VoFG CI Hosts Online International Roundtable on Indigenous Children’s Voices & Rigths 2024

In celebration of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the past Saturday, August 10, The Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative (VoFG CI) hosted a special Online International Roundtable on Indigenous Children’s Voices & Rights, together with the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL), and the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada.

The event amazing panelists including Indigenous Child Authors and Ambassadors, youth activists representing different world regions, educators, and global experts on Indigenous rights who shared inspiring speeches and engaged in an insightful intergenerational dialogue that addressed critical questions at the intersection of education, children´s rights, Indigenous peoples´rights and reconciliation, and sustainable development such as:

  1.  How can educators ensure that Indigenous children have positive educational experiences?  

  2. What challenges do Indigenous children face to access quality education, and how can these barriers be overcome?  

  3. How can Indigenous communities, schools, governments, and organizations work together to support Indigenous children's rights?

  4. What are the challenges and opportunities for integrating Indigenous youth perspectives into decision-making processes?

In addition to wonderful interventions by Child Authors, Child Ambassadors, and expert speakers, the event celebrated the winners of the 2023 Call for Indigenous Child Authors, followed by a beautiful toast by Ms Adelyn Newman-Ting, VoFG’s first Indigenous Child Author. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants and reiterate our deepest gratitude to the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada for making this contest possible and to the Indigenous Leadership Commission for judging the contest entries.

The winning story, The Brother’s Reunion, written by Sydnee Wynter Aime Nisyok, demonstrates a profound awareness of Indigenous peoples’ history and the rights of the child. It addresses the direct impact of the Sixties Scoop on her family and aims to inspire Indigenous youth to advocate for their rights and the rights of their communities. The Brothers’ Reunion also aligns with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. The story will be available for free download on the VoFG CI website, and a hard copy will be available on Amazon in September 2024.

Further, honoured invited chairs and speakers included: Elder Philomene Sanderson, who provided opening and closing prayer, 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, inspiring opening remarks by Ms. Skw’akw’as (Sunshine) Dunstan-Moore, Indigenous Climate & Policy Advisor with VIDEA and Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s Youth Advisory Group Member; alongside an impactful keynote speech by Ms. Portia Garnons-Williams, Indigenous youth advocate and member of VoFG CI Indigenous Leadership Council, as well as encouraging closing remarks by Adv Wayne Garnons-Williams, CEO of The National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada.

Watch the Event Recording

VoFG CI Hosts Roundtable on International Day of Education

The Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative (VoFG CI) hosted a thought-provoking international online roundtable on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in celebration of International Day of Education. The event attracted over 300 attendees from around the world, sparking rich discussions on education, children’s rights, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the context of conflict and environmental degradation.

The opening prayer was led by Elder Philomene Sanderson, a Plains Cree Elder from the Moosomin First Nation, who set a solemn tone for the event. Following the prayer, Adv. Wayne Garnons-Williams, CEO of the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, delivered a powerful set of opening remarks, underscoring the importance of Indigenous children's rights and celebrating The Brothes’ Reunion, an inspiring book written by Indigenous Child Author Ms. Sydnee Wynter Nisyok which addresses the Sixties Scoop using child-friendly language.

A highlight of the roundtable was the keynote speech by Ms. Jessica Sheffield Zamora, founder of the Guardians of Nature movement, who eloquently addressed the intersection of environmental protection and education. Her message emphasized the urgent need for education systems worldwide to integrate environmental stewardship, particularly in light of climate change and ecological crises.

The event also saw the launch of Futures, an anthology curated by Master Nico Roman, who is also the Vice-Chair of the Global Youth Council on Science, Law, and Sustainability. The anthology features contributions from young voices advocating for a sustainable future. In his remarks, Roman highlighted the importance of youth-led initiatives in driving global change and championing the SDGs.

The online roundtable's discussions were further enriched by insights from distinguished panelists and roundtable chairs, including Prof. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger (CISDL, University of Cambridge, VoFG International Commission) and VoFG Lead Counsel Adv. Neshan Gunasakera. The panel addressed critical questions surrounding education and its role in the SDGs, such as:

How do you define quality education in the context of current global challenges?

What needs to change in education systems to empower children, especially Indigenous children?

How can we work together to uphold children’s rights and ensure their well-being now and in the future?

Panellists included experts such as Prof. Pamela Towela Sambo, Chairperson of the Zambia Human Rights Commission; Ms. Alysha Alva from the World’s Largest Lesson, Prof. Damilola S. Olawuyi SAN, UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, and VoFG Arabia educators and leaders Ms. Shama Noman and Mr. Hagop Dervitian. Voices of youth were also prominently represented, with young authors and advocates like Ms. Rehema Kibugi, Ms. Inayah Faeez, Ms. Anisa Daniel-Oniko, Ms. Saira Thomas, Master Zachary Fathally, Ms. Emma Yu, and Ms. Sydnee Nisyok.

The roundtable addressed key issues such as how education systems worldwide can be reimagined to reflect the realities of climate change, conflict, and the need for greater inclusion of marginalized communities. Attendees expressed concerns about the future of education in the face of these challenges, but also highlighted the growing role of children in shaping conversations around sustainable development and human rights.

A significant takeaway from the roundtable discussions was the emphasis on inclusivity. As one attendee remarked, "I was greatly impressed at how children were included in all the discussions." Another shared their appreciation for the diversity of voices represented during the event, noting how “participants from various backgrounds provided valuable insights into how different cultures approach education, children's rights, and sustainable development.”

One attendee remarked, "This should be broadcast in schools everywhere," underscoring the importance of spreading these vital discussions to wider audiences, especially the younger generation. The event's virtual format allowed for active participation from all corners of the globe, ensuring that diverse perspectives were heard and shared.

The roundtable concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Ann Skelton, Chairperson of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and Professor of Law at UNESCO Chair: Education Law in Africa. She stressed the importance of continued advocacy and the need to ensure that education becomes a powerful tool for advancing children's rights and achieving the SDGs.

Partners and collaborators for the event included the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL), National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, the Emirates Literature Foundation, the World's Largest Lesson, the World Future Council, the Goals Project, and the Guardians of Nature Movement.

The roundtable served as a reminder that the future of education, children's rights, and the SDGs is interconnected—and that the voices of future generations must be at the heart of these discussions.

You can watch the full recording of the event right below.



VoFG Youth Leaders Speak and Launch Harmony Journal on BLGD during CBD COP16

Youth speaking at the Leadership Roundtable: Youth Voices in Biodiversity Governance on Biodiversity Law and Governance Day (October 26, 2024) during CBD COP 16

In a powerful demonstration of youth leadership, the "Leadership Roundtable: Youth Voices in Biodiversity Governance" took place online as part of Biodiversity Law and Governance Day during COP 16. Hosted by the Voices of the Future Generations Children’s Initiative (VOFG CI), the Global Youth Council on Science, Law & Sustainability (GYC), and the Youth Negotiators Academy (YNA), the session brought together young advocates from around the globe to discuss the integral role of youth in biodiversity governance.

The roundtable addressed critical questions: How can youth-led initiatives advance biodiversity in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child? What is the role of youth in biodiversity conservation within existing legal frameworks? And how can young leaders be empowered in global biodiversity governance and policymaking

Voices of Change

The event showcased the advocacy, creativity, and leadership of young people, who are actively engaging in dialogues about the health and preservation of ecosystems. The session featured three interconnected presentations that highlighted youth contributions to sustainability, human rights, and environmental protection.

In the first segment, child authors Rehema Kibugi (Kenya), Ryan Hill (Canada), and Saira Thomas (UAE) shared insights from their published children’s books, showing how children and youth can voice their concerns and aspirations regarding biodiversity preservation in their respective countries through the creative art of storytelling. Their narratives serve not only as a reflection of their experiences but also as a call to action for peers and policymakers alike.

Empowering Youth Movements

The second part of the session spotlighted the Global Youth Council on Science, Law & Sustainability (GYC). Youth speakers Nico Roman (UK, Canada, and Germany), Wezi Chilubanama (Zambia), and Thomas Langford (UK) emphasized the importance of youth-led initiatives for advocacy and action. They highlighted the GYC's mission to empower young voices and share their insights on pressing environmental issues.

During the event, the GYC also launched the second issue of the Harmony Journal, an online publication featuring articles and artwork from youth around the world focused on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land). The launch was led by editorial team members Varnessa Varlyngton (Nigeria) and Carlos Caballero (Bolivia), with contributions from Harry Langford (UK) and Freya Tikva (Austria), who discussed their work featured in the journal.

Youth Negotiators in Action

The final segment of the roundtable showcased the advocacy efforts of youth negotiators from the YNA. Delegates, including Sigurd Seindal Krabbe and Lise Coermann Nygaard from Denmark, and Alicia Maldonado, a former youth negotiator, presented their initiatives aimed at influencing biodiversity policy. Their collective work underscores the importance of including youth perspectives in global decision-making processes.

Chaired by Elianys (Ela) Martinez from CISDL and VOFG CI, alongside Marie-Claire Graf from the Youth Negotiators Academy, the session exemplified a commitment to uplifting youth voices in biodiversity governance. Participants emphasized the need for platforms that enable young people to engage actively in shaping policies that affect their futures.

A Call for Inclusion

The "Leadership Roundtable: Youth Voices in Biodiversity Governance" not only celebrated the contributions of young leaders but also served as a clarion call for greater inclusion of youth in discussions and decision-making processes regarding the environment. As these young advocates continue to inspire action and dialogue, the future of biodiversity governance looks increasingly promising, with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions at the forefront.

As COP 16 progresses, the momentum generated by this session highlights the critical role that youth will play in ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for all.



Watch the Full Recording of the Session

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:

  1. How can we all promote children's rights, and also support sustainability locally and globally?

  2. What can be done to further encourage and support youth engagement in promoting quality education globally?

  3. 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 (NSSHFC) 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 concluded with a special grant-signing ceremony attended by representatives from VoFG CI and NSSHFC.

Watch the Recording

VoFG CI Hosts International Roundtable on Education for World 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:

  1. How can children contribute to the implementation of SDG 4 in a way that realises the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?

  2. How can children (as voices for future generations) promote climate justice and respond to the threat of climate change and biodiversity loss?

  3. 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 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:


VoFG CI 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?

  • 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:

Festival of Nature 2022

The Voices of Future Generations Children’s hosted a virtual storytime on Sunday, June 12, 2022 as part of the Festival of Nature 2022 - the UK's largest free celebration of the natural world.

Child authors from across the world took the audience on a magical journey through their stories addressing children's rights and sustainable development and sharing their hopes, dreams and vision for a sustainable world.

The event was opened by Nico Roman Cordonier Gehring, followed by child authors: Saira Thomas, Saoud Ahmed Alkaabi, Freya Tikva, Diniru Sathnidu Dissanayake, Sashini Manikandan, Seba Awadh Mohammed Almusad and Inayah Fathima Faeez.

Watch the storytime here:

Online International Roundtable on Education, the UNCRC & the Worlds SDGs

The Online International Roundtable on Education, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the World’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) celebrated International Literacy Day with the global launch of ten beautifully illustrated new UNESCO VoFG Children's Books with Child Authors and Child Ambassadors from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Oceania. Invited speakers included: Ms Estelle Lamoureux, Education Sectoral Commission Preside for CCUNESCO, Dr David Boyd, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Environment, Prof Marcel Szabo, Future Generations Commissioner and Chair of Voices of Future Generations, Isobel Abulhoul OBE, CEO & Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation, and an international roundtable of insightful experts and youth leaders; it was certainly an inspiring and engaging occasion offering much encouragement for the capacity being built to combat the environmental challenges on hand.

You can watch a summary of the International Roundtable below, or if you prefer you can watch the full recording here on YouTube.

Keynote Speech by Ms Estelle Lamoureux, Education Sectoral Commission Preside for CCUNESCO

Opening Remarks: Dr. David Boyd (UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Environment)

Voices of Future Generations Online Book Launch of VoFG Introduction of book titles & Child Authors - Chair: Prof. Marcel Szabo, Future Generations Commissioner and Chair, VoFG CI

The Voices of Future Generations new Children's Books being celebrated with UNESCO, CISDL and partners on International Literacy Day 2021 include:


Online International Roundtable on Indigenous Children’s Voices & Rights

IMPLEMENTING THE UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD BY ENCOURAGING INDIGENOUS CHILDREN’S VOICES

The Online International Roundtable on Indigenous Children’s Voices & Rights: Implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child by encouraging Indigenous Children’s Voices celebrated on International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples with Adelyn Sophie Newman-Ting, Voices of Future Generations Indigenous Child Author, Sydnee Wynter and Bella Morrisseau, Voices of Future Generations Indigenous Child Ambassadors, Roda Muse, Secretary-General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and a roundtable of insightful Indigenous speakers, youth leaders and experts; it was certainly an inspiring and engaging occasion. 


We especially enjoyed celebrating the launch of Finding the Language by the first Voices of Future Generations Indigenous Child Author. The beautifully illustrated children's book explores the importance of saving Indigenous languages and cultures and relates to SDG 4: Education and SDG 13: Climate Change.


You can watch a summary of the International Roundtable below, or if you prefer you can watch the full recording here on YouTube.

Recommended resources by the speakers and special guests engaged in the dialogue on Indigenous Children’s Rights, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child by encouraging Indigenous Children’s Voices:

Voices of Future Generations Intergenerational Learning Circle 2018

On Thursday, 13 September 2018, the prestigious House of Lords in Westminster, London, hosted the Voices of Future Generations Intergenerational Learning Circle, a dynamic and inspiring gathering focused on children's rights and sustainable development.

This landmark event brought together Child Authors and Child Ambassadors from the UNESCO Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) Initiative, alongside delegations of teachers and students from leading schools across the United Kingdom. They were joined by international mentors, legal and policy experts, and sustainability leaders from around the world in a rich dialogue centered on intergenerational learning and action.

Through a day of thought-provoking roundtable discussions, compelling youth presentations, and hands-on workshops, participants explored innovative ways that children and youth can champion the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the rights articulated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Learning Circle created a space for meaningful exchanges between generations, where children, educators, and experts collaborated as equals to advance shared visions of justice, sustainability, and inclusion at local, national, and global levels.

To honour the exceptional contributions of the participants, a series of awards and medals were presented to school delegations and individuals, recognizing excellence in inspiration, scientific knowledge, creativity, cultural awareness, and human rights advocacy.

The event concluded with a special celebration of Voices of the Future: Stories from Around the World (Bloomsbury), an anthology featuring eight powerful stories written by VoFG Child Authors, with a foreword by former UNESCO Director-General, Ms. Irina Bokova. This publication reflects the voices and dreams of children worldwide who are envisioning a better, more sustainable future for all.

🌟 Awards and Prizes at the 2018 Intergenerational Learning Circle

🏆 Global Inspiration Awards 2018

  • Bloomsbury Education

  • Hon. Justice Prof. Marcel Szabó

🌍 Child Ambassador Medallists

  • Nico Roman

  • Cristina Manuel

📚 Child Author Awards

  • Child Author Gold Award 2018 – North America: Andrea Wilson

  • Child Author Gold Award 2016 – Asia: Ying-Xuan Lai

  • Child Author Achievement Award 2018: Jona David

🎖 School Delegation Awards

Gold Medals

  • Creativity: St. Mary Magdalene CE Primary School

  • Environmental Awareness: St. John’s College School, Cambridge

  • Global Citizenship: Millfields Community School

  • Promotion of Children’s Rights: Haimo Primary School

  • Scientific Accuracy: King’s College School, Cambridge

Silver Medals

  • Global Citizenship: St. Mary Magdalene CE Primary School

  • Creativity: St. John’s College School, Cambridge

  • Environmental Awareness: King’s College School, Cambridge

  • Scientific Accuracy: Haimo Primary School

  • Promotion of Children’s Rights: Millfields Community School

🍎 SDG Teaching Excellence Awards

  • Ms. Helen Barker, King’s College School, Cambridge

  • Ms. Jacqueline Graves, Haimo Primary School

The VoFG team is incredibly proud of the success of this event. It was truly inspiring to witness such powerful engagement from children, teachers, and experts alike, sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and co-creating solutions for a better world. A heartfelt thank you to every participant who helped make this gathering a meaningful celebration of children’s voices, creativity, and global citizenship.

A Book Launch and Intergenerational Dialogue for Children's Rights and Sustainability

Bloomsbury Publishing & Houses of Parliament, London – 07 July 2015

On 7 July 2016, London became the vibrant stage for a truly inspiring celebration of young voices, children’s rights, and the global vision of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The day began with a lively and heartfelt book launch hosted at the renowned Bloomsbury Publishing, marking a significant milestone, the official release of an anthology with the first seven stories in the Voices of Future Generations Children’s Book Series. These stories were authored by a diverse group of young storytellers from across the globe, each bringing their unique perspective and creativity to the project.

Filled with pride and enthusiasm, the young authors passionately shared how their characters and narratives were deeply inspired by the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), as well as the ambitious 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda aimed at creating a better, more equitable world for all.

The stories explored vital themes such as environmental stewardship, access to quality education, social inclusion, and equality. Through their imaginative storytelling, these young voices not only showcased remarkable creativity but also demonstrated profound understanding and commitment to addressing the global challenges faced by children today and future generations to come. This event not only celebrated literary talent but also underscored the power of youth-led advocacy in shaping a sustainable and just future for all.

In the afternoon, the conversation moved to the historic Houses of Parliament in Westminster, where an Intergenerational Learning Circle took place. Co-hosted by the Voices of Future Generations initiative and the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, the event brought together child authors, UN SDG Child Ambassadors, and students from local UK schools for a powerful exchange of ideas. Children from all walks of life gathered to share their visions for a better future and how they would tackle global issues such as climate change, gender inequality, access to quality education, and child participation in governance.

What emerged was a clear, unified message from children around the world:
All children must be empowered to know and claim their rights.
Participants emphasized the urgent need for awareness and implementation of the CRC, particularly the right to be heard. They appealed to governments, educators, and leaders to recognize children not only as beneficiaries of development but also as active contributors to change.

Many of the children expressed their commitment to sustainability and their concern that too often, short-term personal gain takes precedence over long-term environmental and social well-being. As one young speaker poignantly stated,

“Once given a voice, we will speak, and once listened to, we will move forward in the goal to give every child rights.”

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2016 Future Generations Inspiration Award to Professor Kirsten Sandberg, former Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. Presented by the child authors themselves, the award recognized Professor Sandberg’s tireless work in advancing the rights of children globally.

The event also featured moving speeches via video-link from two distinguished global advocates:

  • Irina Bokova, then-Director General of UNESCO, and

  • Professor Edith Brown-Weiss of Georgetown Law School, both of whom praised the children's courage, creativity, and commitment to justice.

Special thanks were extended to Baroness Julie Smith of Newnham, who played a key role in making the event possible, and to all the educators, guardians, and institutions who supported the young authors on their journey.

© 2025 The Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative (VoFG CI) is a charitable initiative of the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL), a registered non-profit organization