A MALTON teenager has returned from Japan, where she was taking part in the youth equivalent of the G7 meeting of world leaders.

Jess Monkman, 18, travelled to Japan to take part in talks about issues like global warming and gender equality alongside delegates from the other G7 countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.

The youth summit, known as the J7, featured a packed week of meetings and workshops in which the young delegates crafted a set of recommendations to be discussed by world leaders at the G7 Summit later this month.

Jess said: "Taking part in the J7 Summit was a fantastic experience. I was able to contribute to some really important conversations about gender equality and how we can make sure all girls get the education they deserve.

"It’s so important that young people are listened to at events like the G7; I’ll be following the summit closely to see what decisions are made and how our recommendations are taken on board."

Jess met the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinz? Abe, and high ranking officials at the British Embassy in Tokyo.

She also attended a meeting with Julia Longbottom, deputy head of mission at the British Embassy in Japan.

The young delegates called on world leaders to urgently invest more money in sustainable energy and do more to ensure girls all over the world get a good education. Their recommendations included improving internet access in schools in the developing world and increasing carbon taxes.

Jess was chosen to attend the summit after taking part in the UK Government funded International Citizen Service (ICS) programme, and is now urging other young people to strive to make their voices heard.

She said: "If you’re a young person interested in global issues like the environment and fighting poverty, I’d really encourage you to apply for ICS.

"Volunteering abroad and working alongside young people from the country you’re in makes you realise how much you can achieve, and events like the J7 just prove this.

"Anyone can make a difference, so why not step up and get involved?"

ICS is open to people aged 18-25 when their placement begins. Those aged 23-35 can also apply to be ICS team leaders. To find out more, visit volunteerics.org