The GYC Launches Eco-Decos Contest

ECO-DECOS

Sustainable Festive Decor-Making Contest 

As the new year approaches, celebrations are gearing up worldwide, with social media amplifying their reach and grandeur. While these celebrations spread joy, they also have a significant environmental impact, especially due to the decoration items used. 

In response to this, the Global Youth Council on Science, Law, and Sustainability (GYC), in partnership with the Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative (VOFG CI), has launched the ECO-DECOS initiative to raise awareness about sustainable decoration practices and encourage positive change.

 Competition Rules

  • Eligibility:  Open globally to all students aged 18 and below.

  • Create an innovative,  sustainable decorative item for any festival or special event that you celebrate. (e.g., National Days, New Year, Eid or other cultural events).

  • A maximum number of 5 materials can be used.

    Acceptable Materials:

  1. Upcycled: plastic bottles, candy wrappers, old clothes, eggshells, newspapers etc.

  2. Picked from Nature: pinecones, rocks, twigs, shells, etc.

  3. New, but Eco-friendly: beeswax, cotton yarn, organic paint/glue, etc.

 Submission Requirements

1. Writings:  (to be typed in the submission form)

  • A brief description (max 25 words) of what you are celebrating and how your family celebrates it.

  • A list of materials you used.(maximum 5)

  • Step-by-step instructions on how you created your decoration. 

2. Picture collage: Take pictures of each step of the making process and compile them into a picture collage. 

3. Final Product Photo: Capture a clear picture of the finished creation.

 How to Submit

  • Submit your entry through the submission form. 

  • Feel free to submit more than one entry.

  • Deadline: December 31, 2024.

 Prizes

  • The top 3 submissions will receive certificates and will be showcased on the GYC and VOFG websites.

  • Exceptional entries will be shared on the GYC’s Instagram page @gyc_sls  to inspire others.

  • Winners’ certificates will be sent to the email addresses provided

  • Winners will be announced by January 2025.


 Judging Criteria

Submissions will be judged based on sustainability, creativity, and originality.

Follow the GYC on Instagram @gyc_sls for inspiration and updates!

This competition is an opportunity to celebrate with a conscience, merging tradition with eco-friendly practices. Together, let us change the world, one craft at a time!

Call for Indigenous Child Authors 2024-2025 Now Open!

Calling Indigenous Children in Canada: Share Your Story!

Are you between 8 and 17 years old and a member of an Indigenous community in Canada? 

Do you have creative ideas and a story to tell?

This is your chance to become a published Child Author!

We invite you to write a creative short story that focuses on children’s rights, sustainability, and a better future for everyone! This is your chance to share your thoughts and dreams about how the world can be a better place for Indigenous children and their communities.

The Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative, working with the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, is looking for stories that celebrate resilience and healing and promote awareness about the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Get Ready to Participate!

  • Who Can Enter?
    Indigenous children between 8 and 17 years old from Canada whose families or communities have been impacted by the Sixties Scoop.


  • Story Theme:
    Your story should feature child characters that represent your community and cultural heritage. It should raise awareness about Indigenous children’s rights and encourage others to understand the importance of those rights, as described by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.


  • What Should Your Story Include?
    You can submit a full story (1,200-1,500 words) or a story idea/outline (200-300 words) with the commitment to develop the full story if selected. We’re looking for creative and imaginative stories where young heroes solve problems, dream of a better future, and show us how to make the world a more fair and sustainable place for all children.

  •  In your application you will also need to include a short 100-word biography about yourself. 

Prizes and Rewards:

  • There will be Gold, Silver, and Bronze prizes to the best stories, including medals, certificates, and cash prizes ($300 for gold, $250 for Silver, and $100 for Bronze)

  • The top winner will have their story published as a book, illustrated by a professional illustrator, and shared with readers all over the world!

  • Silver and bronze winners will join a special group of young leaders, called Child Ambassadors, to help raise awareness about children's rights and inspire change.

Important Details to Remember:

How to Enter:

For inspiration, you can read past winning stories by Indigenous Child Authors that were published such as The Brothers' Reunion by Sydnee Wynter Amie Nisyok and Finding the Language by Adelyn Newman-Ting

Not sure how to begin? check out our webpage with creative writing resources 

Need help? Request a brief coaching session with our team by sending an email to Ela Martinez at ela.martinez@vofg.org 

Grab your pen, let your creativity flow, and share your story with the world! Your voice is important, and we can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

This program is supported by a generous grant from the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada.








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 yough 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.

Rehema Kibugi (top left), Ryan Hill (top right), and Saira Thomas (bottom middle).

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.

Nico Roman (top left), Thomas Langford (top right), and Wezi Chilubanama (bottom middle) explain the work of the GYC.

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.

Carlos Andres Caballero (Harmony Journal editorial team) helps launch the Journal’s second issue.

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.

Ms Marie-Claire Graf from the Youth Negotiators Academy.

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

New Book Release – The Brothers' Reunion by Sydnee Wynter Nisyok

We are thrilled to announce the release of The Brothers' Reunion, an inspiring new book written by Indigenous Child Author Sydnee Wynter Nisyok and illustrated by Celia Tian.

The Brothers' Reunion follows the journey of young Jimmy from the Nisga'a Nation as he uncovers his grandfather's painful separation from his brother during the Sixties Scoop. Motivated by a deep sense of family and justice, Jimmy embarks on an adventure with his friends to reunite the brothers. Along the way, they explore important themes of human rights, children's rights, and Indigenous peoples' rights, piecing together the past while strengthening their own community bonds. As Jimmy navigates this journey, he discovers his calling as an advocate for his people.

A Valuable Educational Resource

The Brothers' Reunion, can be an invaluable resource for education on topics regarding human and children's rights.

It provides a narrative that introduces readers to the Sixties Scoop, a historical injustice where Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and communities. By presenting this story in an age-appropriate manner, young readers can understand the impact of these actions on families and communities, fostering historical awareness and empathy.

Through the experiences of the characters, key concepts of human rights and children's rights and themes of family, identity, and belonging can be explored, while appreciating the importance of cultural heritage and the role of community in shaping individuals' lives.

The book can be integrated into various subjects, allowing educators and learners to draw connections between historical events and contemporary societal issues.

We invite readers of all ages to dive into The Brothers' Reunion and join Jimmy on his inspiring quest. Together, we can foster understanding and awareness of the historical and ongoing impacts of the Sixties Scoop while celebrating the resilience of Indigenous communities.

““The Brothers’ Reunion is a heartwarming story of enduring love and determination. A clear and thoughtful exploration of the Sixties Scoop and an important addition to Indigenous literature.””
— Eden Robinson, Author, Haisla Nation

For more information and to download your free PDF, click here!

About Sydnee Wynter Nisyok:

Sydnee belongs to the Ganada (frog) Clan and comes from the house of Ksim Xsaan from the Nisga’a Nation. She also belongs to the ‘iksduqwi’inixw (eagle) clan from the Haisla Nations in Northern British Columbia. Sydnee is grounded in her culture and learns her role with her Nox (mother) Loretta and supported by her Nigwoot (father) Walter to ensure she has teachings that support her in every stage of life. Sydnee is passionate about learning. Science and English are her favourite subjects and she plays the guitar and piano for fun.

She is also a dedicated basketball player and helped her basketball team win the Championship at the Jr. All Native in 2024. Her awareness around the history of Indigenous people and the rights of the child has inspired her to write her story, as the Sixties’s Scoop has had a direct impact on her family. Sydnee’s story was encouraged by her family’s resiliency, and she wants to inspire Indigenous youth to advocate for their rights and the rights of their communities and to be a beacon of hope and light for older and younger generations.

This book was made possible thanks to the generous support of the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada (NSSHFC), whose commitment to healing and reconciliation has helped bring this important story to life.

VoFG HOSTS ONLINE INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE ON INDIGENOUS CHILDREN’S VOICES & RIGHTS 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 Brother’s Reunion also aligns with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. The story will be available for free download on 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

Gallery

Harmony Online Journal Seeking Articles by Youth Ages 8-18 on SDGs 14 & 15

Do you know any creative, articulate youth from ages 8-18 worldwide who might be interested in submitting articles, photos or artwork to be selected, edited and published?

Would you like to help empower young people to protect biodiversity of life below water and life on land, and to promote global sustainability?

 

If so, the Center for International Sustainable Development Law is encouraging you to share the following opportunity with young people who want to make a difference, and ensure their voices are heard. 

The Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) Children´s Initiative, in partnership with the Global Youth Council on Science, Law and Sustainability, is seeking articles, photos and artwork inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals 14: Life Below Water, and 15: Life on Land. 

At this time, young people ages 8-18, from around the world, are invited to submit short articles (3-5 paras, in English), photos or artwork about SDGs 14 and 15, to be published online and launched in the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Cali, Colombia in the fall of 2024. For examples of the right kind of format and content, check the last edition of the Harmony Online Journal, on SDG 13 Climate Action which was launched at the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Glasgow, UK.

 

Eligibility:

(1) open to all youth from all countries or communities ages 8-18,

(2) written with SDGs 14 and 15, sustainability and our future in mind!

(3) format: entries should be 3-5 paras or 200-300 words, single-spaced, with photos or artwork as pdf attachments. 

Entries should be emailed by August 20th, 2024 to the Voices of Future Generations International Commission, care of Ms Elianys Marinez, Programme Coordinator, at

ela.martinez@vofg.org, and the Global Youth Council on Science, Law and Sustainability, harmony.online.journal@gmail.com. Or, submit via this google form: https://forms.gle/xkabg9NZ5wXwekpF8

Watch Now! Dialogue featuring Dr Ngozi Okonjo- Iweal (WTO) and VoFG Child Author Rehema Kibugi

New groundbreaking lecture and dialogue featuring Dr Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization, and Rehema Kibugi, Child Author in the UN Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative, now available to watch

Trade and investment flows are often criticised for their sustainability impacts, yet, if harnessed properly through cutting-edge international law and governance, trade can help rather than hinder the global sustainable development goals. In world-class lecture and dialogue now available online which features Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization, and Rehema Kibugi, Child Author in the UN Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative. This briefing highlights how trade law and policy is evolving to address our world’s challenges, underlining the idea that the WTO can and must be part of an urgent RE-globalisation towards sustainability, building on its poverty-eradication potential and green comparative advantage.

Those interested can watch now, with no cost!

The video link can also be shared widely to inform further discussion on the topic and can be deployed for education and awareness.

During the dialogue,Rehema Kibugi, Child Author in the UN Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative, shares her question to the global biennial lecture experts: “Nearly one in five children worldwide live in extreme poverty and many of these children are from developing countries that are heavily dependent on global trade. As we look towards the future, what strategies or policies can be implemented to promote intergenerational equity in world trade? Dr Ngozi, what advice would you have for young women looking to lead, inspire and make a difference?”

The Democratising Education for Global Sustainability and Justice programme supports this mission by providing online courses on sustainable development law and policy and how they can be harnessed to further the SDGs and the Global Biodiversity Framework or linked with Trade Rules.

More information can be found under this link: https://degsj.org/educational-offerings/

Announcing the Winners of the 2024 Call for Indigenous Child Authors

In a vibrant showcase of creativity and cultural expression, we are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Call for Stories written by Indigenous children. This year’s contest, which was possible thanks to a grant from the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, invited young Indigenous storytellers to share their unique voices and perspectives while highlighting the cultural heritage of their families and communities.

Meet the Winners

Platinum

Sydnee Wynter Aime Nisyok

Story:

The Brothers’ Reunion

Sydnee Wynter Amie Nisyok is from the Ganada (frog) Clan of the Nisga’a Nation and Haisla Nation in Northern British Columbia. With a passion for science, she thrives on learning new things while cherishing moments with her closest friends. Sydnee also has a passion for animals, as seen in her affection for her three beloved pets. As an Earth Ranger, she dedicates herself to environmental missions, striving to protect both animals and the planet. Beyond her conservation efforts, Sydnee finds joy in sports like soccer and basketball, as well as activities like dancing, swimming, horseback riding, and playing tunes on her guitar. With a dream to become a scientist and make a positive impact on the world, Sydnee's ambitions are as vast as her love for nature. Sydnee’s story idea is inspired by the experience of her grandfather, whose brother was “scooped”. With her story, she wants to inspire Indigenous youth to advocate for their rights and the rights of their communities and to be a beacon of hope and light for older and younger generations.

Gold

dominic beardy

Story:

Lessons from the Ancestors

Dominic is a 9-year-old from Little Saskatchewan First Nation and Wiikwemikong First Nation. He is a proud student at Darwin School in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he attends 3rd grade. When he is not in the classroom, you'll likely find him out on the soccer field, playing with his friends. One of Dominic's favorite spots in his community is the local park. He enjoys being outdoors and in contact with nature. He also has a passion for reading. Books are his gateway to imagination and discovery, and he treasures every story he reads. In the future, he would like to be a professional soccer player and a published author. Inspired by the rich traditions of his family, Dominic crafted a story idea that celebrates his cultural heritage and honours the legacy of his ancestors. Through his story, he plans to bring awareness to the challenges faced by Indigenous children and to inspire them to uphold their culture.

Gold

demayani hernández hernández

Story:

Julio’s Village

Demayani Hernández Hernández is a 14-year-old student at Manuel M. Ponce High School and resides in the charming village of Coacuilco, Hidalgo, Mexico. While Spanish is the primary language, Nahuatl also weaves through the community, reflecting its rich linguistic heritage. In her spare time, Demayani delights in singing and dancing, using these activities to express her creativity. She's dedicated to her studies and has ambitious dreams, including becoming fluent in Nahuatl and learning other languages like English and Korean. Known for her responsibility and quick learning, Demayani is eager to expand her horizons and connect further with her cultural roots.

silver

donny beardy

Story:

The Rain and The Sacred Fire

Donny is 10 years old from Little Saskatchewan First Nation and Wiikwemikong First Nation. He is a grade 5 student at Darwin School in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He loves learning and is passionate about sports. His favorite sports to play are soccer, hockey, and basketball. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Donny finds joy in quieter pastimes as well. He enjoys reading, drawing, and exploring various forms of art. Whether he is reading a story book, sketching, or engaged in a puzzle, Donny's curiosity and enthusiasm to engage in diverse activities is truly boundless. In the future, he would like to travel the world and explore different cities as a truck driver. Donny enjoys learning about his Indigenous heritage. He wrote his story idea inspired by the traditions and rituals of his family as well as a genuine concern for the environment.

silver

daira yamile juárez mora

Story:

Culture Equality

Thirteen-year-old Daira Yamile is a proud member of the Nahua people and lives in the scenic community of Coacuilco, located in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. As a vibrant and enthusiastic Year 8 student at Manuel M. Ponce General High School, Daira stands out not only for her academic dedication but also for her love of sports, particularly volleyball. Her intellectual curiosity is boundless, driving her to seek out new knowledge with enthusiasm. Reading is one of her favourite pastimes, and she finds it to be an endless source of inspiration and learning. This passion for knowledge fuels her ambition to become a surgeon, a dream she pursues with unwavering determination and the energy characteristic of her youth. Daira's journey is marked by a blend of cultural pride, academic zeal, and a commitment to her future aspirations, making her a remarkable young individual with a bright future ahead.

silver

dulce karen hernández flores

Story:

Guardians of The Sacred Tree

Dulce Karen Hernandez Flores, 14, is in year 8 at General Manuel M. Ponce High School. As a member of the Nahuatl indigenous group, Dulce Karen deeply values ​​her roots and culture. In her free time, she dedicates herself to her favourite hobbies: creating beautiful crafts, listening to music and getting lost in the pages of a good book. These activities not only relax her, but also stimulate her creativity and love of learning. Since she was little, Dulce Karen has had a great passion for teaching. Her goal is to inspire and educate future generations, connecting her vocation with the cultural heritage of her community and distinguishing herself both academically and in her cultural environment.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants. Your voices are vital, and your stories are a precious gift to us all!

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. Together, we contribute to the empowerment of young writers and to the preservation of Indigenous storytelling for future generations.

Announcing Our Esteemed Judges for the Stories for Futures Competition!

  • Prof. Freya Beatens is a Professor of Public International Law at the Faculty of Law, and Director of the International Human Rights Summer School at the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights, also affiliated with the PluriCourts Centre of Excellence (Faculty of Law, Oslo University) and the Europa Institute (Faculty of Law, Leiden University).

  • Prof. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger is a world-leading scholar and jurist in the field of sustainable development law governance. She is the Senior Director of CISDL and serves as Chair in Sustainable Development Law and Policy at the University of Cambridge.

  • Mr. Alistair Henfrey is the Head of the English Department at Winchester College.

  • Dr. Odette Lara-Morales is the Programme Manager of VoFG CI, an Associate Fellow at CISDL, a Lecturer at the University of Waterloo and a Project Officer with UNA-Canada.

  • Max Lee is an avid writer, poet, and creative who aspires to help young children find their niches as he did through his love for language and literature. In 2020, in the midst of an epidemic, Max founded a Hong Kong-based youth education company driven by his true joy in educating, Crown Education, teaching with a small group of young visionaries from drama to debate to poetry.

  • Elianys (Ela) Martínez is an educator with over six years of experience working with teachers, students, and families within and outside of the school context. Ela is the Programme Coordinator of VoFG CI and an Associate Fellow at CISDL.

  • Julie Smith, Baroness of Newnham is a current member of the House of Lords and an academic specialising in European politics at the University of Cambridge.

  • Prof. Pamela Towela Sambo, is the Head of Department, Private Law at the University of Zambia. She specialises in the legal aspects of environmental justice, EIAs and human rights.

Stay tuned for the results!

Register Now! Online International Roundtable on Indigenous Children's Voices & Rights - Sat 10 Aug, 2024

Save the Date! by VOFG Children

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 a very special online International Roundtable on Indigenous Children's Voices & Rights, which takes place on Saturday 10 August 2024 at 9:00 am PST/ 12:00 pm EST / 5:00 pm BST in celebration of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.

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. The event will also highlight and celebrate new winning stories by Indigenous children who will join the UNESCO Voices of Future Generations Book Series.

We are delighted to invite you to register now!

 
 

International Roundtable on Indigenous Children’s Voices & Rights

Saturday 10 August 2024

9:00 am PST/ 12:00 pm EST / 5:00 pm BST

Venue: Zoom Online Platform.

*Event programme coming soon!

Global Youth Council on Science, Law and Sustainability Launches Call for Stories for Anthology

The Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) Children´s Initiative, in partnership with the Global Youth Council on Science, Law and Sustainability, is seeking stories by youth about the future they want, inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals. 

At this time, young people ages 8-20 and their families or friends, from around the world, are invited to submit short stories (3-5 pages, in English) about fictional characters from their region of the world and any SDGs of interest, along with a 50-word biography, in order to be considered for awards and publication.

The stories should creatively and imaginatively communicate a message about global sustainability, justice and the future we want. Stories with characters and settings that share children's culture and unique environment or local realities will be preferred. Importantly, the stories should be about the kind of future that young people would like to see (this can include, of course, stories about dystopian futures they don’t want, and how to avoid it).

The top stories will be chosen to feature in the Anthology, with the young writers winning Platinum, Gold or Silver Awards for their work.

This book will be published internationally, raising the voices of future generations and spreading our messages for a fair and sustainable tomorrow among peers and global networks, worldwide.

An International Commission of leading experts and agencies, together with youth leaders from around the world including VoFG alumni, will select the winning entries.

To learn more about the competition or to submit an entry, click on the button below:

Child Authors and Ambassadors Participate in The Goals Project 2024

Over the course of six weeks, VoFG Child Authors and Ambassadors participated as Youth Ambassadors in the 2024 edition of The Goals Project, inspiring more than 3,000 students worldwide with their ideas, actions, and visions for a more sustainable and just future.

The Goals Project is a free global collaboration project for all classrooms of the world. Since 2019, the project invites all All PreK-college classrooms to join, attracting more than 3,000 classrooms each year.

For this fourth edition, VoFG Child Authors Saira Thomas, Rehema Kibugi, Ryan Hill, Saoud Ahmed Alkaabi and Child Ambassadors Nico Roman, Anisa Daniel-Oniko, Emma Yu, Wezi Chilubanama, and Zachary Fathally created engaging videos which were shared each week with the project’s students. In their videos, these incredible young leaders shared about their passions and how they advocate for the SDGs in their respective regions and communities. They also gave inspiring words of encouoragement and calls to action, empowering other children to lift their voices and defend their rights and the rights of nature.

You can watch the videos of each Child Author and Ambassador, as well as the wonderful comments they received below:

Hecho con Padlet


VoFG CI receives grant from the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation to publish new book by an Indigenous Child Author

It is an honor for the Voices of Future Generations Children´s Initiative to be given the opportunity to contribute to the healing journey and reconciliation of Sixties Scoop survivors, their descendants, and families through the Voices of Future Generations Children´s Initiative Project. 

This project, made possible by the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation, will allow the VoFG CI to publish beautiful and powerful children's stories about the Sixties Scoop, survival, resilience, and healing, and it will provide a platform for children's voices to be heard across Canada and globally.

Through an awareness and engagement process both in schools and through informal cultural and educational networks, stories written by Indigenous Child Authors and Child Ambassadors who are descendants of Sixties Scoop Survivor(s) or their families will be selected, edited, and illustrated. In addition, online and in-person youth and children’s events will be organized to celebrate the published stories and to expand the world´s knowledge and empathy for the experiences of survivors and their descendants, as well as to raise awareness about Indigenous Peoples' rights.

As these children’s voices and stories are recognized and celebrated, Sixties Scoop survivors and their descendants will benefit from increased awareness, understanding, and representation in children´s literature, which has the potential to inspire future generations to lead transformative changes in favor of a more just, equitable, peaceful, and sustainable world for all.

This project will be led by a CISDL Indigenous Leadership Commission of Sixties Scoop Survivors, families and descendants and Indigenous Peoples, providing direction and making decisions. The Indigenous Leadership Commission will guide outreach among Sixties Scoop Survivors and their families, shape events and activities, and ensure all are conducted in a culturally safe and trauma-informed manner. 

The VoFG CI deeply believes in the power of storytelling and children´s voices and eagerly looks forward to empowering Indigenous children to raise their voices, defend their rights, and share their inspiring stories and visions of a better future. 

Watch the grant signing celebration below:


Child Ambassador Nico Roman Raises More than £4,000 for Charities.

In a remarkable feat of determination and environmental commitment, VoFG Child Ambassador Nico Roman Cordonier-Gehring embarked on a 67-kilometer paddling journey from Cambridge to the sea to raise funds for charities dedicated to combating climate change and protecting children´s rights.

“As wildfires, heatwaves and floods worsen, I am desperately concerned about the terrible impacts of climate change on our local fenlands and our natural systems worldwide, and on the most vulnerable people - especially children. Rather than staying sad and angry, though, this summer I decided to kayak from Cambridge where I live to the sea, to raise funds for local and global charities who are trying to protect children's rights and nature from the impacts of climate change,” shared Nico.

The courageous journey began early morning, with Nico pushing off from the Cam. Armed with determination, a strong sense of purpose, and the support of friends and family, he set his sight on completing the two-day 67-kilometer course. The journey was as much a test of his physical endurance as it was a testament to his unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of nature and children.

Nico was determined not just to complete the journey but also to raise funds for local and global charities. He set up an online fundraiser that garnered an outpouring of support from inspired individuals all over the world, surpassing his initial goal of £2,000 and raising more than £4,000 in donations!

The funds raised during this daring adventure were donated to global charities the Voices for Future Generations Children's Initiative (vofg.org) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (iucn.org), and to local charities Wicken Fen (nationaltrust.org.uk) and the Cambridge Botanic Gardens (botanic.cam.ac.uk).

Nico presenting one of the charities with a donation.

Nico expressed his motivation for undertaking this journey, saying, "I love our natural world. I believe it is important to protect and restore habitat for endangered species (including my two Hermann's Tortoises), and to advance the global Sustainable Development Goals, especially by empowering youth and children. Climate change is getting worse, not better, and we need to do everything we can to support organisations who are helping to make a difference."

After reaching his 67km goal, Nico´s effort did not end there. He decided to create a Fundraising and Awareness Handbook to continue inspiring youth to take action.

“I love our natural world. I believe it is important to protect and restore habitat for endangered species (including my two Hermann’s Tortoises), and to advance the global Sustainable Development Goals, especially by empowering youth and children. Climate change is getting worse, not better, and we need to do everything we can to support organisations who are helping to make a difference.”
— Nico Cordonier-Gehring

As climate change remains a pressing concern for communities worldwide, Nico´s determination is a shining example of how individuals, regardless of their age, can make a profound impact in the fight for a more sustainable future.

Child Authors engage with students in the Dominican Republic

As part of their reading and writing class, the 6th grade class at Colegio Triumphare in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, read part of the VOFG book collection. Inspired by the books and the fact that the authors are young people just like them, they wrote their own book about the sustainable development issues that impact their country. They also invited VoFG child authors to connect with them online so they could discuss the books further. 

The Voices of Future Generations child authors Ying-Xuan Lai, Rehema Kibugi, and Saira Thomas appreciated this opportunity to inspire fellow young students and connected with the students over Zoom. They were warmly welcomed by the school community and openly answered many questions. The students were eager to learn more about how Ying-Xuan, Rehema and Saira became young leaders in their communities, and what they want others to get out of their books. They also inquired how knowing that so many people will read their stories made them feel. The event was skillfully moderated and translated into English and Spanish by Elianys Martinez and the students themselves. 

The Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative thanks these young leaders for their hospitality and for taking the initiative to organize this exchange. It was inspiring to meet a group of confident, creative, and engaged young students from another part of the world. We wish our new friends in the Dominican Republic the very best of luck and success in all their future initiatives for our planet!

VoFG CI hosts Online International Roundtable on Education, Indigenous Rights, and Sustainability.

In celebration of International Literacy Day, the past Saturday, September 9, The Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative (VoFG CI), along with the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL), the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO), and the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada hosted a special Online International Roundtable on Education, Indigenous Rights, and Global Sustainability.

The event featured Indigenous youth activists, global experts on sustainability and Indigenous rights, as well as VoFG CI Child Authors and Ambassadors from Africa, Europe, North America, and the Middle East, who shared inspiring and passionate speeches on how the Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved. They also engaged in an insightful intergenerational dialogue that addressed critical questions at the intersection of education, children´s voices and rights, Indigenous peoples´rights and reconciliation, and sustainable development such as:

  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 (NSSHF
C) to select a new Indigenous Child Author and Child Ambassadors and publish new stories that will help raise awareness about the Sixties Scoop in Canada and worldwide. The event closed with a special grant-signing celebration with the online presence of representatives from VoFG CI and NSSHFC.

Watch the Recording



Help Nico to raise £2,000 for local and global charities working to protect children and nature from terrible climate change!

We are raising £2,000 for local and global charities working to protect children and nature from terrible climate change by paddling to the sea this summer!

://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nico-cordoniergehring

Hello, my name is Nico. I am fourteen years old, a scholar at Winchester College, and I live in Cambridge, UK. As wildfires, heatwaves and floods worsen, I am desperately concerned about the terrible impacts of climate change on our local fenlands and our natural systems worldwide, and on the most vulnerable people especially children.

Together with my friend Wezi from Zambia, I recently wrote a response to the Call on General Comment 26 for the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, about children's rights and the environment, especially the importance of fighting climate change and protecting nature. We studied the science, also the politics, and became very, very worried. Our future, our very survival, is at stake. Children and nature, who are voiceless and vulnerable, are already suffering. We need all the help we can get, to stop this global nightmare.

Rather than staying sad and angry, though, this summer I am going to kayak from Cambridge where I live to the sea, to raise funds for local and global charities who are trying to protect children's rights and nature from the impacts of climate change. Please sponsor me? :)

All funds raised will go directly to the Voices for Future Generations Children's Initiative, and to local charities working to protect our fenlands and promote education about sustainability solutions.

As a volunteer UN Child Ambassador and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Children's Rights, I have spent years working to help promote sustainability education and the rights of future generations locally and globally. I love nature and animals, and believe it is important to protect and restore habitat for endangered species (including my two Hermann's tortoises), and to advance the global SDGs for kids. To help make this happen, I edit a blog (nicosnaturalworld.org) with hundreds of followers. I also volunteer as co-chair of the Global Youth Council on Science, Law and Sustainability which was founded by young people during the Glasgow Climate Change COP26 and edits an online journal (harmonyyouthvoices.com). As a leader of my primary King's College School Eco-Society, I was also founding co-chair of Cambridge Schools Eco-Council with pupils from many schools in my community. We won the UK Rotary Young Environmentalist Award with my team for our work to protect local fenlands by stopping sources, restoring sinks and mobilising our school and society on climate change. Through speaking out in conferences and events, hosting online Eco-Seminar mini-series about the SDGs, and helping to organise Cambridge’s climate-strikes, I’ve been trying to raise awareness and educate about sustainability locally and globally.

But it's clearly not enough - climate change is getting worse, not better, and we need to do everything we can to support organisations who are helping to make a difference. That's why I'm paddling to the sea this summer, and I hope very much that you could help sponsor my campaign here://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nico-cordoniergehring

Nico's efforts support our local Wicken Fen wetlands conservation and education efforts (National Trust) and the Cambridge Botanical Gardens locally, as well as the UNESCO Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative (with which he’s volunteered for years) and the IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature globally.

REGISTER NOW! Online International Roundtable on Education for International Literacy Day, Promoting Literacy for a World in Transition: Building the Foundation for Sustainable and Peaceful Societies

  • Are you interested in learning about the links between education, children's rights, and sustainability to build Sustainable and Peaceful Societies?

  • Are you inspired by the leadership of children and youth to advance the global Sustainable Development Goals, especially quality education (SDG 4)?

  • Would you like to help implement the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, by encouraging Indigenous children’s voices?

Register now for a very special Online International Roundtable to celebrate this year's International Literacy Day. The event, themed 'Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the Foundation for Sustainable and Peaceful Societies,' will place on Saturday, 9 September 2023 | 8:00 PDT | 11:00 EST | 16:00 BST.

The International Roundtable is hosted by the Voices of Future Generations Children's Initiative (VoFG CI), together with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, The Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL), the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, and a wider consortium of educational charities that support the children's rights and the global Sustainable Development Goals.

During this celebration, we will also conduct the award ceremony for the Child Author's competition from North America and unveil a captivating VoFG CI book from the Middle East. The event features VoFG CI Child Authors and Ambassadors from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, the Middle East, Oceania and the Pacific Islands. Further, honoured invited chairs and speakers include: Prof. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, Senior Director of the CISDL, Ms. Portia Garnons-Williams, Senior Editor of Harmony Online Journal & University of Toronto student, Ms. Skw’akw’as (Sunshine) Dunstan-Moore, Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s Youth Advisory Group Member and keynote remarks from Adv. Wayne Garnons-Williams, Acting CEO, National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, and Isobel Abulhoul OBE, CEO and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation and Member of VoFG CI International Commission.

Book Launch

A new VoFG CI book from the Middle East. 

  • The Beacon by Abrar Ahmed Sirohey (Middle East) on Life Below Water (Goal 14), Life on Land (Goal 15),  Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17).

Handbook Launch

  • VoFG CI Online Launch of Awareness and Fundraising Handbook by Nico Roman (VoFG CI Child Ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goals).

Award Ceremony

  • Get ready for an exciting as we will unveil the winners of the prestigious Child Author competition from North America.

Signing Celebration

  • Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation (SSHF) & VoFG CI Grant Signing Celebration

About Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative (VoFG CI)

 As a partnership with various agencies of the United Nations (UN) and a consortium of international charities that promote education worldwide, VoFG CI strives to foster sustainable development and uphold the rights of children through two key avenues:

  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.