A GLASGOW student has been selected as the voice of the UK's youth at a United Nations conference.

Natalie Wease from Lenzie is jetting off to New York to work with the Commission for Social Development - the UN body which aims to fight poverty and create full employment.

Strathclyde University law student Natalie, 23, will spend two weeks in New York working with the Commission contributing the views of young people in Britain.

She said: "I'm so excited about going. I've never been to New York before. I had to go to London last week for a briefing and it felt as if I was in a James Bond film.

"The Foreign Office building was an experience in itself - I can't imagine what it will be like at the UN."

In her spare time, Natalie volunteers with the Red Cross as well as Glasgow University's Goals programme, which aims to get more students into higher education from areas of significant unemployment.

"It's something I feel really strongly about and have been actively involved in and around Glasgow so I will hopefully be able to make a good contribution to the commission."

The Commission for Social Development is part of the United Nations and consists of 46 member states.

Natalie explained: "I'll be looking at responses to key reports focusing on youth employment, addressing the progress achieved and the constraints that young people face in relation to their participation in the global economy.

"Development is about creating an environment where young people have a real chance to create a better life for themselves, so it is essential they are represented at the meeting."

Natalie must compile a report on her findings when she returns, as well as facing university finals.

"But I'm sure I'll manage to squeeze in a wee bit of shopping while I'm in New York," she added.