World Children Conference 2020 #WCC2020
World Children Conference was the collaborative effort of SDG Choupal, Nagrik Foundation, UN-Habitat and SDGs For Children. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals and 169 targets that all 193 UN Member States, including India, have committed to achieve between 2016 and 2030. The SDGs are universal in scope, and their call to leave no one behind puts the World’s most vulnerable and marginalized people – including children – at the top of the agenda. The first and the biggest ever World Children Conference (#WCC2020) attended by over 1600 participants from over 30 countries was held on 22nd August involving 25 children speakers along with other EduLeaders from around the world. The conference was hosted by SDG Choupal, powered by ‘SDGs for Children’ in association with UN-Habitat Youth, Nagrik Foundation, Rotary International RCGP RI Distt 3011 and Dainik Bhaskar.
Special attraction at the conference: Kahoot on SDGs with Ananya Chopra
Ananya Chopra, a 12-year-old Student, Author of the book ‘Save Our Planet’ and Chief Kid Officer of ‘SDGs For Children very cheerfully hosted the global and the biggest online Quiz using ‘KAHOOT’ on UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The game was played by more than 200 participants at the same time. It was a great learning experience on SDGs.
Over 1,600 young participants from 30+ countries attended the Conference, focusing on gender, peace, nature, youth entrepreneurship, sustainable energy, and partnerships. Children as young as five years old participated with enthusiasm. The Conference aimed to assess global progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), share knowledge and success stories, identify challenges, and suggest ways forward.
COHORT of Speakers
The WCC2020 was truly a Grand Finale! It was a celebration of the amazing SDGs For Children Project that was launched in June 202. Children from all over the world came together to share their inspiring SDGs Stories. It was incredible to see how even the smallest actions can make a big impact in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The Conference brought together more than 1,600 young participants from more than 30 countries all around the world. The event was hosted by Ananya Chopra & Ayush Chopra, the young Changemakers, authors, the Diana Award holder and the Founders of SDGs For Children along with his co- hosts and SDG Champions /SDG Choupal Young Ambassadors, Ananya Kamboj and Aarav Seth.
Mr Douglas Ragan, the Programme Management Officer Specialist, Children and Youth Human Rights and Social Inclusion Unit represented UN-HABITAT Youth. It was an honour to have him as an eminent Speaker at WCC2020. He mentioned, “There is no more important time for children and youth to stand up and be heard & work with us to meet the challenges the planet faces.”
Dr. Jennifer Williams, the co-founder of TeachSDGs and Take Action Global gave her heartfelt message for children. Dr. Williams is the board president of ISTE Education Leaders PLN. Her message inspired and encouraged children globally to engage and take actions for Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Pandey, Director Ahlcon Group of Schools was one of the Keynote Speaker. Dr. Pandey is the Chairperson of the Council for Global citizenship education and Former Chairperson of National Progressive schools Conference (NPSC). He is an active partner to the United Nations Act4SDGs campaign and has been at the forefront of fostering Sustainable Development Goals through his initiative SDG4QEducation. Dr. Pandey inspired children with his words of wisdom. Listening to him is always a treat to ears.
Ms. Abhilasha Singh, Principal of Shining Star International School, Abu Dhabi gave the closing speech on behalf of SDG Choupal at WCC2020. As expressed by her, it was one of the best student conferences she has attended so far as the diversity of age range was special and the participants spoke with so much passion that it was imposing and inspiring.
Abhilasha appreciated SDGs For Children for being a pioneer as always in organizing a first-of-its-kind event. Agenda 2030 is a collective Responsibility. Each of us must ensure that we make it happen right from the conservation of the environment by improving air quality, saving the oceans by reducing plastic use, and saving life underwater and on land to building just institutions by spreading peace and the message of social equity and equality. All participants gave a clear message to the world. It clearly showed that children are more bothered about the world than the adults. We saw Global Citizenship in action. The event was heartwarming and heartfelt.