Grade 8 students from Vienna International School recently had the opportunity to actively engage in a United Nations Conference centred on the crucial theme of ending violence against children. This impactful event, hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, provided a firsthand experience for 16 VIS representatives to witness the inner workings of a United Nations conference. Beyond observation, the students delved into understanding the complexities and challenges associated with curbing violence against children, making meaningful contributions throughout the proceedings.
The students not only attended but actively participated in this significant conference, showcasing their commitment to global issues and their understanding of the role the United Nations plays in addressing them. A group of student representatives had the honour of addressing the conference, expressing their insights with a remarkable blend of confidence and maturity, showcasing skills of future advocates for positive change.
The conference proved to be an extension of the grade 8 Humanities curriculum, particularly the ongoing unit on "Development." The content of the conference was directly aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, with a specific focus on target 16.2, which aims to bring an end to violence against children. This connection provided the students with a tangible link between their academic studies and real-world, pressing global issues.
Overall, the participation in the UN Conference on the Strategy to End Violence Against Children enriched our students’ academic journey and also contributed to their holistic development as responsible global citizens. It reinforced the idea that education goes beyond the classroom, empowering students to actively engage with and contribute to the pressing issues that shape our world.