SDG 1: No Poverty Advocacy Event | Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The UNA-Gainesville Youth Council held a noteworthy meeting commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on May 25. The meeting focused on members of our youth giving feedback and contributing to the Declaration for Human Rights by American Youth. As we started the meeting our first speaker Mansi Singh, Director of the Oregon chapter, discussed some of the concerns with the structuring policies under AI, accountability, and justice. Which pertains to protecting consumer rights. Singh mentioned they were consulting with various media outlets such as The New York Times and Washington Post in order to bring attention to and spread awareness about ethical and legal threats regarding tech projects. With new technology becoming more prevalent we need to take steps to ensure people’s safety and protection.

Hailey Campbell next discussed Climate change education and educating future generations on how to preserve our planet. Hailey mentioned that Climate change education is essential in helping bring awareness as well as be a key factor in having easily accessible resources. It was noted that 85% of teachers involved in teaching Climate change were not properly educated on the topic. The first step in helping fix an issue like this would be giving those instructors good preparation to be better mentors and motivators. One of the primary educational goals recently has been Climate adaptation strategies which are learned through education.

Our next speaker Estelle Zadra explains how they enjoyed working at UNESCO and the opportunities which followed. The issue of discrimination in education and climate change topics are topics of importance Estelle mentions. Additionally, UNESCO is doing work in regard to monitoring tours to reform educational policies as well as fighting for educational and human rights. We take steps that lead to applying plans about climate change adaptation into educational systems. UNESCO’s goal is to help citizens be fully active agents in the climate change crisis along with providing guidance and recommendations.

Juan Acosta our last guest speaker mentions their passion is to educate people about the importance of mental health. Young generations who look to be content from social media may experience enhancing anxiety if they don’t find a community that is supportive and will guide them. Considering the rising climate anxiety, the mental health curriculum should be implemented in the educational system. Mental health and strong communities are essential. Additionally, we want to thank all of our guest speakers and those who participated. The enthusiasm and pragmatic planning shown by all are incredibly inspiring. This influenced me to feel a strong conviction towards the UN and the Youth’s ability to promote change.

- Madison Norton