Tasked with finding the next Youth Observer to the United Nations, an interviewer asked applicant Cynthia Yue, a George Washington University senior international affairs major, what superpower she possessed.
Growing up in Tennessee as a first-generation American and woman of color, Ms. Yue knew creating a better world for all doesn’t just happen at the snap of a finger. It takes hard work, forging relationships and providing opportunities for people from all representations.
“I don’t have a superpower, but what I can do is see what other people are doing and bring them together by seeing their strengths and amplifying their voices,” Ms. Yue said.
Ms. Yue earned the job and was inaugurated in August as UNA-USA Youth Observer to the United Nations, where she’s tasked with engaging young Americans and bringing their voices to the table at UN events throughout her one-year term.
She has done virtual listening and amplifying tours with hundreds of young people across the country, hearing directly from those who will one day shape the policies and procedures of the world. Ms. Yue created a diversity bloc and has set up a case competition with UNA-USA and UNICEF USA so young citizens from all backgrounds and geographic locations can have their voices directly heard.
“We inherited a broken world and one that was plagued by climate crisis, hunger and systemic inequities,” Ms. Yue said. “What I have seen is that young people are at the forefront of these movements to build back a better world.”
She is doing all of this while balancing coursework at GW, where she is expected to graduate in May. Ms. Yue noted how understanding Elliott School of International Affairs faculty members have been as she lives out GW’s mission of immersion and service education.
Ms. Yue first came to Washington, D.C., in high school, when she served as a Senate page. She fell in love with the city and chose GW because it gave her front-row access to change. Ms. Yue, who spent seven years as a UNICEF volunteer, knew early on she wanted to make a difference. She’s doing just that by listening to and lifting all voices who seek progress.
“We can only make change if the young people are advocating for them, and young people are doing so many great works of activism to make statements and hold our leaders accountable,” Ms. Yue said. “That brings me hope.”
And hope may just be the world’s most influential superpower.