in the EVATT Finals — Australia’s premier Model UN competition for high school students, hosted by UN Youth Australia.
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Named after Dr. H.V. Evatt, an Australian diplomat and former President of the UN General Assembly, the EVATT Competition simulates the UN Security Council, challenging teams to represent member states through negotiation, diplomacy, and debate.
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Our New Zealand teams travel to Australia to face off against top performers from across the region in a high-energy, high-stakes final. It’s a chance to test your skills in persuasion and strategic thinking — all while gaining deeper insight into international politics and decision-making at the highest level.
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EVATT isn’t just about winning; it’s about learning, connecting, and discovering the power of youth voices in international affairs. For those selected, it’s an experience that will sharpen your thinking and stay with you long after the final gavel falls.
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT TOUR
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The Global Development Tour (GDT) is UN Youth New Zealand’s premier international programme — a transformative, month-long journey for high school leavers to explore diplomacy, development, and leadership on the global stage.
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Held every two years, GDT takes a select delegation of 20 young New Zealanders to major global hubs like New York, London, Brussels, and Paris. Along the way, delegates meet with international NGOs, government agencies, and United Nations bodies to engage with the people and institutions shaping our world. From the halls of the UN Headquarters to grassroots organisations working on the frontlines of global change, GDT is an unforgettable crash course in international affairs.
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The tour returned in 2025 after a COVID hiatus — and we're already looking ahead to the next edition in 2027!
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GDT is more than travel. It’s an opportunity to challenge your thinking, expand your worldview, and connect with other passionate young people who care about the future. Whether you're interested in foreign policy, sustainable development, human rights, or global equity, this tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime deep dive into what global citizenship really means.
