He was referring to the 80 students from Keira, Bulli, Woonona, Corrimal, Smiths Hill, Figtree and Wollongong High School who took part in Wollongong’s first ever United Nations Youth Forum.

Asian political systems and conflict in Asia was the focus of the forum held at Keira High School on Friday.

‘’It really is music to my ears to hear these students are so eager to contribute and make a real difference,’’ Mr Khatouki said.

‘’As the world gets more complex, as our responsibilities and Australia's responsibilities on the global stage becomes bigger and heavier, we need students to be able to engage, to be able to resolve those problems and to be able to know what’s going on the world stage.’’

Keira HS Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) head teacher Karl Weber said it was a great honour for the school to host the important forum.

‘’It is an important event because it is engaging the students with the concept of active citizenship,’’ he said.

‘’It is also connecting them with the realm of international events and the idea that through problem solving and critical thinking and communication, they can negotiate in a respectful way, in order to solve problems.’’

Students with an aptitude for leadership and an awareness of international events, had the opportunity to work with the UN educational team, and their peers, to learn more about the world and collaborate to solve issues.

They took part in a number of specialised workshops throughout the day and debated contemporary issues and practiced their diplomatic skills in crisis simulations.

Illawarra politicians Ryan Park, Paul Scully and Sharon Bird also dropped by and addressed students on the day.

‘’I want to thank the UN team for providing us with this opportunity. We hope to make it an annual event,’’ Mr Weber said.

United Nations Youth Australia is a national youth-led organisation that aims to educate and empower young Australians on global issues.