We call upon high school students and teachers to participate the UNGA Conference 2019 (www.unga-conference.org) that will brings esteemed UN diplomats, academics, experts, educators, and young leaders who are passionate about making a positive social change in our world. The conference will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at 4 West 43 Street New York, NY 10036.
This year, we dedicated Panel 2: Advancing Youth through Social and Economic Empowerment for youth empowerment that aims to address policies and practices in social and economic empowerment of youth and how multi-stakeholders can work in collaboration to support youth-led initiatives and organizations.
Our global education team prepared the Youth Conference Curriculum (attached) that provides teachers and students with learning goals, objectives, and indicators for success. The curriculum also includes pre-conference preparation with suggested activities, ice-breakers, and follow-up projects. The curriculum focuses on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals with an emphasis on Goal No. 4, Target 7 of The Education 2030 Agenda and Framework for Action.
“ensure that all learners are provided with the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and nonviolence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development”.
This is an amazing opportunity for high school students to engage in meaningful learning experiences while developing global competency skills for educational and personal growth. RSVP is required for teachers and students because there is limited space granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Free breakfast and lunch will be served.
Youth Conference Curriculum
The UNGA 2019 conference aims to address policies and practices in advancing youth through social and economic empowerment and how multi-stakeholders can work in collaboration to support youth-led initiatives and organizations. The conference curriculum for youth focuses on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals with an emphasis on Goal No. 4, Target 7 of The Education 2030 Agenda and Framework for Action.
“ensure that all learners are provided with the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and nonviolence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development”.
Goal
The goal is to collaborate with schools and community organizations to equip and encourage youth to learn, think critically and take action on real-world issues through active engagement in GCED and sustainable development programs, activities and events.
Learning Objectives
The domains of learning (cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioral) serve as the basis for the learning objectives. Youth will:
• Assess the root causes of major local, national and global issues and the interconnectedness of local, national and global factors
• Critically examine local, national and global issues, responsibilities and consequences of decision-making, examine and propose appropriate responses
• Investigate underlying assumptions and describe inequalities and power dynamics
• Critically assess the ways in which power dynamics affect voice, influence, access to resources, decision-making and governance
• Demonstrate appreciation and respect for difference and diversity, cultivate empathy and solidarity towards other individuals and social groups
• Critically assess connectedness between different groups, communities and countries
• Examine how individuals and groups have taken action on issues of local, national and global importance and get engaged in responses to local, national and global issues
• Develop and apply skills for effective civic engagement
• Develop skills for active engagement and take action to promote the common good
Outcomes
Cognitive
- Learners acquire knowledge and understanding of local, national and global issues and the interconnectedness and interdependency of different countries and populations
- Learners develop skills for critical thinking and analysis
Socio-Emotional
- Learners experience a sense of belonging to a common humanity, sharing values and responsibilities, based on human rights
- Learners develop attitudes of empathy, solidarity and respect for differences and diversity
Behavioral
- Learners act effectively and responsibly at local, national and global levels for a more peaceful and sustainable world
- Learners develop motivation and willingness to take necessary actions
- Learners propose action for, and become agents of, positive change
Success Indictors
Policies and practices in advancing youth through social and economic empowerment and how multi-stakeholders can work in collaboration to support youth-led initiatives and organizations.
- Youth operating as social change agents in their school and community
- Youth demonstrating progress in GCED knowledge and skills
- Youth creating innovative solutions to real-world issues
- Youth training peers to sustainable development goals
Pre-conference Preparation
- Bring business cards, a fully charged phone or a personal video camera to record interviews.
- Dress professionally (Boys: school uniform – Girls: school uniform)
- Practice your best firm handshake, make strong eye contact, and speaking loudly and confidently.
- Please be prepared to speak with students and leaders from around the world. Practice the following conversation starters before the event:
- Q: What does it mean to be a global citizen, and why do you think people need to adopt this perspective?
- Q: Why is it important for youth to develop a global citizenship mindset, and what are some ways to help them become global citizens?
- Q: Which of the 17 sustainable development goals is important to you, and how can it be used to empower youth social, economically, and culturally?
- Q: How can youth take intentional, informed, and responsible action locally and internationally to bring about sustainable change?
SESSION ACTIVITIES
You will be tasked with dividing into small groups to interview two different leaders and two different peers/youth based on the questions below. One team member will take the role as the “interviewer” asking the questions, while the other team member takes on the role as the “camera person” videotaping the interview. Each interview should be roughly 60 to 90 seconds in length. Make sure to switch roles between the camera person and the interviewer as you interview your two leaders and two peers/youth.
Conversation Starter
Introduce yourself… “Hello my name is…”
- “I am from…. I attend …I aspire to be….”
- What is your name? What is your profession or purpose for attending this event?
- How familiar are you with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (show them the SDG card)?
QUESTIONS
- Q: What does it mean to be a global citizen, and why do you think people need to adopt this perspective?
- Q: Why is it important for youth to develop a global citizenship mindset, and what are some ways to help them become global citizens?
- Q: Which of the 17 sustainable development goals is important to you, and how can it be used to empower youth social, economically, and culturally?
- Q: How can youth take intentional, informed, and responsible action locally and internationally to bring about sustainable change?
Note: Be sure to say thank you and shake their hand after you finish the interview.
FOLLOW UP
After your team has interviewed two leaders and two peers at the conference, each team member will individually create a 30 to 60 seconds reflection video about their experience at conference. The video can be uploaded to your school’s website and/or social media. We can also promote students’ videos based on your consent. If you do not want to submit a video, the second option is to write an article or analysis about your experience and share it your classmates and the school. Be sure to discuss your experience or opinions about the ability or notion of a call to action for certain problems around the world. What did you feel strongly or passionately about during the event?
PROGRAM
09:00 – 09:30 AM – Opening and Welcome Remarks
09:30 – 11:00 AM
Panel 1: Inclusive Social Development in achieving the Global Goals 2030
- Social integration policies that promote access to basic public services
- Role of the culture of peace in social cohesion and inclusiveness
- Civil society participation to facilitate social development
- Importance of rule of law and democracy to reduce inequalities and implement social development policies
11:00 – 11:15 AM – Coffee Break
11:15 – 12:45 PM
Panel 2: Advancing Youth through Social and Economic Empowerment
- Key priorities and challenges in access to quality education
- Developing life and entrepreneurial skills to prepare the youth for the rapidly evolving labor market
- From consultation to collaboration: How to create meaningful and sustained youth participation in the decision-making mechanisms?
- Youth as stakeholders in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals: Advocacy, awareness-raising, and capacity building
12:45 – 2:00 PM – Lunch
2:00 – 3:30 PM
Panel 3: Protection of Social, Economic, and Cultural Rights
- Promotion of cultural rights in building peaceful societies
- Human rights-based approach to the UN Development Agenda
- Violation of human rights leading to social unrest: Country-based Analysis
- Early warning mechanisms of human rights to prevent conflicts
3:30 – 3:45 PM – Coffee Break
3:45 – 4:30 PM
Session – Pioneers in SDGs
- Presentation of successful local projects by the Global Partners
4:30 – 4:45 PM – Closing Remarks
STUDENT RESOURCES
Dear teachers and students,
There are numerous materials available on the following websites are for teachers and students alike – a fun and engaging way to learn about the Sustainable Development Goals and what you can do to take action to make them a reality. You can make a positive social change in your school, in your community, and around the world.
Think Globally, Act Locally, and Become Global Citizens!
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/student-resources/
http://worldslargestlesson.globalgoals.org