A group of Loreto sixth formers are set to have their voices heard at the United Nations this summer, after taking part in a global youth initiative linked to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The students, all Year 12, participated in a formal 90-minute "Conversation Circle" - part of a worldwide project coordinated by the IBVM-Loreto NGO, which holds special consultative status at the UN. Schools across England were invited to take part.
The session, held in headteacher Mrs Beever's office, brought together nine students - including Model UN presidents Oludara, Sophia and Sophia - to discuss five key SDGs covering clean water, affordable energy, sustainable infrastructure, resilient cities and global partnerships.
The circle followed a structured agenda: an icebreaker, a breakdown of the UN's objectives, then an open discussion on each goal that saw the students share personal experiences, local observations and recommendations for governments.
Sophia reflected on what surprised her most: “I'm sat in a circle with all my friends - people I've known for years - yet the experiences and ideas they shared really surprised me. It's fascinating how differently people relate to these issues, even when you think you know them well. Hearing those personal connections, someone mentioning something their family had experienced with renewable energy for example, showed just how much these global goals touch everyday life."
Matilda agreed. "We talked more than I thought we would. It worked really well."
The students' three-page summary report was submitted to Sister Sarah Rudolph at the IBVM-Loreto office in New York on June 12th, and it will contribute to a wider civil society report presented at the UN High Level Political Forum in July.
For Mr Newman, Director of Sixth From, the project is a great way to connect with the wider world. "In a very complex world, it's helping young people to see that their voice can make a difference - you won't always see that, but it can. These are young women of the future, and it's important to be hope-filled."
A Zoom call with the Loreto NGO team in New York is already being planned, and with Loreto's international connections, a future placement opportunity at the UN isn't out of the question.
Sophia says the project reflects exactly what Loreto stands for. "It's really important to have a space at school where, especially as young women, we're aware of how what's going on in the world affects us and affects other people. It helps with critical thinking, listening, communication - and we really enjoy it."
