Our Stories – Page 2

Quality Early Education, A Need For All

BY SARAH BRAHMA, STAFF REPORTER

On 3rd September 2021, OneSky, a globally recognized NGO aiming to help vulnerable young children by ensuring they have access to loving, nurturing care and quality early education held a session in the E3 Summit organized by MUN Impact. The session started with an introduction of the organization by Tazmin. Annie Fromson Ho, a presenter from OneSky took over and began by thanking MUN Impact for the platform. She then moved on to the history of the organization, which was indeed an inspiring story. The story highlighted that every child has unlimited potential and has the right to have full access to loving, nurturing care and quality early education. If given access to these, every child can have a happy and safe childhood..

Annie shared that OneSky is similar to a door of new opportunities and gives her a sense of satisfaction. Going further, she shared the mission and vision of the organization which is to provide nurturing, responsive care and early childhood education to every child that unlocks their hidden potential. She briefed the audience about where OneSky held a presence (China, Vietnam, Hong-Kong S.A.R., China, Mongolia). Next she presented a factual situation: “The care children receive during their first 1,000 days can determine the trajectory of their entire lives.” This fact influenced the OneSky Approach, which is based on proven practices, centred around responsive care, and adapted to serve specific needs of children and their caregivers. Annie added that the 20yrs old organization has been recognized by the Skoll Foundation, IKEA Foundation, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, among others. She supported it with a few statistics that were shocking. She mentioned that OneSky has trained over 60,000 caregivers, reached over 227, 812 children and indirectly reached 650,000+ children!

Following this, she emphasized the need for quality early childhood education in Vietnam. She spoke about rapidly growing industrial zones in Vietnam which attract migrant workers, however 70% of the workers are women and 75% of the factory workers lack access to quality childcare. After this, she presented OneSky’s solutions to tackle the problem. This included three approaches: training for workspace, parent education, and care for children. She also reinforced the concept that OneSky’s solution was done through direct partnership with the local and national government. Thereafter she showed us how OneSky has actually created an impact. She spoke about how the OneSky Home Based childcare program has been found to improve and sustain home-based childcare quality, and improve child outcomes such as fine motor skills, visual perceptions and early learning composite scores. Coming to the end of the presentation, she explained to the audience about how they could join or contribute to OneSky. She added a few statements by volunteers of the organization convincing the attendees why they must volunteer. A few example workshops and student clubs were also shown. She then mentioned a Fireside chat, that will take place on September 15th, 7 pm EST and any questions about the organization would be clarified.

Miss Lisa Martin, executive director of MUNI, took over and briefed the audience about how MUNI related to OneSky. The mission of OneSky aligned with SDG Goal 10: Reducing Inequality and SDG Goal 4: Quality Education. She shared a motivating story from her personal life. She spoke to the participants about how being a part of organizations such as MUNI or OneSky can actually create an impact. She supplemented this by informing the audience about how the two-decade old organization created a change at the policy level in China and encouraged people to think about quality early childhood education. She said with emphasis “every voice matters”. After this engrossing talk, a couple of questions awaited the presenters in the chat. An attendee asked, if they could join the organization as an individual? The answer to this was a yes and many other organizations.

Overall, it was an informative, engaging and flawlessly conducted session. The Admin team ensured that the session was conducted smoothly and frequently dropped required links. All the questions in the chat were entertained and the attendees seemed impressed from the session as they dropped their comments on the chat. We must try our best to contribute or raise awareness about such organizations to ensure a better future, thus contributing to the SDGs!
To see the full session, click here.

Think Blue, Go Green!

BY AARUSHI PATNAIK, STAFF REPORTER

“No water, no life.No blue, no green.”
Amaya Ranatunge, a 17-year-old high school student from Sri Lanka is a diplomat of the South Asia region. Her workshop held on the 3rd of september, enthralled all attendees. Amaya has been involved in MUN for 5 years now, and is currently involved in a number of MUNI programmes.She is also on her path to be a law student and is a youth activist who wants to create an awareness about marine pollution through her stunning artworks and regular beach clean ups. Her workshops critically analyzed what marine pollution was and what were the ways and means to reduce it.

Why do the oceans and marine life hold a vital place in our environment?

Amaya explained that, as about 71% of the earth surface is covered with oceans, 91% of life on earth is aquatic with about 1.6 million different species. The ocean not only helps in maintaining the chemical and biological balance of life on earth but also helps in maintaining the resilience and resistance, disturbing prevention, nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas regulation, bioremediation of waste, food provision and ocean resources.

So, what is marine pollution?

According to National Geographic, marine pollution is a combination of chemicals and trash, most of which comes from land sources and is washed or blown into the ocean. This pollution results in damage to the environment, to the health of all organisms and the economic structures worldwide.

Marine pollution occurs due to the marine pollutants. Marine pollutants are materials which affect the biological process of marine ecology after being dumped into the water bodies. There are two main types of marine pollutants namely land based pollutants and sea based pollutants. Land based pollutants give rise to most of the waste that is 80% of waste which comes from pesticides, metallic wastes, plastic waste, oil and radioactive wastes. Sea based pollutants mainly are sewage and sediment plumes.

Amaya mentioned that there are two main types of marine pollution namely discrete pollution and chronic pollution. Discrete marine pollution remains for a short period of time, an accurate example would be an oil spill, the effects of which diminishes with time quickly and rapidly. Chronic marine pollution remains for a long period of time, an accurate example being nutrient input, effluent discharge, those of which the effects remain for a long time and sometimes forever and are highly dangerous and affect the oceans and water bodies ten times more than discrete marine pollution.

An artwork by Amaya Ranatunge

What are the human activities that lead to marine pollution?

Amaya mentioned that mostly all of the causes of marine pollution are occured due to human activities some of them are oil spills, ocean mining, excessive fishing, improper polythene and plastic disposal, releasing agricultural effluents, man made sedimentations and sand mining at beaches.

What are the effects of marine pollution?

Destruction of marine ecosystems

Amaya elucidated that about 100 million marine animals die each year from plastic waste alone. 14,000 tons of plastic are ingested by the north pacific fish yearly.500 marine locations are now recorded as dead zones globally.1 in 3 marine mammal species are found entangled in litter.

Causing of human health hazards

Maternal consumption of contaminated seafood may damage the developing brains, reducing IQ and increases children’s risk for autism, and also ADHD and learning disorders. For adults we see that it increases risk for cardiovascular disease and dementia.

Causing unfavourable climate changes

This will lead to the sea level rise, increase in temperature level again leading to global warming and melting of polar regions, increase in carbon dioxide emission rate mainly due to the improper disposal of polythene and plastic.

Amaya specified that earlier she did not find herself as deeply concerned or interested in marine pollution until recently after learning the issue of the X-press pearl vessel. The X-press pearl had been carrying 25 tonnes of nitric acid, along with other chemicals and cosmetics, when it caught fire on 20 may. Many of the ship’s 1,486 containers tumbled down the sea before the huge blaze was put out. The ship contained 278 tonnes of bunker fuel and 50 tonnes of gas oil. There were also 20 tonnes full of lubricating oil. The destruction of the ship led to the death of hundreds of aquatic creatures in the Sri Lankan marine border.

Amaya shows us that anything is possible if you have the will to do it, she expresses her love for the ocean through her artwork which not only provokes us to take action but all the others out there. She is an inspiration to youngsters and she shows us that age really doesn’t matter, all that matters is action. At the end of the session Amaya quoted a few words by Dr.Earl, founder of mission blue “If you think the ocean isn’t important, imagine earth without it. Mars comes to mind. No ocean, no life support system.”

Amaya conducting beach clean ups

To watch the full session, click here.

Effective Youth Employment and Innovation As a Key to a Worldwide Economic Bloom:

BY TASKINUL HUDA SAQUIB, STAFF REPORTER

When I type this article down, the earth is then completely shattered by the dreadful attack of Covid-19. Our job markets have fallen into the abyss, young people are strolling around the world as unemployed, countries are striving with the reconstruction plans and moreover questions are being put down the table of the policy makers regarding their ineffectiveness to solve such a crisis. It’s a very hard time for all of us, again contradictorily we can count it as a chance in a million to rearrange our overall system and restart a new economic bloom. But what is the way? How can we create a new pathway for leading ourselves to a new economic era ? Why do we need more and more innovative ideas to stand out in that age and how can we procure them ? As a young boy or girl, these questions might arouse in your minds so often and you feel difficulties in getting them answered. So, to quench yours and thousand other youths’ curiosities, MUN Impact fixed a particular day for discussing the effective way of youth employment and innovation and let you all connect with the most active person in international business world and economic field grounds. And the day is 4th September, the second day of the 3E Summit. Let’s dive into the details of event, speakers and timetable :

09:00-10:00 UTC

HOW TO LAUNCH A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE IN JUST A MONTH

This workshop will provide you with a complete roadmap on how to start your own organization, from finding an idea/ pitch to launching, you will get to know everything. Our panelist will also whisper to you all the tips and secrets that they learned throughout their journey. So, ready to use your talents for social good? Sign up for the workshop now!

Speaker : We’ve got the most impressive and talented innovator Priyal Agarwal for this workshop. She is from Farrukhabad, India. She is an independent researcher, nowadays working in a legal literacy program that helps 10000+ people and an amateur app developer.

11:00-12:30 UTC

OPEN FORUM: ECONOMY – EFFECTIVE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AND INNOVATION AS A KEY TO A WORLDWIDE ECONOMIC BLOOM

The term “open forum” refers to the open exchange of ideas and information, usually to better the common good. During the open forum we’ll discuss the ideas, listen to the success stories of our speakers and map out a way to address the issue of Youth Employment and Innovation and the many ways this issue is being addressed in our own communities. You, being a participant, can take the floor anytime, then share your thoughts and network with like-minded youth.

Speakers: We’re feeling blessed to have such an amazing panel of speakers for this workshop that we ourselves are also planning to stay with them throughout the time being a participant. Here they are:

☆Kenneth Kwok: Mr. Kenneth Kwok is the Founder and CEO of Global Citizen Capital, an impact-oriented healthcare, biotech, logistics, technology and education focused multi-family office investment venture based out of Hong Kong.

☆Aurora Chiste: Aurora is the founder of global fashion brand Maakola and the energy company Ray Power Africa, both created to generate a real and tangible impact, while promoting a new idea of wealth at the same time. In 2012, while still in San Francisco, Aurora founded the nonprofit Hack for Big Choices. Bringing together tech, innovation and communities, the company was intended to bridge the innovation gap, using the power of entrepreneurship to overcome the development barriers by supporting grassroots initiatives. In the same year, Aurora also became a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum.

☆Edison Gbenga Ade: He is also a Tech Evangelist and teaches people how to code. He has already trained more than 3000 people so far. The goal is 50,000 people in the next five years. He is recognized as a serial entrepreneur, spoken word artist and God driven personality.

☆Martin Stavenhagen: Co-founder and Director of Get Circular with SD Consulting. Policy consultant, facilitator/trainer and project manager with 12 years of experience researching and implementing sustainable development and capacity building in Asia and Europe. His main focus on climate innovation, circular economy, environmental policy, urban governance and innovative cities, and capacity building for sustainable development.

11:00-12:00 UTC

SMART CITIES AND THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

In this workshop, our adorable speaker will explore the effects of the Internet of Things, Blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence in the smart cities of the future. Utilising three outlined technologies, smart and dynamic cities can emerge. The smart cities that form will give rise to the fourth industrial revolution, enabling great economic growth in developed and developing nations. Those who attend the workshop will learn about the three technologies and their impacts on our future world and other SDGs. It will also show the attendees how smart cities can utilize the three deep technologies to improve the economy and beyond.

Speaker : And now you might wonder who this person is. He is none other than Micah Nkrumah-Ardayfio, a high schooler at St.Albans in Washington, DC. He deals with the SDG and tries to introduce it through his research and development company. During the last two years, he has founded and led a 501(c)(3) R&D company that aims to improve the world through smart city infrastructure. So, undoubtedly he’s the best fit for this purpose.

11:00-12:00 UTC

SUSTAINABLE HOW ?

You might believe that sustainability only comes when we talk about the environment or the factors that directly affect our environment. But it’s a misconception; throughout this workshop our brilliant speaker Mr. Eric Johnson will break down the myths around sustainability and frame out two most important strategies that we all should follow if we want to live in a sustainable future. So, to rid out your misunderstandings and prepare you for building a sustainable life, don’t miss out on this event, tune in the aforementioned time zone.

Speaker : Mr. Eric Johnson is currently pursuing his M.A. in Columbia University. In professional life, he is the head organizer of The Everyday Innovation Lab, a social project that improves social entrepreneurship in rural communities.

13:00-14:00 UTC

PLENARY SESSION

On Day 2 of plenaries, we’ll be inviting Brighton Kaoma, a radio journalist, environmental activist, and youth empowerment leader. We’ll also take a general test about your knowledge of the world and more. Don’t worry, it’s just for arousing your curiosities and pointing out your weaknesses. Then our panelist will take the floor, explain every factor through his dynamic presentation skills and allow you to deepen your understanding of the issues we face around Equity, discover the progress made, and what still needs to be done.

Speaker : Though we’ve already introduced our keynote speaker for this plenary session, we would like to let you know a bit about his achievements. He is currently an MPA graduate from Columbia University with a vast track record in working at the intersection of sustainable business. For his work, he has already been awarded and recognized by President Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth II, Angela Merkel, WWF International President, UN Environment, and Junior Chamber International.

14:30-16:30 UTC

SDG SANDBOXES : ECONOMY AND EQUITY

Now we’re going to do something practical. Sandbox is basically an event designed just for you. There will be no speaker, no host except our Sandbox team members for your guidance and the floor will have in your hand throughout this two hours. After a short description of how you will be conducting this workshop, developing your ideas and creating a concise roadmap in collaboration with all of the participants, our team members will let you lobby, negotiate, argue and finally come out with a complete plan of action for implementing a SDG that aligns with the two main teams for the day: Economy and Equity

14:30-15:30 UTC

SDG 8: WHAT HAS COVID-19 CHANGED?

Now, you might confuse for some moments how learning from COVID-19 can help us to boost our economy. As I mentioned at the very beginning this time is a chance in a million and if we can utilize it properly, there’s no doubt about our success in drafting a new system for our world. Our two members from MUN Impact will resonate the same truth through this workshop and discuss the initiatives that have already been taken by UN to reorder our system being inspired by the loses during COVID-19 and moreover some of the basic works regarding the youth involvement in this new world building campaign conducted by our community and our colleagues from 100k deeds.

Presenters: We have chosen two inspiring young leaders for this workshop. Here’s a short introduction of themselves:

☆María Teresa Egea: She is a 17-year-old student from Spain. She has been partaking in MUN for the past two and a half years, and it has been an eye-opener for her life. She have also been performing her duty in MUN Impact for just under a year.

☆Tanisha Saxena: Tanisha currently lives in Al Wakra, Qatar, and an Indian by nationality. She’s 14 years old and will be going into Year 10 soon. She has been a part of MUN Impact for 8 months, throughout the SDGHubs, 100k deeds challenge, and the GS 3.0 team.

14:30-15:30 UTC

CHANGING LIVES, FROM ONE SIDE OF THE WORLD TO ANOTHER

You may face a student on your way who maybe similar to your age or inferior, but not in your position from any perspective. He has no good resources, no academic facility, no skills to compete in 21st century. You, as a philanthropist, instantly feel for doing something for him, helping him, lending your supportive hands. But it’s not easy like saying. You should have passion, resilience, commitment and moreover ideas to start up such a volunteering activity. So, how can you get that idea, acquire that kind of passion and drive your interests? To get your questions answered, join with Alex Hu who is the presenter of this workshop. He will explain every possible challenge and barrier to establish your own volunteering organisation and show a real life example of his speech going through the EFA (Education For All) foundation’s activities.

☆Alex Hu : He is the founder of the Education For All Foundation (EFA) and an incoming freshman at Babson College where he will be studying the intersections of psychology and philosophy with business. He is a competitive chess player and an avid reader. He earnestly believes that everyone has the capacity to do good, and always ready to help more people realize that capacity.

15:30-16:30 UTC

INJUSTICES INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL (IDD) DISABILITIES FACE

Sometimes we have lack of understanding in what it is like to walk in the shoes of another, especially for an individual with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). Often individuals with an IDD are put into the shadows of society and always having to take a back seat to social justice conversations. Throughout this session one will gain a new perspective of walking the path with an individual who has an IDD, as our speakers Margo and Michelle describe the true inhumane treatments conducted such as shocking for behavior treatment, leading the conversation the daily struggles of dating diving into the inadequate focus on disabled romantic relationships. To wrap up the session, they will also invite two special guests (two Best Buddies International Global Ambassadors) to provide insight on how to easily adapt yourself and organization’s behavior to be more inclusive of all abilities.

☆Michelle Raitman, born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, discovered Best Buddies in high school and became the vice president there in her senior year. She also served as the Co-President at her university – the University of Toronto Scarborough. She is now one of two first-ever Canadian leaders. She studies psychology and international development. This year, she will be focusing on completing an undergraduate thesis. In the future, she aspires to become a clinical psychologist and provide mental health support to underprivileged communities.

☆Margo Meley

Margo joined Best Buddies in 2016 while finishing her Associate’s Degree in General Studies at Quinebaug Valley Community College. She has continued her involvement in the Best Buddies Eastern Connecticut State University college chapter program where she is currently paired with her buddy Natalie, who she considers her apart of her girl squad. “I just love that Natalie doesn’t see my challenges; she just sees me.” her an inspiration to anyone who meets her. Margo’s ambitions and passion to not only advocate for herself and others sets her apart from anyone else. But she didn’t get there overnight. When Margo has a dream, she sees it through. She worked as a member on the Best Buddies Young Leaders Council in 2020 and as of January 2021 she was elected to be an incoming co-chair for the 2022-2024 term.

☆Jack Mayor

Jack is 17 and a soon-to-be senior at Neuqua Valley High School in Illinois. He became an Ambassador for Best Buddies last year. Statistics show that one in 68 kids are diagnosed with autism and it affects one in 42 boys around the world. He is one of those 42 boys. He was diagnosed with autism at the age of six. We’re eagerly waiting to hear his story about this 11 years journey with autism and all of his inspirations.

☆Kellie Howard

Kellie “Boo” Howard has been a part of Best Buddies since 2009. She had accomplished so many leadership pillars in this institution like YLC alum, Board of Directors alum Current Global Ambassador of Best Buddies and so on. She is also working with the Job Program and Citizen Program and work for the Company Kforce as a Social media Specialist on the Reconnection team. Her favorite things are Social media and Food and Music and Family and helping others.

So, here’s our bunch of activities we’re going to do in the second day of our Summit. And as an outcome, we would like to spread our messages throughout the world to reinvent a new method, new platform and new definition of economy and equity which will help us to get our dreams around SDGs successful by 2030.

Covid-19, a virus or a sexist pandemic?

BY LORETO MARSAL, STAFF REPORTER

Last year, a severe pandemic hit the entire world, causing the deaths of millions of people around the globe. This virus provoked each and everyone of us to change our lifestyle, making us stay in our houses quarantined for a couple of months. This was supposed to result in the improvement of the situation. But…how could everything end in people being fiercely damaged by this “solution”?

Gender inequality is and has always been one of the awfullest ways of violence ever. The fact that one gender feels better and superior than the other, as well as homophobia or misogyny, gives me chills. Every year approximately 770 million women are attacked by their partners or ex-partners.

Before the pandemic, between 40% and 60% of the women confessed having been harassed on the streets, and the 35% sufferend from physical or sexual violence from their partners or someone other than them. One of three women suffered this.

And this is the tiniest part, because the majority of women suffering from gender violence won’t call for help due to the fear they have or the pressure they are under.

Which leads to a huge amount of women and girls that live in a hole of depression and loneliness, causing deep wounds that are really difficult to heal, and even suicide.

When Covid-19 appeared and “settled down”, all the people suffering were obligated to stay in their houses, trapped with their aggressors, with no way out. The cases raised, and in many countries, calls to domestic violence hotlines increased.

Quarantine, for its part, creates the ideal conditions for the elements of gender violence to be emerged: it isolates women even more, increases control by formal closure at home, facilitates impunity by increasing barriers so that women can get out of violence and creates a context that facilitates the use of any of its forms at the slightest stimulation.

The situation, aggravated by the enclosure, caused thousands of women around the world to be hit, raped or maltreated. As well as children of all ages. And the worst part is that parents, commonly fathers and husbands, are responsible for it. They would blame the alcohol, drugs or outbursts of rage in order to excuse themselves, which would later become attacks without alibis.

Those who still live in the caverns will say that if a woman suffers, and if she is “so strong”, she should just say it and get divorced. But that’s not that easy. When you have someone saying how weak, stupid and worthless you are 24/7, you end up believing it.

They hold on, but in horrible conditions. They tend to have mental illnesses, and fear is their companion. That’s why campaigns and protests should be done more regularly, to show them that there’s people outside who uphold them, and to encourage them to call for help, to raise their voices.

However, a big part of the society, instead of defending the victims, creates apologies to the assailants when a woman is raped. They blame their clothing, the alcohol… They stand up for a criminal.

As someone really clever said: << “He was drunk” are the words we use to explain and excuse the bad things he does. “She was drunk” are the words we justify as the reason why the bad things happen to her. >>

Something must be done. We cannot let people assault women, LGBT+ community or, in the least of the cases but still there, men. We all need to show support and acceptance so that no one is afraid to ask for help, or to rebel against their aggressor. Together, we are stronger.

How Can MUN Support Agenda 2030 and Drive Change for the SDGs:

BY ANINDITA GANGOPADHYAY, STAFF REPORTER

It is the young adults of this generation who will make the future of this world. It is very important that they are aware of their duties, and the changes that this world needs. This is where MUN takes its initiative.

Agenda 2030 supports 17 goals that need to be accomplished by the year 2030. These goals are known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To reach this goal the world needs as much help as possible, and what better help than the generation that is going to take lead soon. MUN is varied into many divisions- MUN@Home, MUNenC@sa, O-MUN and many more-to allow students from all backgrounds to come and join. This organization holds monthly debates, for free, where the students discuss issues that affect the world badly.

For the past few months, these debates are being held on various SDGs. These help the students do an in-depth study about how their assigned country is working towards a certain SDG. The students are also asked to submit resolutions in which they come up with wonderful ideas and show their leadership skill. It is not only through debates that MUN tries to drive change.

The division MUNI or the MUN Impact, organizes workshops, through a program called the E³ Summit, with renowned personalities for further awareness amongst the young generation. The Community Magazine is another way in which the organization is trying its best to help attain the Agenda. MUN is making a full use of social media too. Instagram handles are made for every organization which provides all the information one needs. These handles also hold lives with celebrities and ask their take on the Agenda and once again urging the students to do their part.

Another very important division of this organization would be the 100K Deeds. It undoubtedly play one of the most important roles towards achieving the SDGs. 100k Deeds is a fun competition in which students are divided into groups and these groups race to complete a few deeds which are related to the assigned SDGs.

The best part about MUN is that it is thoroughly organized and maintained by students from around the world. Be it the leads or the organizers, it is a totally student-run organization. This helps in building of leadership and organizational skills since the young age.

MUN is doing its best to support Agenda 2030 and drive change for SDGs, but it is only possible when more students join hands with the organization. The more people know, the faster and better the Agenda can be attained.

Youth Involvement in achieving the Net Zero through Advocacy and Direct Action:

BY AINDREE CHATTERJEE, HEAD OF SUMMIT PRESS TEAM

With great pleasure, I would like to declare that The E3 Summit is in just two days!! So, how does a little sneak peek into our first day sound! We will be kicking off the event at around 9:00 UTC. The help desk will obviously be open from beforehand to help you with a smooth enrolment process and Zoom room allotment.As you all know, MUN Impact works extensively with the youth to help promote sustainable development at all levels.

Our first days’ events focus on the Earth in E3 Summit, with workshops centred around SDG 13 and 15. But the highlight of our day is the forum on Youth Involvement in achieving Net Zero through Advocacy and Direct Action. The discussion and debates will centre around what the youth can do in ensuring implementation of sustainable development in their surroundings. Advocacy is one of the most important ways of promoting this as many important messages are spread verbally. Now it may make you curious as to what I mean by achieving “net zero”. Net Zero means attaining a balance between the quantity of greenhouse gas produced and quantity of that gas present in the air in general. The United Nations aims to achieve this by the year 2050.

Carbon emissions have actually increased over the past years, even after the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was signed in 1992. Achieving net zero emissions is possible by switching to more eco-friendly fuels and reducing the rate of urbanization. The ‘net’ in net zero stands for the fact that we have to achieve balance, rather than reducing emissions to zero by 2050 as the latter is not a plausible situation.

Does this topic interest you? Then don’t forget to join your forum from 14.30 to 16 UTC on 3rd September. Our esteemed speakers, Tasneem Essop(WWF), Amy Wickham(UNICEF),Giulia Jacovella(UNDP), and Christian Schwarzer of Global Youth Biodiversity Network, will address the issue and attendees can engage in discussion with them. The role of the youth is phenomenal in helping to attain Net Zero as they are the ones who are better equipped to reach out to their peers.Additionally,we will be having our plenary session prior to the event at around 13 UTC.

Our student presenters will also be doing presentations centered around the themes of SDG 13 and SDG 15, thereby aiming to promote the importance of saving and sustaining the Earth and environment as we know it now.Our first sessions will be held at 9UTC. Elsie Ishami Muhirwa, of Youth for Youth Rwanda, will be presenting on “Youth for Youth Rwanda: An NGO started by a Rwandan teenager, in our Session 1.A”. Session 1.B will be on “Think Blue and go green”,and will be conducted by MUNI Global student, Amaya Ranatunge. Taking the themes further, the workshops from 10 UTC by Noor Al-Zubi and Monika Jangir will be focused on collective cooperation to prevent climate crisis and on quality education(SDG 4).

The 11.00 UTC to 12.00 UTC session will be conducted by our very own high school leaders, who have contributed extensively to the 100K Deeds Challenge- Tanisha Saxena, Komal Gupta and Luna Mercuri. The workshop is particularly targeted towards those keen to study how climate change has impacted terrestrial ecosystems.

Rya Kuewor of Refugee Integration Organization will, at the same time, be conducting a workshop on “Taking the Backseat”. It aims to encourage audiences to question how problem solving should go about in the procedure of innovation.All these topics indirectly aim to educate youngsters about environmental hazards and through activities and ventures during sandbox, they can come up with ideas to promote Net Zero through Advocacy and Direct Action. Around these times, the Sandbox strand will also commence! Don’t forget to check our articles on the Sandbox strand to know more.

Post break, Meera Ranjan and Prince Santosh Kumar of 100K Deeds will give a demonstration on responsible tourism, which will be an insight into ways to reduce pollution during traveling and will advise us on how we can tour sustainably. Katie Purtill and Annie Fromson-Ho of OneSky, our partner, will host a session on building better futures for the world’s most vulnerable children”, from 14.30 to 15.30 UTC.Joshua Gray of OMAC will conduct a workshop/Arctic Council from 15.30 to 16.30 UTC. It will be a forum where attendees can discuss the Arctic Circle and the challenges facing the region.He has a passionate interest in the Arctic, especially issues facing Arctic Indigenous peoples, and he is keen to share this interest with other students and pupils.

InnerVIew-USA ONLY’s Kristine Sturgeon will present on an SDG-based learning platform for American youth in another session at the same time. Sandi Gendi, Shagun Sethi and Lucia Ferreira of One Shared World will finally conclude our long list of sessions, with their workshop on “Youth and Interdependence: A look into the work of OneShared.World”. We are really grateful to our partners and student presenters for their amazing contribution in making this vision a reality.

I am sure you are going to really enjoy the day and if you would like to hang out more with us, do not hesitate to join us for a social hour at the end of the day!

Clean Energy: What the youth can do

BY LORETO MARSAL, STAFF REPORTER

Energy. The reason why today we are able to see in the dark, to cook our food or to wash our clothes. Since it was first invented in 1879, it has developed and improved amazingly. For me, it is one of the best inventions throughout history. However… How does it affect the environment?

Energy appears in several different forms: as gas, electricity, fuels… These types of energy produce a huge amount of power, but they also pollute a lot.

Fuel factories release smoke that hurts the atmosphere, and the fuel itself ends up in rivers, seas and landfills, where it causes the death of lots of animals.

And although electricity is a clean and safe form of energy when it is used, the generation and transmission of electricity affects the environment as well. Nearly all types of electric power plants have an effect on the environment.

Most large power plants require land clearing to build the power plant, access roads, railroads, and pipelines for fuel delivery, electricity transmission lines, and cooling water supplies. They release CO2 and other harmful chemicals.

Nuclear energy provides 6% of global energy, and it is the cheapest one. However, if an accident happens, the consequences are horrendous, as the catastrophe in Chernobyl. The damage cost thousands of lives and, after 40 years, the environment still suffers from radiation.

This is why nowadays we look for a way to achieve clean, renewable energy all around the world. Instead of factories, enterprises choose to get energy by wind turbines or solar panels. These systems are friendly with the environment, and the production increases.

A similar movement happens with lightbulbs. LED light bulbs are replacing the common bulbs, because they last longer, are more durable, and offer comparable or better light quality than other types of lighting. They use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer. They are sustainable and efficient.

As I said, fuel pollutes a lot, especially when using vehicles, due to the harmful substances released. That’s why electric vehicles are now a better alternative. They reduce the dependence on oil and gasoline and contribute to a sustainable environment.

Youth can contribute as well by tiny acts such as changing the bulbs of our houses into LED ones, trying to use more public transport, walking or going by bike when possible, unplugging the mobile chargers or electronic devices when we aren’t using them and turning off the lights when they aren’t necessary. This might sound cliché, but it is so true that if we all do this, little by little pollution will be reduced, and energy will become clean and renewable all around the Globe.

E3 Summit: SDG 13 and 15

BY THUSHAARA PRASANNA, STAFF REPORTER

SDG’s or the Sustainable Development Goals or also known as the Global Goals are a cluster of 17 Goals which are planned to be achieved by the year 2030 for a safe, happier, better and ofc, a sustainable environment for all the people who are living in this world and for the upcoming generations too.

SDG 13 which is commonly known as the Goal for Climate Action is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals which mainly concentrates on the goal to reduce the Global Warming well below 1.5 degree celsius. To achieve this temperature goal, countries come together to reach the Global Peak of greenhouse gas emissions promptly to attain a climate neutral world by the mid-century. The official wording for the SDG 13 are as follows:

“Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts”

To accomplish the Goal of Climate Action, the UN has defined 5 Targets and 8 Indicators for the SDG 13.

On the other hand, SDG 15 which is known as the Goal which is mainly concerned with the Life on Land and is too one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals with the aim to call for an urgent action to halt the degradation of natural habitats, to end the poaching and trafficking of animals, and to integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into local planning and development processes. The Official wording for the SDG 15 are as follows:

“Protect, Restore and Promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.”

To accomplish the Goal of Life on Land, the UN has defined 12 Targets and 14 Indicators for the SDG 15.

We have with the amazing 4 Speakers for this event:

Tasneem Essop
Amy Wickham
Giulia Jacovella
Christian Schwarzer

So, let’s have a short introduction about all of the amazing speakers…

Tasneem Essop:

Tasneem Essop is the Head of Strategy and Advocacy for the International World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Global Climate and Energy Initiative, and leads the global climate team at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) sessions.Prior to joining WWF she held the positions of Provincial Minister for the Environment, Planning and Economic Development in Western Cape and Provincial Minister of Transport, Public Works and Property Management.In these portfolio’s she was also the Co-Chair of the global Network of Regional Governments on Sustainable Development (NRG4SD) and the Leader of Government Business for the Provincial Development Council in the Western Cape. She also chaired the Association of Public Accounts Committees and was the Spokesperson for Finance and Public Accounts in the Legislature for the African National Congress. She was also the Education Officer for the Congress of Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Western Cape and Education and Media Officer for the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU).She has piloted a number of new policies for the Western Cape province during her tenure as Provincial Minister, such as the Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF), and Polo Estates and the Mobility Strategy that included the Bus Rapid Transit System and non-motorized transport. She has lectured and written, internationally and domestically, about the impacts of climate change especially on the poor, and, more recently, has become a strong advocate for reaching a multilateral agreement on climate change within the UNFCCC.

Amy Wickham

Amy Wickham is a Programme Specialist on Climate, Energy and Environment. She has worked at UNICEF Zimbabwe, UNICEF Mongolia and is now based at UNICEF HQ in New York and has even worked with international organizations in South Asia, Europe and Africa. She has contributed articles to the UNICEF blog. “In her role as Climate Change Officer at UNICEF Zimbabwe, Ms. Amy Wickham has been supporting the National Climate and Energy Policy developments, mainstreaming environmental sustainability across UNICEF, conducting office GHG emission inventories (2013/14), while also developing mechanisms to reduce these emissions.” said Global Alliance for Clean Cooktops.
3. Giulia Jacovella:

Giulia is a multi-faceted, efficient and reliable policy and communication expert with over 6 years of professional experience in Senegal, Guatemala, Nicaragua and the UK. Since 2013, she has been working for organisations promoting resource governance, rural development, food and energy security, human rights and gender equality and equity. She is currently based in New York, where she works as a Youth and Climate Analyst at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Her diversified skill set covers research, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder relations, writing, editing, graphic design and project management. She has excellent interpersonal, communication and analytical skills. She is fluent in English, Italian, Spanish and French. Giulia holds a master degree in Environmental Law and Sustainable Development from SOAS University (UK) and a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from LUISS University (Italy).

4.Christian Schwarzer:

Christian is one of the founders of GYBN and has dedicated most of his life towards environmental issues. In recognition of his activities on Biodiversity, he has been appointed as Youth Ambassador for the UN Decade on Biodiversity. He is a member of NAJU and Co-Chair of Germany’s NGO working group on Biodiversity policy. Christian is currently studying for a double major in History and Political Science. His main research interest lies on Global Environmental Governance. So far he has participated in 21 rounds of UN negotiations under the UNFCCC, IPBES and the CBD and published numerous articles and studies on environmental policy issues

A Brief Overview Of The Aim And The Mission Of The 100K Deeds Challenge :-

BY PREKSHA SARAF, STAFF REPORTER

The 100K Deeds Challenge aims to raise awareness and inspire youth to take action for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Everyone around the world has the capacity to serve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by taking action through small commitments and deeds that together create a big impact. A deed is any action that contributes to the furthering of one or more of the SDGs. To date, we have logged thousands of deeds across all 17 SDGs. They range from raising awareness about a topic through student-led workshops to everyday deeds that further the SDGs to large-scale campaign actions that have immense impact.

A FEW PLANS IMPLEMENTED IN THE PAST AND A IDEA OF PLANS WHICH CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE 100K DEED CHALLENGE IN THE FUTURE :-

We just implemented our inaugural 24 Hour Challenge which encouraged youth changemakers to accomplish as many deeds as possible relating to SDGs 1 and 15 within a 24 hour period in teams of 4. While this was an internal challenge, we plan to introduce this to all in the near future.

In 2017, SaPa – Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts launched a pilot 10,000 Deeds campaign in partnership with UNICEF to encourage young students to perform deeds to serve the SDGs in their families, schools and communities. The campaign was kicked off by co-founders Bindu and Ambi Subramaniam with a music video by The Thayir Sadam Project. A select number of schools in Bangalore adopted the program, where students were given a pamphlet with examples of simple ways to serve the various SDGs. Students were each given a “Deed card” to fill out and return, describing their deed and the relevant SDG. MUN Impact was inspired by the 10,000 Deeds campaign and launched the 100,000 Deeds Challenge in January of 2021.

THE INSIDE THOUGHTS OF Ms. Christine – THE CO Secretary General of 100k Deeds.

My favourite part of 100K is how action orientated we are. As the upcoming generation, it is our duty and responsibility to create a more sustainable future for all. Although the UN and governments around the world have taken various initiatives to combat the various daunting global issues we face, we often forget that we can also contribute meaningfully to combating such world issues by taking steps in our everyday lives – from making small, conscious decisions that better the world to raising and spreading awareness about current affairs – these are all ways that we can help create change. The 100K Deeds Challenge brings together and motivates youth to carry out such individual deeds that aim to help further the 100K Deeds Challenge. It is only through youth changemakers like us that we can continue initiatives that continuously aim to better the world. I will forever be impressed and inspired by how much impact that we, as a group of like-minded youth changemakers can have on the greater world.

QUESTION TIME :- The thought about the negligence of the present youth generation and how can we move forward making them a part of our program ?

That is definitely an issue that collectively, as a generation, we are facing. In many other cases, while many of the present youth generation are aware of current issues, they feel helpless and have no idea how they can contribute to the solution. This is why raising take direct action is such a core component of our mission at 100K Deeds. Awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals and encouraging the youth to take direct action is such a core component of our mission at 100K Deeds.

100K Deeds at Summit 3.0:

Session 3.A will be conducted by three of our most promising student contributors of the 100K Deeds Challenge – Luna Mercuri, Komal Gupta and Tanisha Saxena and is called Climate change: impacted terrestrial ecosystems? When asked about their session they told us, “the workshop will talk about the impact of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems. The main topics to be discussed are: what SDGs 13 and 15 are, the United Nations Environmental Programme, harmful impacts of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems, such as vulnerable/extinct species, our field experience and a description of an action campaign organised by MUN Impact, the 100K Deeds Challenge.”High school students: Meera Ranjan (Head of India, 100K Deeds Challenge) and Prince Santosh Kumar (Diplomat at MUNI Global) will be presenting Travel Responsibly! – Sustainable Tourism, on the very same day, 3rd September. “The COVID 19 Pandemic has set back sustainability by many years of efforts. The Tourism Industry is one of the worst hit and countries are working to revive it. During this revival, it is important that sustainability is ensured simultaneously with development. This workshop will inform participants about the importance of sustainable tourism, and how they can help as tourists/ citizens to foster sustainability in their communities”, they explained.

On Day 2, Session 10.A will be hosted by 17 year old Maria Teresa Egea Diaz and 14 year old Tanisha Saxena, of 100K Deeds Challenge. Their area of focus is SDG 8: What has COVID-19 changed?. “The aim of the workshop is to discuss different viewpoints on the topic and highlight the idea that all actions count to achieve the 2030 Agenda. At the end of the session, participants will be able to ask questions and take part in a quiz”, they have described. Day 3 will also see Maria and Meera host a workshop, this time on Equality? Equity? Take your pick! The workshop will explain the theme of equity and its relationship to the Sustainable Development Goals.

STUDENTS OF MUNI GLOBAL AT THE SUMMIT 3.0:

BY AINDREE CHATTERJEE, HEAD OF SUMMIT PRESS TEAM

In our series of articles, we have repeatedly talked of the work of our amazing student leaders, but how can we not congratulate our amazing student presenters from MUN Impact Global? After a lot of careful deliberation and discussion, our Workshop Vetting team has decided on the amazing students, who will be presenting at our Global Summit 3.0 to elucidate to us the ways in which the youth are passionate towards various causes. We have received a ton of student applications, and have selected those, who have demonstrated unparalleled enthusiasm and have come up with a catchy concept.

Our Session 1.B will be hosted by Amaya Ranatunge, a 17 year old high school student from Sri Lanka, who is serving as Co-Lead of Plenaries and one of the South Asia Diplomats for MUNI Global. Her content will be focussed around marine pollution and ways & means of reducing marine pollution, and is called Think Blue and Go Green. Session 3.A will be conducted by three of our most promising student contributors of the 100K Deeds Challenge – Luna Mercuri, Komal Gupta and Tanisha Saxena and is called Climate change: impacted terrestrial ecosystems? When asked about their session they told us, “the workshop will talk about the impact of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems. The main topics to be discussed are: what SDGs 13 and 15 are, the United Nations Environmental Programme, harmful impacts of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems, such as vulnerable/extinct species, our field experience and a description of an action campaign organised by MUN Impact, the 100K Deeds Challenge.”

High school students: Meera Ranjan (Head of India, 100K Deeds Challenge) and Prince Santosh Kumar (Diplomat at MUNI Global) will be presenting Travel Responsibly! – Sustainable Tourism, on the very same day, 3rd September. “The COVID 19 Pandemic has set back sustainability by many years of efforts. The Tourism Industry is one of the worst hit and countries are working to revive it. During this revival, it is important that sustainability is ensured simultaneously with development. This workshop will inform participants about the importance of sustainable tourism, and how they can help as tourists/ citizens to foster sustainability in their communities”, they explained.

MUN@Home students, Chandrasnata Mohanty, Heidy Cho and Anastasia, will speak out on the positive aspects of MUN@Home in their workshop titled MUN@Home – Bringing Model United Nations Into the Future. “MUN@Home strives to bridge the gap between MUN and student initiative through an SDG-based approach. While taking from the traditional debate spirit of MUN, we want to empower students to not only discuss these issues, but take action within their communities and beyond. Come join us in our workshop, where we will talk more about the motivations, functioning during the pandemic, and the inner workings of MUN@Home.” they opined.

Shennon Sequeira, Zarya Sharma and Lois Lemmon of MUNI Global will be speaking on MUN Impact in their workshop, MUN Impact: Uniting the world through the SDG’s. Another fellow high schooler and South Asian Diplomat under MUNI Global, Naduni Kalungalla will be hosting Session 13A on 5th September itself, with “Education Is not A Luxury, But a Basic Need” as her main topic. MUNI Europe DSG Lois and our Summit’s Secretariat member and Assistant DSG of Europe, Rita Araújo, will be presenting their thoughts on The SDG library: how books and stories can help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the next session.

We have had students step in at the last minute to take part in the press team, admin team, social hour team and even to speak at the forums. We are really grateful to all our student presenters and speakers and hope to have an amazing Summit 3.0!