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Three students from BIS Abu Dhabi recently had the extraordinary opportunity to represent the school at the UNICEF Global Summit, a week-long international conference at Houston, Texas, that brought together over 150 young people from across the world. The summit aimed to empower students to take meaningful action on global challenges by exploring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through workshops, discussions, and collaborative projects.
The summit combined learning, leadership, and cultural exchange in a setting that encouraged participants to share ideas and develop new strategies to make a difference in their communities. Throughout the week, students engaged in interactive sessions, presentations from guest speakers, and excursions to learn about sustainable projects and community development. They also worked together in small, multicultural groups to develop and present projects addressing issues they were passionate about, from mental health awareness to environmental sustainability.
One of the most impactful aspects of the experience was the opportunity to collaborate and engage with students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds. Students’ leadership, communication, and teamwork skills were enhanced by working with peers who approached global issues from a variety of perspectives. They learned how collaboration can transcend boundaries and how effective communication can unite divergent viewpoints towards a shared objective.
Meriam shared, “Meeting students from all over the world and working together on shared goals taught me how powerful collaboration can be when everyone brings their own experiences and ideas.”
Throughout the week, students also attended talks from guest speakers who challenged them to think about purpose and global responsibility in new ways. Zahra was particularly inspired by one of the sessions: “I realised that purpose isn’t something fixed — it changes as we grow and as our environment changes.”
The students were supported throughout the summit by Ms. Atkinson, who helped coordinate their participation, guided them through workshops, and assisted with project planning and presentations. This support allowed the students to focus fully on engaging with their peers, developing ideas, and applying what they learned in a purposeful way.
The experience not only broadened their awareness of global issues but highlighted how young people can make a meaningful difference in their own schools and communities. Inspired by the summit, the students returned with ideas for a student-led campaign aimed at reducing stigma and promoting open communication around mental health. Their goal is to normalise wellbeing conversations among students and inspire others to make small but impactful changes in their daily lives.
Diyaar, reflecting on the experience, said, “Seeing how students my age were already leading impactful projects made me realise that change can start right where we are, we just have to take the first step.”
As a result of the summit, our students gained a deeper appreciation of global citizenship, empathy, and the importance of communication. They returned not only as representatives of BIS Abu Dhabi, but as ambassadors for positive change, ready to inspire their peers and make a genuine impact within the school community.
Written by Aanya, Year 13 student