International Online Roundtable on Education, Children's Rights, and the SDGs Celebrates International Day of Education
January 31, 2025 – 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?
Panelists 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.
Event Recording
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