Press Release

NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs Commissioner Edward Mermelstein Announces 2025 Cohort of NYC Junior Ambassadors

For Immediate Release: March 12, 2025

Contact: Malissa Ifill, IAmedia@cityhall.nyc.gov, 212-319-9439

Celebrating Ten Years of empowering youth and educators across the five boroughs to take community actions on global issues.

New York – Today, Commissioner Edward Mermelstein of the Mayor's Office for International Affairs proudly launched the 2025 NYC Junior Ambassadors cohort, marking the 10th anniversary of this transformative program. For a decade, NYC Junior Ambassadors has connected young New Yorkers and their educators to global affairs, empowering them to become informed and engaged global citizens. This year's cohort of nearly 600 students and educators from 21 diverse classrooms and afterschool programs reflects the rich perspectives and talents of New Yorkers. This program is made possible through the generous support of the MSC Foundation through a collaboration with the NYC Mayor's Fund to Advance NYC. The program is also operated in partnership with the New York City Public Schools, the Department of Youth and Community Development, the United Nations, and the UN Foundation. The program will take place February to June 2025.

"For ten years, NYC Junior Ambassadors has empowered young New Yorkers to engage with global issues, and this year's cohort of nearly 600 students and educators continues that legacy," said Mayor Eric Adams. "When young people see themselves as global citizens, they learn to advocate for their communities and create meaningful change. Congratulations to the new cohort of NYC Junior Ambassadors–your leadership will help shape a brighter future for our city and the world."

"NYC Junior Ambassadors has empowered thousands of young New Yorkers to see themselves as global citizens and important members of their communities," said Mayor's Office for International Affairs Commissioner Edward Mermelstein. "Thanks to the strong leadership and partnerships, the program has served more than 5,900 youth and educators, equipping them with the knowledge and inspiration to engage with the world and make an impact. As we celebrate our 10th cohort, we reaffirm our Administration's commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders who will carry forward New York City's legacy as a hub of international diplomacy."

"This administration is proud to commemorate the 10th anniversary of this transformative initiative, which has empowered countless young New Yorkers with the knowledge, mentorship, and global perspective necessary to thrive as engaged citizens of the world. Through the NYC Junior Ambassadors program, students are not only developing critical skills but also forging meaningful connections with international leaders, broadening their horizons, and deepening their understanding of global affairs," said Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor for Administration Camille Joseph Varlack. "I am deeply grateful to our dedicated partners whose unwavering commitment to this program continues to uplift and inspire the next generation of changemakers. Together, we are ensuring that New York City remains a beacon of opportunity, diplomacy, and global leadership."

"Congratulations to this year's cohort of NYC Junior Ambassadors and to the team at the Mayor's Office for International Affairs on the 10th anniversary of this innovative program," said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. "New York City is an international city which reflects and magnifies all of the world's diversity, so it's only fitting that we provide our young people with this opportunity to work on global issues and develop skills in leadership, collaboration and innovation. I look forward to hearing about what this year's cohort is able to learn and achieve as part of this program."

"When I created NYC Junior Ambassadors ten years ago, my goal was to give youth and educators direct access to the United Nations–opening their eyes to global challenges and the international community located in the heart of NYC. I also wanted them to know that they belong in the halls of the UN and have the power to enact change," said Mayor's Office for International Affairs Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Staff Aissata Camara. "What began as an opportunity for New Yorkers to understand their link to the world has become an award-winning program that facilitates the participation of young New Yorkers and educators in professional development, community service, and advocacy. As we celebrate a decade of impact, NYC Junior Ambassadors remains committed to shaping global diplomats locally for years to come."

"I am always inspired to see students actively engaging with global issues that impact our future," said Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. "Programs like NYC Junior Ambassadors don't just inform our students – they empower them to become thoughtful humanitarians within their communities. The perspectives and insights they will gain from this experience will shape them as leaders and changemakers, and I am excited to witness those effects in the years to come."

"DYCD is very proud to be a longtime partner of NYC Junior Ambassadors, which helps young people find their voice as global citizens," said Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard. "Mayor Adams has told young people, 'Don't be a MetroCard graduate, be a passport graduate and conquer the globe.' To meet the mayor's challenge to DYCD to build an international program, we have sent young people on a cultural exchange trip to Ghana, and HANAC and Tucks Travels have secured passports for young people–free of charge. I am also excited that DYCD is exploring the launch of an international student exchange program, in partnership with NYPD, NYC Public Schools, and Commissioner Mermelstein and the Mayor's Office of International Affairs. Congratulations to the NYC Junior Ambassadors initiative on ten years of exceptional service!"

"We are proud to celebrate this 10th-anniversary milestone of equipping young minds with essential knowledge on sustainable development and multinational perspectives, "said Daniela Picco, executive director, MSC Foundation. "Since 2022, the MSC Foundation has been a committed supporter of this impactful initiative in New York City–fittingly a crossroads of cultures and ideas. By fostering dialogue on global challenges with UN and diplomatic leaders, it continues to inspire the next generation of changemakers."

"As I step into the Director of Strategic Relationships role, I'm honored to lead the NYC Junior Ambassadors program in the 10th year," said Mayor's Office for International Affairs Director of Strategic Relationships Carly Avezzano. "The program reflects our city's commitment to empowering young people to engage with global issues and take action. By connecting students and educators to the work of the United Nations, we're expanding their perspectives and helping them see their role in shaping a more sustainable and compassionate world. We're happy to welcome the 2025 cohort and continue this incredible legacy of global learning for youth in NYC."

"As the principal of Brooklyn Science and Engineering Academy, I am incredibly proud of the students who have participated in the NYC Junior Ambassadors program," said Public Schools Principal of Brooklyn Science and Engineering Academy Angela DeFilippis. "This partnership with the Mayor's Office for International Affairs has provided our students with invaluable experiences, from curated tours of the UN headquarters to engaging directly with diplomats and NYC leaders. The program has significantly enhanced our students' communication and leadership skills, and it has inspired them to think critically about global issues and how they can make a difference in their communities. We are excited to continue supporting the next generation of young leaders who are ready to take action on the world stage."

"Over the years, the NYC Junior Ambassadors program has transformed the lives of hundreds of our students, "said Public School Principal of PS/IS 78Q Deana Rombone. "Through meaningful interactions with representatives from around the world and their support, these young leaders were inspired and are now empowered to make a positive impact in their communities and gain leadership skills to be change agents. What once seemed like a distant world is now within their reach, right in their own backyard."

"Students take steps towards becoming global citizens when they expand their multicultural awareness in their classrooms, neighborhoods, and homes," said Robert Skinner, deputy director of the Outreach Division, United Nations Department of Global Communications.  "They learn that common problems in their own communities require shared solutions, much like the larger global issues facing our world demand cooperation among nations.  The NYC Junior Ambassadors program and the dedicated teachers that participate in it expand horizons and opportunities for all those that participate.  From the UN, we welcome the chance to be a part of this important initiative."       

Since 2015, the globally recognized, award-winning NYC Junior Ambassadors program has empowered young New Yorkers and educators to see themselves as changemakers, inspiring them to shape a fairer, more sustainable world. As we mark this incredible milestone, we celebrate the program's impact in connecting students to the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)–tackling critical global issues like poverty, climate change, and inequality.

Through dynamic, hands-on experiences, and assistance from Take Action Global, each participating class will integrate the SDGs into their curriculum, receive a curated tour of the UN headquarters, and welcome a senior diplomat into their classroom for an exclusive discussion on global affairs. Since the start of the program, NYC Junior Ambassadors have hosted UN Ambassadors from nearly every continent, engaged in high-level global events, moderated discussions with world leaders, and even shared the stage with UN Secretary-Generals.

Last year's cohort capped off their journey with a special celebration at Gracie Mansion, showcasing their transformative experiences. Over 5,900 students and educators have taken part in this one-of-a-kind initiative. The educators will also continue benefitting from professional development trainings and support from the NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs and partners.

"We pause today to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the NYC Junior Ambassadors Program, "said Troy Wolfe, senior director of partnerships & special initiatives, United Nations Foundation (UNA-USA). "In so doing, we acknowledge all the educators, students, schools, and community-based organizations that have enabled this program to introduce youth to the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals. As a best practice, we applaud the ingenuity of these young scholars in developing projects with real world implications for all New Yorkers. Our future looks bright as we continue to prepare young minds to navigate complex issues with diplomacy and cooperation."

"Through the NYC Junior Ambassadors program, we are empowering the next generation of global changemakers by bringing the world into classrooms and classrooms into the world, "said Dr. Jennifer Williams, executive director, Take Action Global. "By fostering global competence, inspiring civic engagement, and amplifying student voices, we are shaping a future where young leaders in New York City and beyond are prepared to build a more just, sustainable, and connected world."

About the Mayor's Office for International Affairs

The New York City Mayor's Office for International Affairs fosters positive relations and encourages collaboration between the international community, New York City's agencies, and local neighborhoods. The Office is focused on promoting NYC's economic development opportunities, sharing New York City's policies and best practices globally, and responding to foreign governments, the United Nations, and the U.S. Department of State requests. For more information, follow us on Twitter (now X), Instagram, and our website.

2025 NYC Junior Ambassadors Cohort

Al-Ihsan Academy
Bronx Lab High School
K783 Brooklyn Science and Engineering Academy
Community High School
I.S. 062 Ditmas
East New York Middle School of Excellence
Harlem Village Academy North Charter School
I.S. 429
I.S. 171 The Magnet School of Leadership & Innovation
Icahn Charter School 4
Long Island City High School
Marsh Avenue Expeditionary Learning School
Progress High School for Professional Careers
P.S./I.S. 78Q
P.S. 095 Sheila Mencher
Queens Collegiate: A College Board School
Renaissance School of the Arts
I.S. 204 Oliver Homes