We are living in the midst of International and Political revolution: From Greta to Johnston, Britain to China, people want change. Never has it been more crucial to study the world and the connections within it. Up until a few months ago, shaking hands with a former President was completely out of my prospect - this March I will have that opportunity.

I’m Jacob Horsburgh, an 18 year old sixth year student at the Edinburgh Steiner School, hoping to study International Relations next year. I have always had a passion for politics and ‘the way things work’. In March I will be traveling to the United Nations HQ for a Youth Summit (Change the World) along with a ‘mock UN’ - this is not only a chance for me to actively participate in decision making, meet world leaders and activists but also represent the views of young people. Thanks to the likes of Greta Thunberg and other youth activists, the leaders of the world are starting to realise that us young people should have a voice as we are the ones who will shape the future - hence opportunities like this are so crucial.

The total cost of this summit is expected to be somewhere in the region of £2,200, however I have been awarded with a diplomatic scholarship of $500. The costs are to cover flights to London to participate in training sessions and a debrief after the summit, flights to New York for the summit in late March, a weeks accommodation there, living expenses, food, travel and more.

I want to use this opportunity as a way of mutual discussion regarding issues that effect young people in the world we live in - I will be debating issues such as: feminism, globalisation, climate change and human trafficking. I furthermore wish to use this as a stepping stone, helping me to get a feel for what it is like to work in politics and giving me experience in such an international setting to bring into university next year.

Thank you! Jacob