Anglia students globally to explore implementing the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within their communities.
Students engaged with community stakeholders, UNICEF representatives, toured the Houston Museum of Natural Science, supported the BISH school’s Food for Friends initiative, assisted the Houston Food Bank, and lobbied with local governments to create educational resources.
Key Takeaways from the Summit
Anna Toledano
A strong dedication to advocating for Jewish students and the autism community, along with her active involvement in school clubs such as Model UN and policy and policy forum debate, highlights her commitment to addressing global issues. As Vice President of the Hebrew Language and Culture Club, Anna values diversity and embraces challenging conversations, drawing inspiration from the diverse perspectives of her peers.
Anna shared a significant takeaway from her experiences, expressing a desire to continue connecting with peers from diverse backgrounds. She aims to contribute to solutions for multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) after working with a bright and motivated group. "It's about understanding and leveraging our differences to create meaningful change," Anna emphasized. "Through collaboration and shared insights, we can tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges."
Inayaa Kazi
As Founder and President of the UNICEF Club, Inayaa found the summit profoundly inspiring. "Meeting passionate students from around the world strengthened my commitment to global citizenship and underscored the importance of collaboration for positive change," she reflected. The summit provided a unique opportunity to achieve goals by collaborating with like-minded students who share a similar vision for the future. Inayaa emphasized a key takeaway from her experience: "I will always keep in mind the importance of truly being a global citizen in whatever work I do in the future." Her dedication to global citizenship and collaborative efforts highlights her commitment to making a lasting impact on the world.
Both Anna and Inayaa's experiences underscore the impact of youth engagement in global initiatives like the SDGs. Their volunteer work at the Houston Food Bank and lobbying efforts highlight their practical approach to making a difference.
SDGs in Action
The summit emphasized developing advocacy skills and applying the SDGs, focusing on five specific goals:
Goal 2: Zero Hunger
Students learned to combat world hunger and achieve food security. The BISH school’s Food for Friends initiative involved rebuilding a greenhouse and planting vegetables for a homeless shelter. Students also packed 19,040 meals at the Houston Food Bank. Anna’s favorite activity at the summit was the meal packing.
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
Anna and Inayaa plan to spearhead a mental health awareness at North Broward Prep with MASK (Mental Awareness and Suicide Prevention Knowledge), addressing limited access to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services.
Goal 4: Quality Education
This goal ensures inclusive and equitable education. Anna and Inayaa’s engagement in advanced courses and campus activities exemplifies their commitment to lifelong learning.
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities among countries
Anna’s advocacy work against antisemitism and for the autism community contributes to reducing inequalities within her school and broader community, aligning with Goal 10's aim to ensure inclusivity and equality.
Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Advocating for all students through the UNICEF and Model UN clubs on campus supports Goal 16’s objective of promoting peaceful, inclusive societies and justice for all.
Leadership in action
Anna and Inayaa aim to inspire others and continue their efforts toward achieving the SDGs and promoting children’s rights. Their dedication to collaboration, advocacy, and cultural appreciation serves as a model for effective youth engagement in global initiatives. This summit experience enriched their understanding of global issues and empowered them to advocate for positive change within their communities.
Their intent to share newfound skills and insights with fellow students by inspiring further action, aligns perfectly with the summit’s goals. The UNICEF Student Summit ignited a passion for creating positive social change that will influence their future endeavors.