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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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:

  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 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:

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)

First Nations Treaties & SDGs Project, School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED), University of Waterloo

University of Cambridge

National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada

Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre Shatitsirótha’ (WISC)

And a special thanks to our friends and mentors from:

Canadian Commission for UNESCO

United Nations Association in Canada (Quinte Branch)

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

 

A Few Drops of Hope

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.

Through Their Lenses

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

Stories You Can't Put Down

"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.

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

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 

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

Photo 2019-07-11, 17 05 36.jpg

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:

Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL)

First Nations Treaties & SDGs Project, School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED), University of Waterloo

National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada 

Audain Professorship of Contemporary Art Practices of the Pacific Northwest, University of Victoria

Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism (CHRLP), McGill University

Children's Environmental Rights Initiative (CERI)

Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC)

And a special thanks to our friends and mentors from:

Canadian Commission for UNESCO 


REGISTER NOW:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/online-international-roundtable-on-indigenous-childrens-voices-rights-tickets-164037124455


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Save the dates 19 & 26 July 2021: Eco-seminars & Book Launch

Free online Eco-Seminars organized by The Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) Initiative and the Cambridge Schools Eco-Council.


The Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) Initiative and the Cambridge Schools Eco-Council are organising two free 60 minutes Online Eco-Seminars to raise awareness of key sustainability challenges and solutions. Children, students, families, and public members can register for free over Eventbrite and participate online over Zoom. Each Online Eco-Seminar included student and expert speakers. 

The first eco-seminar focuses on Emerging Environmental Technologies: Eco-technology and Clean Energy to Protect the Environment from 9-10 GMT on Monday 19 July 2021. The second eco-seminar focuses on Nature-Based Solutions: Mangroves & Wetlands from 4-5 pm GMT Monday 26 July 2021! 

Both eco-seminars are hosted by the Cambridge Schools Eco-Council and the Voices of Future Generations Children's Rights Initiative.  

  Register here: 

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/eco-seminar-july-series-tickets-162037507547.                                                                   

Let other people know! Families with children or youth interested in local and global challenges and solutions related to climate change and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

They might enjoy a fun, short, interactive online eco-seminar with other kids (and adult leaders) as speakers during the holidays!

July 2021 Free Online Eco-Seminar Mini-Series for Students!

Together with the Voices of Future Generations Children's Initiative, the Cambridge Schools Eco-Council has been organising free 60 minute Online Eco-Seminars to raise awareness of key sustainability challenges and solutions. Children, students, families, and public members can register for free over Eventbrite and participate online over Zoom, 9-10 am (UK time) on 19 July and 4-5 pm on 26 July. 

Each Online Eco-Seminar focuses on two key sustainable development goals, such as Clean Energy (SDG9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11), Climate Change (SDG13) or Life on Land (SDG15). Each Online Eco-Seminar includes student and expert speakers.


Eco-Seminar 1: Emerging Environmental Technologies: Eco-technology and Clean Energy to Protect the Environment - Monday 19 July 2021 

Focus: How eco-technology contributes to the SDGs to promote green growth and improve sustainability?

Bonus: Launch of the UNESCO Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) book:

Stanley and EPIC by Jasper Chin Moody (Oceania)

Chairs: 

Nico Roman, Cambridge Schools Eco-Council Co-Chair, Voices of Future Generations Child Ambassador, Kings College School Eco-Society Co-leader.

Freya Tikva, Gold Award Laureate, UNESCO Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) Children's Rights Initiative for Europe and Child Author of The Girl Who Changed Everything, Cambridge Schools Eco-Council Deputy Chair and Co-Chair of Eco-Activities Committee.


Speakers:

Sanjiv Fernando, Research Associate, Resolve

Jona David, founding Eco-Councillor of the Cambridge Schools Eco-Council, award-winning UNESCO Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) Children's Rights Initiative Alumni and Child Author of The Cosmic Climate Invention and other books, and

Jasper Chin Moody, Gold Award Laureate, UNESCO Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) Children's Rights Initiative for Oceania and Child Author of Stanley and EPIC.

Eco-Seminar 2: Nature-Based Solutions: Mangroves & Wetlands - Monday 26 July 2021 

Focus: What are nature-based solutions to climate change? How can we protect mangroves and wetlands?

Bonus: Launch of the UNESCO Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) books:

The Children Who Saved the Mangroves by Rehema Kibugi (Africa)

Journey for Tomorrow by Andrea Wilson (North America)

Chairs: 

Nico Roman, Cambridge Schools Eco-Council Co-Chair, Voices of Future Generations Child Ambassador, Kings College School Eco-Society Co-leader.

Freya Tikva, Gold Award Laureate, UNESCO Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) Children's Rights Initiative for Europe and Child Author of The Girl Who Changed Everything, Cambridge Schools Eco-Council Deputy Chair and Co-Chair of Eco-Activities Committee.


Speakers:

Expert*


Darlene Coyle, Policy Project Coordinator, Canadian Youth Biodiversity Network (CYBN), Associate Fellow, Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL).

Thomas Langford, Eco-Councillor in the Cambridge Schools Eco-Council, and winner of the Rotary Young Environmentalist Award for East Anglia.

Rehema Kibugi, Gold Award Laureate, UNESCO Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) Children's Rights Initiative for Africa and Child Author of The Children Who Saved the Mangroves.

Andrea Wilson, Gold Award Laureate, UNESCO Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) Children's Rights Initiative for North America and Child Author of Journey for Tomorrow, blog post author on the Sustainable Development Goals and Child Rights.

Over zoom, after a 15 mins for tech testing and interactions from 8:45 to 9am on July 19 and 3:45pm to 4pm on July 26, student Eco-Councillors and UN Voices of Future Generations Child Authors / Ambassadors, together with world-class experts, will launch 3 new VoFG Books and discuss creative local and solutions. For a further 15 minutes, participants can ask questions and discuss potential solutions and ways to raise education and awareness interactively, followed by a 10-minute closing from the experts and youth speakers.

To join the session on 19 July at 8:45 for 9:00 am (UK time) after registering, use this Zoom Meeting Link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/eco-seminar-july-series-tickets-162037507547.

To join the session on 26 July at 3:45 for 4:00 pm (UK time) after registering, use this Zoom Meeting Link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/eco-seminar-july-series-tickets-162037507547.

For a flavour of other activities of the Cambridge Schools Eco-Council, please see https://www.cambschoolsecocouncil.uk 

To know more about the Voices of Future Generations Initiative, please see https://www.vofg.org/ 

Please note: Students participate with permission under the supervision of parents/guardians from their homes.

*to be confirmed 

The search is on for Voices of Future Generations Middle East Region

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VoFG Arabia is running cycle two of the writing competition.

Be ready to write your ideas for a better tomorrow!

WHO CAN ENTER?

The creative writing competition is open to all children aged 8-12 years old, whether in private education, government schools or for those who are home-schooled. Entries open for the second year to all children resident in the Gulf Region and in full-time education, including our children of determination. Students, parents and teachers can submit stories – and each submission is free of charge. A Voices of Future Generations Gold Winner will not hold eligibility to re-enter the competition.

WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES?

  • Please write stories that will appeal to children who are 6 years or older.

  • Write a story that is between 600 and 1,500 words long.

  • Submit your entry online in a single-spaced word document in size 12 font, divided into clear paragraphs, in either Arabic or English.

  • Include themes around children’s rights and sustainable development, and your own vision for a sustainable future.

  • Your story must be original and written for this competition only.

  • The story submissions will be open from January 2021.

  • The deadline for the story submissions is 31 May 2021.

HOW WOULD THE STORIES BE JUDGED?       

  • The stories meeting the story format criteria will be accepted upon submission through the Voices of Future Generations website.

  • A panel of educators at the Voices of Future Generations team for the Middle East Region will shortlist 20 stories from 10 Child Authors in Arabic and 10 in English.

  • The 10 short-listed stories in both languages, Arabic and English will be sent to an International Commission of leading experts and agencies, and Goodwill Ambassadors will select the winning entries for key regions of the world.

WHAT IS THE PRIZE?         

  • Winning child authors will be awarded gold, silver and bronze medals and certificates.

  • Winning stories (gold medalists) will get published at the International Commission's discretion, and their stories will be disseminated globally.

  • Teacher volunteers as Voices of Future Generations Champions will receive certificates and awards at the Voices of Future Generations for the Middle East Region Awards Ceremony.

  • The shortlisted stories will get published in a regional anthology by the Emirates Literature Foundation.

Deadline: 31 May 2021

For more information and to submit your story got to VoFG Arabia

FREE ONLINE ECO-SEMINARS FOR CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND THE WORLD!

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REGISTER NOW AND SPREAD THE WORD

Cambridge Schools Eco-Council is organising a mini-series of free 60 minute Online Eco-Seminars to raise awareness of key sustainability challenges and solutions, while schools have been forced online in many countries. Children, students, families and members of the public can register for free over Eventbrite and participate online over Zoom, 4-5pm (UK time) each fortnight from Tuesday 21 April to Tuesday 16 June. Each Online Eco-Seminar focuses on a key sustainable development goal, such as Climate Action (SDG 13), Protecting and Restoring Life on Land (SDG 15) or Agriculture and Food Systems (SDG 2). Each Online Eco-Seminar includes student and expert speakers.

Over zoom, after a 15 mins for tech testing and interactions from 3:45pm to 4pm, student Eco-Councillors and UN Voices of Future Generations child authors / ambassadors, together with world-class experts, will provide a 25-minute introduction to a sustainability challenge, and discuss creative local and solutions. For a further 25 minutes, participants can ask questions and discuss potential solutions and ways to raise education and awareness interactively, followed by a 10-minute closing from the experts and youth speakers by 5pm.

 Upcoming Eco-Seminars: 

Eco-Seminar 3: Climate Change, Energy Policy and Sustainable Communities - Tuesday, May 19

Register here

- Child author speaker: Jasper, Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative 

- Eco-Council speaker: Harry, Cambridge Schools Eco-Council

- Experts: Prof Laura Dias Anadon, University of Cambridge and M Helene Kotter, Eco-Architecture

 

Eco-Seminar 4: Nature, Biodiversity and Sustainable Landscapes - Tuesday, June 2

Register here

- Child author speaker: Addy, Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative 

- Eco-Council speaker: Nico, Cambridge Schools Eco-Council

- Experts: Dame Fiona Reynolds and Ms Hawa Sydique, University of Cambridge

 

Eco-Seminar 5: Consumerism and Waste - Tuesday, June 16

Register here

- Child author speaker: Andrea, Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative 

- Eco-council speaker: Luana, Cambridge Schools Eco-Council

- Experts: Ms Naomi Klein, Journalist and Dr Markus Gehring, University of Cambridge

 

Past Eco-Seminars:

Eco-Seminar 1: Global Climate Change, the Paris Agreement and Local Solutions - Tuesday, April 21

- Child author speaker: Jona, Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative 

- Eco-council speaker: Virginia, Cambridge Schools Eco-Council

- Experts: Prof Cristina Voigt, University of Oslo and Cllr Rosy Moore, Cambridge City Council

Eco-Seminar 2: Agriculture, Food Systems and Climate Resilience Tuesday, May 5

- Child author speaker: Rehema, Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative 

- Eco-Council speaker: Magnus, Cambridge Schools Eco-Council

- Experts: M Ayman Cherkaoui, CISDL and Dr Amy Munro-Faure, The Living Lab


Please note: Students participate with permission and under supervision of parents/guardians, from their homes.

For more information click here

For a flavour of other local activities by the Cambridge Schools Eco-Council, please see www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/...06343/.