Santa Fe, NM - New Mexico Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall and Representative Ben Ray Luján congratulated Alex Wirth of Santa Fe on his recent appointment to the U.S. National Commission for the United Nations Education, Scientific, Cultural Organization (UNESCO). At 18, Wirth is the youngest member to be appointed to the Commission. His appointment reflects the current Administration's ongoing commitment to youth engagement here in the U.S. and around the world.
"I congratulate Alex on being appointed to this prestigious position. His background and experiences will surely be of great value to the Commission and I wish him the best of luck," Senator Bingaman said.
"Alex is leading a new generation of Americans eager to engage in public service and confront our nation's challenges from a fresh perspective," said Sen. Tom Udall. "His outstanding commitment to promoting youth participation in our democracy will serve the Commission well and I congratulate him on becoming the youngest appointment ever to this post."
"Even at a young age, Alex will bring to the Commission a wealth of experience promoting youth engagement and provide a distinct voice that represents the next generation of leaders," Congressman Luján said. "I congratulate him on this exciting opportunity to offer his perspective as a leader in our community and contribute to the Commission's goals of promoting a brighter future and a stronger global community."
The U.S. National Commission for UNESCO is a federal advisory committee to the Department of State that supports worldwide humanitarian development and values by coordinating efforts and delivering expert advice from federal, state, and local governments and from non-government organizations on issues of education, science, communications, and culture. Commissioners bring tremendous expertise and experience in order to advise how our nation might improve engagement in these areas in an effort to eradicate poverty, sustain development, and promote an intercultural dialogue of peace.
Wirth was appointed to the Commission by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and will serve a three-year term. Prior to the appointment, Wirth has served as Chair of the Santa Fe Mayor's Youth Advisory Board where he led an initiative to create a new teen center as well as a positive youth development program between the Santa Fe Police Department and the Santa Fe Public Schools to combat gang violence. Wirth also founded the Youth Working Group to the U.S. National Commission to UNESCO, bringing together 10 young people in this first of its kind initiative at the State Department to help connect more youth in the United States with the work of UNESCO. Currently, Wirth is serving as a fellow at the Forum for Youth Investment where he is working to promote ways for young people to get involved as stakeholders in government.
