Empowering the Youth Voice at Race Unity Speech Awards.

UNESCO Aotearoa Youth Leaders Wesley Tanuvasa (facilitator) and Madiha Ali and Isaac Morunga (judges) supported this year's kaupapa.

Twenty-one inspiring youth from across the motu (land) reached the semi-finals, with six progressing to the finals. The unwavering support from e hoa mā (friends), whānau (family), hapori (community), and ngā kaiako (educators) highlighted the continued momentum for courageous conversations on race in Aotearoa New Zealand.

We would particularly like to acknowledge Jordyn Pillay from Ormiston Senior College, the overall champion. She received both the Tohu Raukura-ā-Motu NZ Police National Champion’s Award and the Tohu Whetumatarau – Ministry for Ethnic Communities Award for Vision.

Pillay challenged observers and participants to consider the cumulative impact of the "8-minute" speeches across all speakers, past and present, emphasising, “Every voice, no matter how small, holds the power to create change […] shaping a world where diversity is a force, not just a gesture.”

Reflecting on the event, Special Advisor Youth, Isaac Morunga, noted the empowering "bar-raising" that occurred this year, observing the return of previous attendees from last year.

Aotearoa Youth Leaders noted the challenge by rangatahi voiced to ensure “All feel heard, all feel valued, all feel respected.” 

The New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO acknowledges the Baháʼí Community, the founding partner who, in memory of Hedi Moani, made this space possible. We also thank our fellow partners for their ongoing commitment which helps achieve a fundamental principle of UNESCO's mission “to contribute to the building of a culture of peace.”