The annual Youth 4 UNESCO Conference gathers several hundred people from across the country with an aim to bring ?collective action toward a peaceful and just society.? Individual clubs accredited clubs (such as that of ours, the Earth Student Alliance and Volunteerism for Environmental Rehabilitation or SAVERS for short) each with focuses on culture, heritage and arts, science and technology, education, human rights, environmentalism and others were present to learn more about sustainable development and the SDGs tiered to such. This event, spanning over three days (September 1-3) in Quezon City, consisted of the following events:

Research and Accomplished Initiative Talks

Keynote speakers addressed many of the sociopolitical norms that are prevalent in our globalized and urbanized society as well as served as inspiration/guidance for the future generations to taken action. Another aspect were research papers on the above themes presented by high school to college students.

One example, done by myself, is on the impact of deteriorating indigenous socio-ecological population on water resource and supply. An excerpt/introduction, also published on the Tunza Ambassador page is linked below:

https://tunza.eco-generation.org/ambassadorReportView.jsp?viewID=38030&searchType=title&searchName=indigenous&pageNumber=1

*Note that Eco-Generation was mentioned during the talk regarding what they do and informational souvenirs were given out as well.

Another aspect of this was the sharing of best practices done by clubs. For instance, a book drive fundraiser, or a workshop for educators, or a research and awareness campaign for natural disaster resiliency are just few ideas of how we can change the world. It doesn?t have to be too hard and in addition, there?s no rigid structure on how this ought to be carried out. In changing our world, there are no limitations.

UNESCO Club Logistics

Certificate of Accreditation by UNESCO and DepEd (Attained September 2016)

Certificate of Good Standing (Attained September 2017)
Certificate of Outstanding UNESCO Club - High School Category (Attained September 2017)

Due to the latter recognition, it was mandatory for attendance in a resolution drafting session on UNESCO?s ideals. The one attended by ours was on implementing a workshop for the SDGs and awareness on systems thinking. Like many others, it passed, thus, bringing it up for consideration to the National Commision for UNESCO in the Philippines. Once more, it ties back to the overarching framework of developing a network between leaders.

Competitions and Cultural Night

With focus once more on the theme of building a network of peace, various modes of expressing creativity were available. Competition-wise, this included acapella singing, essay writing, open mic, ambassador/ambassadress, photography, MTV, and a quiz bowl. Further celebration on culture was done through musical performances, dances, etc.

Other Resources

Video Synopsis:

https://www.facebook.com/jonathanjaime.guerrero/posts/10156262232357580

Pictures: https://www.facebook.com/pg/unescoclubsph/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1473061479408219