Students take over the United Nations for World Children's Day

Students take over the United Nations for World Children’s Day Nord Anglia Education students are celebrating World Children's Day and raising awareness of the rights of the child and the Global Goals. Find out how students are taking part in a global chain reaction to debate the issues that impact our planet.  

Nord Anglia Education students are celebrating World Children's Day and raising awareness of the rights of the child and the Global Goals. Find out how students are taking part in a global chain reaction to debate the issues that impact our planet. 

Nord Anglia Education students around the world will come together on 20^th November to raise their voice in support of children’s rights and the Sustainable Development Goals by addressing some of the most pressing questions facing the planet.

“The Global Goals are important to me because they are hope for our future,” said 18 year-old Lina El Rasheed, a student at the British International School Abu Dhabi, explaining the significance of the Global Goals, “Even if we are only on the way in achieving them, that is already a big improvement to the lives of many. It is essential that we all work towards the goals, because they affect us all. Not only certain people, in certain countries, but every single human on earth.” 

World Children’s Day promotes the rights of children around the world and lends a platform to the millions who continue to be affected by poverty, violence, conflict and crises. It celebrates the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This year, UNICEF are encouraging a #KidsTakeOver - with young people taking over schools, businesses and government organisations around the world.

To mark the significance of this day, a group of 40 Nord Anglia Education students will join over 100 students from local area schools in New York City to take over the UN at their headquarters. Executive Director of UNICEF, Anthony Lake, and UN Secretary General, António Guterres, along with inspirational young activists and celebrities will also join students to celebrate the anniversary and encourage change.

Students will hear the personal stories of refugees, child soldiers, victims of child marriage and children living in disaster zones. Actors Dafne Keen, Isabela Moner, and Jaden Michael along with singers and songwriters Chloe X Halle will also join students in lending their voices to the most vulnerable children.

“This World Children’s Day we want children to have fun, with a purpose,” said Najwa Mekki, Head of UNICEF Media, “It’s a day of action for children, by children. We want them to campaign in their schools and communities to help save children’s lives, fight for their rights and fulfil their potential.”

Students in Nord Anglia’s 47 schools will also lead a call to action in their local communities through takeovers of their schools for the day in a global chain reaction on social media spanning the US, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Asia.

Over 24 hours, Nord Anglia students will set and answer questions about the issues that matter to them, sharing their video responses via Twitter. Together, students will use their collective voice to make their opinions heard to raise awareness of children’s rights and challenge people to take action on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging us all to play an active role in creating the future we want for our children.

Our students will also take over our schools for one day, interviewing members of Nord Anglia’s leadership team and presenting to staff on the innovative projects already being led by our students.

“This is a symbolic day for our students to stand with children around the world and raise their voices on the issues that continue to plague our planet and young people today. These students are the leaders of tomorrow and are passionate about making the world a better place now and in the future. Their voice is critical in making this happen. We hope that this opportunity to speak up to powerful government institutions and businesses will mark the significance of this day,” said Andy Puttock, Nord Anglia’s Education Director.

These activities build on the projects already being undertaken by our students as part of our work with UNICEF to raise awareness of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals using the World’s Largest Lesson, a teaching and learning initiative co-led by UNICEF.