Child Authors and Ambassadors Participate in The Goals Project 2024
Over the course of six weeks, VoFG Child Authors and Ambassadors participated as Youth Ambassadors in the 2024 edition of The Goals Project, inspiring more than 3,000 students worldwide with their ideas, actions, and visions for a more sustainable and just future.
The Goals Project is a free global collaboration project for all classrooms of the world. Since 2019, the project invites all All PreK-college classrooms to join, attracting more than 3,000 classrooms each year.
For this fourth edition, VoFG Child Authors Saira Thomas, Rehema Kibugi, Ryan Hill, Saoud Ahmed Alkaabi and Child Ambassadors Nico Roman, Anisa Daniel-Oniko, Emma Yu, Wezi Chilubanama, and Zachary Fathally created engaging videos which were shared each week with the project’s students. In their videos, these incredible young leaders shared about their passions and how they advocate for the SDGs in their respective regions and communities. They also gave inspiring words of encouoragement and calls to action, empowering other children to lift their voices and defend their rights and the rights of nature.
You can watch the videos of each Child Author and Ambassador, as well as the wonderful comments they received below:
VoFG CI receives grant from the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation to publish new book by an Indigenous Child Author
It is an honor for the Voices of Future Generations Children´s Initiative to be given the opportunity to contribute to the healing journey and reconciliation of Sixties Scoop survivors, their descendants, and families through the Voices of Future Generations Children´s Initiative Project.
This project, made possible by the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation, will allow the VoFG CI to publish beautiful and powerful children's stories about the Sixties Scoop, survival, resilience, and healing, and it will provide a platform for children's voices to be heard across Canada and globally.
Through an awareness and engagement process both in schools and through informal cultural and educational networks, stories written by Indigenous Child Authors and Child Ambassadors who are descendants of Sixties Scoop Survivor(s) or their families will be selected, edited, and illustrated. In addition, online and in-person youth and children’s events will be organized to celebrate the published stories and to expand the world´s knowledge and empathy for the experiences of survivors and their descendants, as well as to raise awareness about Indigenous Peoples' rights.
As these children’s voices and stories are recognized and celebrated, Sixties Scoop survivors and their descendants will benefit from increased awareness, understanding, and representation in children´s literature, which has the potential to inspire future generations to lead transformative changes in favor of a more just, equitable, peaceful, and sustainable world for all.
This project will be led by a CISDL Indigenous Leadership Commission of Sixties Scoop Survivors, families and descendants and Indigenous Peoples, providing direction and making decisions. The Indigenous Leadership Commission will guide outreach among Sixties Scoop Survivors and their families, shape events and activities, and ensure all are conducted in a culturally safe and trauma-informed manner.
The VoFG CI deeply believes in the power of storytelling and children´s voices and eagerly looks forward to empowering Indigenous children to raise their voices, defend their rights, and share their inspiring stories and visions of a better future.
Watch the grant signing celebration below:
Child Ambassador Nico Roman Raises More than £4,000 for Charities.
In a remarkable feat of determination and environmental commitment, VoFG Child Ambassador Nico Roman Cordonier-Gehring embarked on a 67-kilometer paddling journey from Cambridge to the sea to raise funds for charities dedicated to combating climate change and protecting children´s rights.
“As wildfires, heatwaves and floods worsen, I am desperately concerned about the terrible impacts of climate change on our local fenlands and our natural systems worldwide, and on the most vulnerable people - especially children. Rather than staying sad and angry, though, this summer I decided to kayak from Cambridge where I live to the sea, to raise funds for local and global charities who are trying to protect children's rights and nature from the impacts of climate change,” shared Nico.
The courageous journey began early morning, with Nico pushing off from the Cam. Armed with determination, a strong sense of purpose, and the support of friends and family, he set his sight on completing the two-day 67-kilometer course. The journey was as much a test of his physical endurance as it was a testament to his unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of nature and children.
Nico was determined not just to complete the journey but also to raise funds for local and global charities. He set up an online fundraiser that garnered an outpouring of support from inspired individuals all over the world, surpassing his initial goal of £2,000 and raising more than £4,000 in donations!
The funds raised during this daring adventure were donated to global charities the Voices for Future Generations Children's Initiative (vofg.org) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (iucn.org), and to local charities Wicken Fen (nationaltrust.org.uk) and the Cambridge Botanic Gardens (botanic.cam.ac.uk).
Nico presenting one of the charities with a donation.
Nico expressed his motivation for undertaking this journey, saying, "I love our natural world. I believe it is important to protect and restore habitat for endangered species (including my two Hermann's Tortoises), and to advance the global Sustainable Development Goals, especially by empowering youth and children. Climate change is getting worse, not better, and we need to do everything we can to support organisations who are helping to make a difference."
After reaching his 67km goal, Nico´s effort did not end there. He decided to create a Fundraising and Awareness Handbook to continue inspiring youth to take action.
“I love our natural world. I believe it is important to protect and restore habitat for endangered species (including my two Hermann’s Tortoises), and to advance the global Sustainable Development Goals, especially by empowering youth and children. Climate change is getting worse, not better, and we need to do everything we can to support organisations who are helping to make a difference.”
As climate change remains a pressing concern for communities worldwide, Nico´s determination is a shining example of how individuals, regardless of their age, can make a profound impact in the fight for a more sustainable future.
Child Authors engage with students in the Dominican Republic
As part of their reading and writing class, the 6th grade class at Colegio Triumphare in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, read part of the VOFG book collection. Inspired by the books and the fact that the authors are young people just like them, they wrote their own book about the sustainable development issues that impact their country. They also invited VoFG child authors to connect with them online so they could discuss the books further.
The Voices of Future Generations child authors Ying-Xuan Lai, Rehema Kibugi, and Saira Thomas appreciated this opportunity to inspire fellow young students and connected with the students over Zoom. They were warmly welcomed by the school community and openly answered many questions. The students were eager to learn more about how Ying-Xuan, Rehema and Saira became young leaders in their communities, and what they want others to get out of their books. They also inquired how knowing that so many people will read their stories made them feel. The event was skillfully moderated and translated into English and Spanish by Elianys Martinez and the students themselves.
The Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative thanks these young leaders for their hospitality and for taking the initiative to organize this exchange. It was inspiring to meet a group of confident, creative, and engaged young students from another part of the world. We wish our new friends in the Dominican Republic the very best of luck and success in all their future initiatives for our planet!
VoFG CI hosts Online International Roundtable on Education, Indigenous Rights, and Sustainability.
In celebration of International Literacy Day, the past Saturday, September 9, The Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative (VoFG CI), along with the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL), the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO), and the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada hosted a special Online International Roundtable on Education, Indigenous Rights, and Global Sustainability.
The event featured Indigenous youth activists, global experts on sustainability and Indigenous rights, as well as VoFG CI Child Authors and Ambassadors from Africa, Europe, North America, and the Middle East, who shared inspiring and passionate speeches on how the Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved. They also engaged in an insightful intergenerational dialogue that addressed critical questions at the intersection of education, children´s voices and rights, Indigenous peoples´rights and reconciliation, and sustainable development such as:
How can we all promote children's rights, and also support sustainability locally and globally?
What can be done to further encourage and support youth engagement in promoting quality education globally?
What challenges do Indigenous children, especially, often face in having their voices heard, and how can our whole society address these challenges together?
In addition to wonderful interventions by Child Authors, Child Ambassadors, and expert speakers, the event celebrated two new beautifully-illustrated VoFG books: The Beacon by Abrar Sirohey and The Tree of Tolerance by Abdulla Ismail Abushabab. As well as a new Awareness and Fundraising Handbook by Child Ambassador Nico Cordonier Gehring.
Further, honoured invited chairs and speakers included: Prof. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, Senior Director of the CISDL, leaders in the VoFG CI International Commission and Leadership Council, Adv Neshan Gunasakera, Councillor of the World Future Council and VoFG CI Lead Counsel, Ms Isobel Abulhoul OBE, Founder, Advisor, and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation and Member of VoFG CI International Commission, Ms. Jennifer Malton, director of VoFG Arabia, Ms. Skw’akw’as (Sunshine) Dunstan-Moore, Indigenous Climate & Policy Advisor with VIDEA and Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s Youth Advisory Group Member; alongside inspiring opening remarks from Ms. Portia Garnons-Williams, Indigenous youth advocate and University of Toronto student, encouraging keynote remarks by Adv Wayne Garnons-Williams, acting CEO of The National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, a heartwarming closing message by Prof. Ann Skelton, member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, and beautiful opening and closing prayers by Elder Philomene Sanderson (Plains Cree from the Moosomin First Nation.
In addition, the Voices of Future Generations Children´s Initiative announced being the recipient of a grant from the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada (SSHF) to select a new Indigenous Child Author and Child Ambassadors and publish new stories that will help raise awareness about the Sixties Scoop in Canada and worldwide. The event closed with a special grant-signing celebration with the online presence of representatives from VoFG CI and SSHF.
Help Nico to raise £2,000 for local and global charities working to protect children and nature from terrible climate change!
We are raising £2,000 for local and global charities working to protect children and nature from terrible climate change by paddling to the sea this summer!
://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nico-cordoniergehring
Hello, my name is Nico. I am fourteen years old, a scholar at Winchester College, and I live in Cambridge, UK. As wildfires, heatwaves and floods worsen, I am desperately concerned about the terrible impacts of climate change on our local fenlands and our natural systems worldwide, and on the most vulnerable people especially children.
Together with my friend Wezi from Zambia, I recently wrote a response to the Call on General Comment 26 for the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, about children's rights and the environment, especially the importance of fighting climate change and protecting nature. We studied the science, also the politics, and became very, very worried. Our future, our very survival, is at stake. Children and nature, who are voiceless and vulnerable, are already suffering. We need all the help we can get, to stop this global nightmare.
Rather than staying sad and angry, though, this summer I am going to kayak from Cambridge where I live to the sea, to raise funds for local and global charities who are trying to protect children's rights and nature from the impacts of climate change. Please sponsor me? :)
All funds raised will go directly to the Voices for Future Generations Children's Initiative, and to local charities working to protect our fenlands and promote education about sustainability solutions.
As a volunteer UN Child Ambassador and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Children's Rights, I have spent years working to help promote sustainability education and the rights of future generations locally and globally. I love nature and animals, and believe it is important to protect and restore habitat for endangered species (including my two Hermann's tortoises), and to advance the global SDGs for kids. To help make this happen, I edit a blog (nicosnaturalworld.org) with hundreds of followers. I also volunteer as co-chair of the Global Youth Council on Science, Law and Sustainability which was founded by young people during the Glasgow Climate Change COP26 and edits an online journal (harmonyyouthvoices.com). As a leader of my primary King's College School Eco-Society, I was also founding co-chair of Cambridge Schools Eco-Council with pupils from many schools in my community. We won the UK Rotary Young Environmentalist Award with my team for our work to protect local fenlands by stopping sources, restoring sinks and mobilising our school and society on climate change. Through speaking out in conferences and events, hosting online Eco-Seminar mini-series about the SDGs, and helping to organise Cambridge’s climate-strikes, I’ve been trying to raise awareness and educate about sustainability locally and globally.
But it's clearly not enough - climate change is getting worse, not better, and we need to do everything we can to support organisations who are helping to make a difference. That's why I'm paddling to the sea this summer, and I hope very much that you could help sponsor my campaign here://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nico-cordoniergehring
Nico's efforts support our local Wicken Fen wetlands conservation and education efforts (National Trust) and the Cambridge Botanical Gardens locally, as well as the UNESCO Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative (with which he’s volunteered for years) and the IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature globally.
REGISTER NOW! Online International Roundtable on Education for International Literacy Day, Promoting Literacy for a World in Transition: Building the Foundation for Sustainable and Peaceful Societies
Are you interested in learning about the links between education, children's rights, and sustainability to build Sustainable and Peaceful Societies?
Are you inspired by the leadership of children and youth to advance the global Sustainable Development Goals, especially quality education (SDG 4)?
Would you like to help implement the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, by encouraging Indigenous children’s voices?
Register now for a very special Online International Roundtable to celebrate this year's International Literacy Day. The event, themed 'Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the Foundation for Sustainable and Peaceful Societies,' will place on Saturday, 9 September 2023 | 8:00 PDT | 11:00 EST | 16:00 BST.
The International Roundtable is hosted by the Voices of Future Generations Children's Initiative (VoFG CI), together with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, The Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL), the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, and a wider consortium of educational charities that support the children's rights and the global Sustainable Development Goals.
During this celebration, we will also conduct the award ceremony for the Child Author's competition from North America and unveil a captivating VoFG CI book from the Middle East. The event features VoFG CI Child Authors and Ambassadors from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, the Middle East, Oceania and the Pacific Islands. Further, honoured invited chairs and speakers include: Prof. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, Senior Director of the CISDL, Ms. Portia Garnons-Williams, Senior Editor of Harmony Online Journal & University of Toronto student, Ms. Skw’akw’as (Sunshine) Dunstan-Moore, Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s Youth Advisory Group Member and keynote remarks from Adv. Wayne Garnons-Williams, Acting CEO, National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, and Isobel Abulhoul OBE, CEO and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation and Member of VoFG CI International Commission.
Book Launch
A new VoFG CI book from the Middle East.
The Beacon by Abrar Ahmed Sirohey (Middle East) on Life Below Water (Goal 14), Life on Land (Goal 15), Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17).
Handbook Launch
VoFG CI Online Launch of Awareness and Fundraising Handbook by Nico Roman (VoFG CI Child Ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goals).
Award Ceremony
Get ready for an exciting as we will unveil the winners of the prestigious Child Author competition from North America.
Signing Celebration
Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation (SSHF) & VoFG CI Grant Signing Celebration
About Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative (VoFG CI)
As a partnership with various agencies of the United Nations (UN) and a consortium of international charities that promote education worldwide, VoFG CI strives to foster sustainable development and uphold the rights of children through two key avenues:
Inter-generational learning circles and other engaging events that provide children with opportunities to raise their voices in support of the rights of the child globally and the role of children in sustainable development. These events facilitate mentorship for children by experts and world leaders working in the field of children's rights and sustainable development.
The VoFG CI Books, a collection of imaginative and adventurous stories authored by children aged between 8 and 12, written for other children aged 6 and above, addressing the challenges faced by children in different regions of the world.
To provide you with a deeper understanding of the valuable work carried out by VoFG CI, we invite you to watch the following videos: Voices of Future Generations and Message by Ms. Irina Bokova.
For more information about the VoFG CI go to: https://www.vofg.org/
Prof. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society of Canada
Congratulations to Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger for her election to Fellowship of the Royal Society of Canada – Academy of Social Sciences
The election of Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, Vice-Chair of the VOFG International Commission and Full Professor of Law at the University of Waterloo, to a prestigious senior Fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) - Academy of Social Sciences was announced this month. Nominated by their peers and institutions for their outstanding scholarly, scientific and artistic achievement, Fellowship in an Academy of the Royal Society is one of the highest academic honours that a Canadian can be awarded in the Arts, Social Sciences, and Sciences.
Professor Cordonier Segger’s election laudation credits her work as a pioneering professor and renowned jurist in sustainable development law and governance, advancing innovative responses to climate change, biodiversity protection, natural resources management, indigenous rights, intergenerational justice, and other global sustainability challenges while interactionally informing treaty design, implementation, compliance and dispute settlement.
As Vice-Chair of the VOFG International Commission and award-winning founder or chair of several world-spanning institutions, associations, and councils, she leads an inspiring portfolio of global research, engagement, and dialogue initiatives. Her ground-breaking scholarly publications include the textbook Sustainable Development Law (Oxford University Press); Athena’s Treaties (Oxford University Press); Sustainable Development in World Investment Law (Wolters Kluwer); Sustainable Development in International Courts and Tribunals (Routledge) and the influential Treaty Implementation for Sustainable Development series (Cambridge University Press). With courage and commitment, she serves on the International Law Association, the World Future Council and the IUCN World Commission of Environmental Law, on the boards of leading companies, foundations and law journals, and on the juries of several academic councils and scholarships. She is also laureate of the HE Judge CG Weeramantry International Justice Award, the Justitia Regnorum Fundamentum Prize and other international awards.
“The Royal Society of Canada is delighted to welcome this outstanding cohort of artists, scholars, and scientists. These individuals are recognised for their exceptional contributions to their respective disciplines and are a real credit to Canada,” said RSC President Jeremy McNeil.
Professor Cordonier Segger responded to news of the honour, stating
“This is an incredible honour to be recognised and welcomed into this community of leading scholars. I am deeply grateful to my brilliant colleagues, globally, for our decades of inspiring research, innovation, knowledge and awareness-raising collaborations that have advanced our field so profoundly, as well as to my family for their encouragement and support.”
Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), also known as the Academies of Arts, Humanities and Sciences of Canada is the senior national, bilingual council of distinguished Canadian scholars, humanists, scientists and artists. The primary objective of the RSC is to promote learning and research in the arts, the humanities and the sciences. The RSC is Canada's National Academy and exists to promote Canadian research and scholarly accomplishment in both official languages, to recognize academic and artistic excellence, and to advise governments, non-governmental organizations and Canadians on matters of public interest. Fellows are elected by their peers for their outstanding scholarly, scientific and artistic achievement.
Recognition by the RSC for career achievement is the highest honour an individual can achieve in the Arts, Social Sciences and Sciences in Canada. The RSC promotes a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and with other national academies around the world, and the fellowship represents a stunning landscape of talent, imagination, discipline, and discovery.
VOFG HOSTS INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE ON EDUCATION FOR WOLRD LITERACY DAY 2022
In celebration of International Literacy Day, the past Thursday, September 8, The Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative (VoFG CI), along with the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL), the University of Waterloo, the University of Cambridge, and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO) hosted a special Online International Roundtable on Education, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the World’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event featured VoFG CI Child Authors and Ambassadors from Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Oceania, who shared inspiring and passionate speeches on how the Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved. They also engaged in an insightful intergenerational dialogue with expert speakers including Adv. Wayne Garnons-Williams (Chair of the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada), Ms.Jessica Cooke (Climate Change Policy and Advocacy Adviser at Plan International), Dr. Alexandra Harrignton (Professor of Law at Albany Law School and member of the VoFG International Commission), and Ms. Alison Bellwood (founder and director of The World's Largest Lesson).
The roundtable examined critical questions at the intersection of education, children´s voices and rights, and sustainable development such as:
How can children contribute to the implementation of SDG 4 in a way that realises the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?
How can children (as voices for future generations) promote climate justice and respond to the threat of climate change and biodiversity loss?
What kind of future do children worldwide want to inherit, and how can they bring this to life?
In addition to wonderful interventions by child authors, child ambassadors, and expert speakers, the event celebrated the global launch of two beautifully-illustrated new VoFG books: The Green Warrior by Saira Thomas and The Chess Game, by Saoud Ahmad Al-Kaabi. As well as well as two formerly published books which are now available in French: Trouver la langue by Adelyn Newman-Ting and L’Invention Climatique Cosmique by Jona David. All books are available to be downloaded for free and physical copies can be purchased on Amazon.
Further, honoured invited chairs and speakers included: Prof. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger from the University of Cambridge and the University of Waterloo and Senior Director of the CISDL, leaders in the VoFG CI International Commission and Leadership Council, Ms. Jennifer Malton, director of VoFG Arabia; alongside inspiring opening remarks from Prof. Ann Skelton, member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, keynote remarks by Ms. Isabelle LeVert-Chiasson from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, and a very heartwarming closing message by Isobel Abulhoul OBE, CEO and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation and Member oF VoFG CI International Commission.
We were also honoured to have the presence and support of Her Highness Sheikha Hissa Bint Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VoFG Goodwill Ambassador for the Middle East Region.
You can watch the recording of the event below:
Books launched and celebrated during the event:
Event Gallery
VoFG HOSTS ONLINE INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE ON INDIGENOUS CHILDREN’S VOICES & RIGHTS 2022
The Voices of Future Generations Children's Initiative, along with the CISDL and other partners, hosted an online International Roundtable on Indigenous Children's Voices & Rights in celebration of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
The event sought to strengthen and promote Indigenous Children’s Rights and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It engaged young leaders from different Nations as well as specialists and experts working to promote Indigenous Peoples' and children’s rights in an interactive and intergenerational dialogue.
The event featured VoFG Indigenous Child Author Adelyn Sophie Newman-Ting, whose speech addressed the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous languages, as well as Indigenous Child Ambassador Bella Morrisseau, who expressed her concerns about indigenous people´s access to clean water and sanitation. We also had the participation of Ms. Afnan Dawoud, an indigenous child ambassador of the REEM foundation and environmental activist in the Middle East region.
The keynote speech was delivered by Ms. Barbara Filion (Culture Program Officer for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and lead on the UN Decade for Indigenous Language) in representation of CCUNESCO.
Ms. Elaina Cox (Senior Researcher, First Nations Treaties for SDGs Project, University of Waterloo), Ms. Eva Wu (Senior Researcher, First Nations Treaties for SDGs Project, University of Waterloo), and Adv. Wayne Garnons-Williams (National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada Chair) shared about their research project on the SDGs and indigenous treaty innovations.
Honoured speakers also included Master Nico Roman (Junior Editor of Harmony Online Journal, Chair, Cambridge Schools Eco-Council & Child Ambassador, VoFG CI), Ms. Portia Garnons-Williams (Senior Editor of Harmony Online Journal & University of Toronto student), Dr. Aruna Alexander (United Nations Association in Canada, Quinte Branch), Ms. Lesley Hayman (Professor, Loyalist College School of Business and member of United Nations Association in Canada, Quinte Branch), Ms. Courtney Defriend (Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange, First Nations Health Authority), Ms. Jaydum Hunt (Interim Director, Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, WISC), and Ms. Skw’akw’as (Sunshine) Dunstan-Moore (Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s Youth Advisory Group Member). All participated actively on the roundtable and made insightful contributions to the dialogue, which addressed relevant questions including:
How can we celebrate and encourage Indigenous children’s views and stories? Why are Indigenous languages so important, and how can we promote education and culture for sustainability, worldwide? How can we foster the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which promises that children’s voices will be heard in decision-making that concerns them, and how can we inspire people worldwide to help advance the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while engaging with and learning from Indigenous Peoples’ insights?
The event was chaired by Prof. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger (University of Cambridge / University of Waterloo / CISDL).
A full recording of the event is available below:
Recommended resources by the speakers and special guests engaged in the dialogue:
Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL)
First Nations Treaties & SDGs Project, School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED), University of Waterloo
Reem Green Leaders (Advocacy Instagram account by Afnan Dawoud)
Event Gallery
REGISTER NOW! Online International Roundtable on Education, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the World’s SDGs
Are you interested in learning about the links between education, children's rights, and sustainability on the UN's International Literacy Day?
Are you inspired by the leadership of children and youth to advance the global Sustainable Development Goals, especially quality education (SDG 4)?
Would you like to help implement the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child by encouraging children's voices?
Register now for a very special Online International Roundtable on Education, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the World’s SDGs, which takes place on Thursday 8 September 2022 at 9:00 am EST | 2:00 pm BST in celebration of International Literacy Day.
The International Roundtable on Education, hosted jointly by the Voices of Future Generations Children's Initiative, in partnership with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL), and experts from the University of Cambridge and McGill University, among others, convenes teachers, child and youth leaders, mentors and experts on intergenerational equity, children's rights and sustainable development for an interactive dialogue to raise awareness and speak up for education, children's rights and the global Sustainable Development Goals.
Objectives of the 2022 Online International Roundtable
The 2022 Online International Roundtable aims to spread awareness, empowerment and implementation of the SDG4 Education and the UN CRC by:
engaging children, civil society leaders and expert adults in dialogue to strengthen understanding of sustainable development and children’s rights.
Facilitating a common vision, action plan and action plan for children to help implement SDG4 and the UN CRC.
Sharing inspiring children’s stories, written by Child Authors from around the world, with other children, teachers, leaders and civil society.
Raising awareness and promoting engagement by all stakeholders in support of the implementation of the SDG4 by children and strengthening awareness of the UN CRC.
Hosts of the Roundtable
The International Roundtable is hosted by the Voices of Future Generations Children's Initiative, together with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, The Centre for International Sustainable Development Lar (CISDL), the University of Cambridge, and a wider consortium of educational charities that support the CRC and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The event features VoFG CI Child Authors and Child Ambassadors from around the world.
Book Launch
This special online event celebrates the global launch of beautifully illustrated VoFG CI books by prize-winning Child Authors.
To know more about VoFG CI take watch the following videos: https://youtu.be/63FWUoszLUs and https://youtu.be/i9XrvepitFI
Save the date and register, more details about VoFG CI’s new books and the Child Authors to follow soon!
Register now: Free Online International Roundtable on Indigenous Children’s Voices & Rights
Are you interested in learning about the links between education, Indigenous rights and sustainability?
Are you inspired by the leadership of children and youth to advance the global Sustainable Development Goals?
Would you like to help implement the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, by encouraging Indigenous children’s voices?
Register now for a very special online International Roundtable on Indigenous Children's Voices & Rights, which takes place on Tuesday 9 August 2022 at 8:00 EST | 11:00 EST |16:00 BST in celebration of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
This Online International Roundtable on Indigenous Children’s Voices & Rights engages young leaders from different Nations as well as specialists and experts working to promote Indigenous Peoples' and children’s rights. In an interactive and intergenerational dialogue, it seeks to strengthen and promote Indigenous Children’s Rights and the global Sustainable Development Goals.
The event features Indigenous Child Author Adelyn Sophie Newman-Ting, the first Voices of Future Generations Indigenous Child Author, and Indigenous Child Ambassadors Bella Morrisseau and Sydnee Wynter. Honoured chairs and speakers also include Adv. Wayne Garnons-Williams (National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada Chair), Ms. Elaina Cox (Senior Researcher, First Nations Treaties for SDGs Project, University of Waterloo), Ms. Eva Wu (Senior Researcher, First Nations Treaties for SDGs Project, University of Waterloo), Ms. Afnan Dawod (REEM/ Al-Mahsery tribe, West Alquds, Palestine), Ms. Portia Garnons-Williams (Senior Editor of Harmony Online Journal & University of Toronto student), Master Nico Roman (Junior Editor of Harmony Online Journal & Child Ambassador, VoFG CI), Dr. Aruna Alexander (UNA- Canada, Quinte Branch), Ms. Jaydum Hunt (Interim Director, Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, WISC), Prof. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger (University of Cambridge / University of Waterloo / CISDL), Dr. Odeeth Lara-Morales (University of Waterloo / CISDL / UNA-Canada), Ms. Courtney Defriend (Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange, First Nations Health Authority), Skw'akw'as (Sunshine) Dunstan-Moore, Community Climate Justice Coordinator VIDEA), Ms. Kyla Judge (Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s Youth Advisory Group Member and Cultural Program Officer at the UNESCO Georgian Bay Biosphere Region), and Ms. Barbara Filion (Culture Program Officer and lead on the UN Decade for Indigenous Language, CCUNESCO).
With warmest thanks to the partners and collaborators:
Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL)
National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada
Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre Shatitsirótha’ (WISC)
And a special thanks to our friends and mentors from:
VoFG Story-time at the Festival of Nature | Sunday, June 12, 11am-12pm BST 2022
Join the Voices of Future Generations Children and experience the UK’s largest celebration of the natural world this year from Sunday, June 12 from 11am - 12pm BST. 🦋 🦊 ✨
Connect with and take action for nature this summer by coming along to one of the 90+ events in this year’s Festival of Nature!
There's something for everyone in the packed programme, including 16 online events to join in with from home! 🌍 💚
Places are filling up fast... book your spot on your favourite activities now to avoid disappointment! www.festivalofnature.org.uk @festofnature 🌱 🌙 🐾
We’re very excited to be part of this year’s festival - join storytime hosted by the Voices of Future Generations. Child authors from across the world will take you on a magical journey through their stories addressing children's rights and sustainable development.
Tune in to listen to their hopes, dreams and vision for a sustainable world. join us here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ediqKUiAIJM on Sunday, June 12 from 11am - 12pm BST.
Are you interested in enrolling your child or children in a Young Writers' Program?
Lune Spark has a Young Writers' Program that provides an artistic platform for youth to strengthen their writing skills and to tell their stories. They also create educational video content for children and have published a number of award-winning educational books for children of all ages.
Some ways to get involved with Lune Spark:
Our own UN Child Ambassadors for the SDGs Nico Roman, has participated, won competitions and publish stories in three Lune Spark books’
Lune Spark books
Award-Winning Short Stories by Tweens
Magical music comes to the aid of a young blind immigrant when bringing her adopted city back to life after a global pandemic. A heartbroken mother tells the beginning and the end of the life of her little girl. A boy searches for his best friend when she goes missing. These are just some of the unputdownable stories in A Few Drops of Hope. This anthology includes the top twenty-five stories from the Fifth Annual Lune Spark Young Writers’ Short Story Contest. In these winning stories, the young writers (ages 10 to 13) have delivered a wide range of plots that are sure to engage readers of all ages.
Award-Winning Short Stories by Tweens
"Yet another gem of a book." ~Tim Ellen, Blogger
Through Their Lenses is a collection of twenty-nine award-winning short stories by tweens. These stories encompass a wide range of genres, inviting readers to explore a wealth of important themes passionately crafted by these young writers: from a girl going on a quest to release a curse bestowed on her by a witch to a guy trying to escape after being stranded in a different time.
Just One More
"These stories are a must-read." ~Jessica Turner, Blogger
Just One More is a collection of twenty-nine award-winning short stories by middle grade children. These stories encompass a wide range of genres, inviting readers to explore a wealth of important themes passionately crafted by these young writers—from a beautiful dragon called Ephyral giving up her freedom to save her entire species to a fifteen-year-old girl named Louisa Brixham dealing with her brother being accused of a crime she committed.
To see other Lune Spark books click here.
INTERNATIONAL ONLINE JOURNAL FOR AND BY YOUTH
Harmony was launched in the UN’s COP26 climate change events in Glasgow on November 6, 2021. This online journal was built on special links that the youth created during the global pandemic lockdowns. They hosted a series of short online tutorials with professors and heads of institutes from world-class universities to inspire young people that were left stranded by COVID-19 school closures.
Harmony was launched in the UN’s COP26 climate change events in Glasgow on November 6, 2021
Go to Harmony Online Journal here: https://harmonyyouthvoices.com/
You may also see some familiar faces among the editors and journalists as they are VoFG CI Child Authors, UN Child Ambassadors for the SDGs, and Alumni.
Adelyn “Addy” Sophie Newman-Ting – Junior Editor
Nico Roman Cordonier Gehring – Junior Editor
Jona Cordonier Gehring – Senior Editor
Rehema Kibugi – Junior Editor
Anisa Daniel-Oniko – Journalist
Volunteer Opportunity - VOFG CI is looking for Virtual Programme Officers
VOFG CI IS LOOKING FOR volunteers - Virtual Project Coordinator & Programme Officers
We are looking for energetic, creative and motivated individuals to join our team!
The role is virtual and requires a proactive team player who can work independently and collaboratively and engage in outreach to the community, including Child Authors, Child Ambassadors, Goodwill Ambassadors, partner organisations and educators.
Responsibilities:
Support the Programme Manager or Project Coordinator with administrative programme requirements; deal with email enquiries, and organise meetings and appointments.
Maintain programme files and prepare summaries of programme activities
Assist in tracking progress in work plan implementation, and help to ensure that activities are delivered according to schedule
Assist the Editorial Team and Project Coordinator in organising event preparation and execution (including book launches)
Create engaging digital content for various programme activities, including social media messages, blog articles, graphics and short videos.
Engage in community outreach to represent the VoFG CI programme in events and awards juries
Any other related tasks as may be required.
Key Qualifications:
Knowledge (or willingness to learn) of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the World's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Social and relationship-building interpersonal skills
Comfortable delivering against tight and sometimes shifting deadlines
Ability to work with international peers collaboratively across time zones
Outstanding organisational skills and the ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to analyse and communicate results clearly and effectively to leaders
Proficient in English (spoken and written); knowledge of another UN language is an asset
Be between 20 and 30 years of age
You are creative and resourceful and know how to think different
Commitment:
Total Weekly Hours: 8 hours per week (approx.)
To Apply:
Please email a letter of interest (one page) and résumé (two pages) to Ms Chiara Rohlfs, Project Coordinator with 'Volunteer - Programme Officer or Project Coordinator' in the subject line by April 20, 2022 ( extended deadline).
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Volunteer Opportunity - VOFG CI is looking for Virtual Children’s Book Editors
VOFG CI is looking for Virtual Children’s Books Editors
Book editors help writers to bring their stories to life. They help VoFG CI Child Authors to realise their dreams while enabling us to make the books available for free download on our website.
We are looking for energetic, creative and motivated individuals to join our team!
The role is virtual and requires a proactive team player who can work independently and collaboratively and engage in outreach to the community, including Child Authors, illustrators, booksellers, librarians, and educators.
Responsibilities:
Edit manuscripts with Child Authors, illustrators and graphic designers, including working with fellow editors
Work directly with the Editorial Team and Project Coordinator to create publishing strategies for key authors on the programme
Maintain Child Author care through all stages of publication
Assist the Editorial Team and Project Coordinator in organising book launches
Engage in community outreach to represent the VoFG CI programme in events and awards juries
Key Qualifications:
Knowledge (or willingness to learn) the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Wolrd's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Social and relationship-building interpersonal skills
Comfortable delivering against tight and sometimes shifting deadlines
Ability to work with international peers collaboratively across time zones
Outstanding organisational skills and the ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to analyse and communicate results clearly and effectively to leaders
Proficient in English (spoken and written); knowledge of another UN language is an asset
You are creative and resourceful and know how to think different
Be between 20 and 30 years of age
Commitment:
Total Weekly Hours: 2-3 hours per week (approx.)
To Apply:
Please email a letter of interest (one page) and résumé (two pages) to Ms Allison Lalla, Editorial Officer with ‘Volunteer - Children’s Book Editor’ in the subject line by April 20, 2022 ( extended deadline).
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Winners of the second cycle of VoFG Arabia Competition announced!
New VoFG Child Author
Abdullah Ismail Abu Shabab is an outstanding student from Al Hilal International Private School. His favourite subject is mathematics because he considers it a way to develop memory, mind and concentration. He likes to be someone who contributes to making life better, wants to serve all classes of society, and aspires to become an inventor and innovator who preserves the environment and nature. He dreams to invent a project that serves marine organisms from pollution to live a comfortable life. Abdullah is 8 years old.
New VoFG Child Ambassador for the SDGs
Abrar Ahmed Sirohey is a keen learner and a homeschooler. His favourite activities are playing games with his family and spending time with his cat, Wolfy. He hopes to see change in the field of SDG 7: clean and affordable energy production, storage and consumption and aspires to be a part of that change. Abrar is 12 years old.
Online International Roundtable on Indigenous Children’s Voices & Rights for Sustainability
Are you interested in learning about the links between education, Indigenous rights and sustainability?
Are you inspired by the leadership of children and youth to advance the global Sustainable Development Goals?
Would you like to help implement the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, by encouraging Indigenous children’s voices?
This note invites you to register now for a very special online International Roundtable on Indigenous Children's Voices & Rights, which takes place on Monday 9 August 2021 at 11:00 am EST / 4:00 pm BST in celebration of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
You can register (at no cost) here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/online-international-roundtable-on-indigenous-childrens-voices-rights-tickets-164037124455
This International Roundtable on Indigenous Children’s Voices & Rights for Sustainability engages child and youth leaders from different nations, and also specialists and experts working to promote Indigenous Peoples' rights and the rights of the child, in an interactive dialogue to strengthen and promote Indigenous Children’s Rights and the global Sustainable Development Goals.
This special online roundtable occasion highlights and celebrates the global launch of a beautifully illustrated new book, published by the Voices of Future Generations Children's Initiative, called Finding the Language, by Adelyn Sophie Newman-Ting, the first Voices of Future Generations Indigenous Child Author. Finding the Language is a creative and captivating story about reclaiming language through the land and its creatures, highlighting the interconnected cycle of life and culture. The event also features Indigenous Child Ambassadors Bella Morrisseau and Sydnee Wynter. Honoured chairs and speakers also include Adv. Wayne Garnons-Williams (National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada Chair), Prof. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger (University of Cambridge Leverhulme Professor, CISDL Senior Director & VoFG CRI Executive Secretary), Ms Monique Gray-Smith (Writer & Children's Literature Award Laureate), and Prof Carey Newman Hayalthkin'geme (University of Victoria Professor & Impact Chair, Master Carver), as well as Adv. Neshan Gunasekera (Lead Counsel for Peace, Justice and Governance, CISDL), Ms Portia Garnons-Williams (Indigenous Student Leader), Ms Elaina Cox (First Nations Treaties for SDGs Project, University of Waterloo), and Dr. Roda Muse, Secretary-General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO has confirmed to give a special address on their world-leading educational work and support for Indigenous cultures and peoples.
Register now, at:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/online-international-roundtable-on-indigenous-childrens-voices-rights-tickets-164037124455
International Roundtable on Indigenous Children’s Voices & Rights
Implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child by encouraging Indigenous children’s voices
Monday 09 August 2021 | 11:00 - 12:50 EST | 16:00 – 17:50 BST
Venue: Zoom Online Platform (due to COVID-19 travel restrictions)
11:00 – 11:10 Welcome and Opening
Moderators: Ms Hyfa Azeez & Dr Odeeth Lara-Morales (Legal & Senior Officer, Voices of Future Generations Children's Initiative)
Chairs: Prof. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger (University of Cambridge / University of Waterloo / CISDL, UK & Canada) & Adv. Neshan Gunasekera (Lead Counsel for Peace, Justice and Governance, CISDL)
Opening prayer: Elder Sherry Copenace
11:10 – 11:20 Book Launch of Finding the Language, by Adelyn Sophie Newman-Ting, the first Voices of Future Generations Indigenous Child Author
* Including a special reading of a chapter from Finding the Language by the author, Adelyn Sophie Newman-Ting
* Finding the Language is a creative and captivating story about reclaiming language through the land and its creatures, highlighting the interconnected cycle of life and culture.
11:20 – 11:30 Speeches by the two Voices of Future Generations Indigenous Child Ambassadors and Student Leaders
Bella Morrisseau/Whiskeyjack (UNESCO VoFG Indigenous Child Ambassador), Sydnee Wynter (UNESCO VoFG Indigenous Child Ambassador)
11:30 – 11:40 Ceremonial Children's Book Launch & Congratulatory Message
Ms Monique Gray-Smith (Writer & Children’s Literature Award Laureate, Little Drum Consulting)
Thanks to Speakers: Ms Portia Garnons-Williams (Indigenous Student Thought Leader - Ottawa Carleton Virtual Secondary School)
11:40 – 11:50 The Legacy of Indigenous Children in Residential Schools
Adv. Wayne Garnons-Williams (National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada Chair)
11:50 – 12:30 Indigenous Rights and Sustainability: Intergenerational Roundtable on Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Ms Elaina Cox (Senior Researcher, First Nations Treaties for SDGs Project, University of Waterloo), Ms Shaelyn Wabegijig (Program and Outreach Coordinator, Kawartha World Issues Centre, KWIC), Dr Edward van Daalen(Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism, McGill University), Ms Portia Garnons-Williams (Indigenous Student Thought Leader - Ottawa Carleton Virtual Secondary School), Master Nico Roman (Chair, Cambridge Schools Eco-Council & Child Ambassador, VoFG Children's Initiative).
On the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, how to celebrate and encourage Indigenous children’s books and stories? Why are Indigenous languages so important, and how can Indigenous children’s views shape education and culture for sustainability, worldwide? How to foster the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which promises that children’s voices will be heard in decision-making that concerns them, and how to inspire people worldwide to help advance the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), engaging and learning from Indigenous Peoples’ insights?
12:30 – 12:40 Keynote Speech by UNESCO Canada Secretary-General
Dr. Roda Muse, Secretary-General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO
12:40 – 12:50 Special Closing Remarks with Thanks to Distinguished Speakers & Partners
Closing Remarks: Prof Carey Newman Hayalthkin’geme (Audain Professor of Contemporary Art Practices of the Pacific Northwest, University of Victoria)
Closing prayer: Elder Sherry Copenace
Moderators: Ms Hyfa Azeez & Dr Odeeth Lara-Morales (Legal & Senior Officer, Voices of Future Generations Children's Initiative)
Zoom Operations Director: Adv Freedom-Kai Phillips (Director of Operations, CISDL)
Zoom Editorial Director: Dr Antoinette Nestor (Associate Fellow, CISDL)
With warmest thanks to the partners and collaborators:
