Press Releases
Croatia's First Youth Delegate to Speak at the 60th United Nations General Assembly Session in New York
For Immediate Release
October 4, 2005
Zagreb, October 3, 2005 - Matej Peretin (14), will be the first Youth Delegate ever from the Republic of Croatia to speak at the Sixtieth United Nations General Assembly in New York from October 3-7, 2005. As President of the Youth City Council for the City of Slatina, he will accompany a Croatian delegation to speak about the city's first Youth Council election. His speech will be part of the United Nations General Assembly's discussion about the World Program of Action for Youth, ten years after its adoption in 1995. His participation is a result of a USAID-sponsored project providing technical assistance to strengthen local governments' ability to address citizen's needs more efficiently and provide more transparency and accountability in local affairs.
Youth city council elections enable young people to actively participate in decision-making and implementation of youth related policies in local governments. Close to 800 youth ranging from ages 12-16 were involved in organizing the youth city council election in the City of Slatina in March 2005. Slatina's 19-member youth council advises the City Council on matters such as the use of public space, sports, cultural programs and social events.
USAID is the primary assistance organization of the United States Government. Since 1992, the United States has provided over $407 million to Croatia (much of it through USAID programs) to strengthen democratic institutions and assist in postwar reconstruction and the return of refugees, to support de-mining and economic development, and to provide educational and training opportunities. The U.S. has also provided guidance and support to the Croatian judicial and military sectors to further Croatia's integration in Euro-Atlantic institutions.