Sustainable Development Goals Summit – Day 1
Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh
The Sustainable Development Goals Summit, 2022 organised by Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh in association with Aspirant Learning (A.I.I. Learning Foundation) is an initiative to spread awareness about the 17 SDGs established by the United Nations. This summit has been organised to combat issues surrounding the globe such as poverty, hunger, gender discrimination and climate change to ensure universal peace and prosperity by 2030.
The Summit, being conducted through an online platform, began with a heartwarming Opening Ceremony which witnessed a presence of more than 400 participants from more than 30 Educational Institutions all over India. The School was delighted to witness distinguished dignitaries like Mr. Vivek Atray, an ex -IAS, a renowned Motivational TEDx Speaker, Mentor, Advisor.
Also, Mr. Bhawani Shankar Tripathy, a development communication professional, with 20-plus years of experience in leading and managing people-centred change programs through training as Chief Guests of the Summit. The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome of the audience by Respected Principal Regy Joseph (Sister Arti) and the Summit Coordinator, Ms. Jasmine Gill, where they enlightened the gathering with their words of wisdom. Their words and enthusiasm acted as a catalyst to power up the energy and enthusiasm of everyone present. Following that, the Chief Guest, Mr. Vivek Atray and Guest of Honour, Mr. Bhawani Shankar Tripathy motivated the students with their enlivening words and guided everyone on the path of experiential learning.
A mesmerising salsa dance performance was given by the students of Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh. An enlightening poem by the students stole the hearts of the audience. Moving further, the sponsors and collaborators of the Summit were introduced and appreciated for their support in our humble initiative. The Opening Ceremony was concluded by the address of the Summit Director, Mr. Priyanshu Grover who presented his vote of thanks to every member and participant who took up the courage and enthusiasm to be the future Global Citizens and enlightened the participants on the proceedings of the event.
The Journey of the Summit, which has been in months of process and dialogue, started its journey today with the commencement of Sacred Heart Sr. Sec. School. Model United Nations. The Conference was one of our flagship events and was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan. It had a footfall of more than 400 delegates across six different committees which focused on themes and issues of global relevance from different backgrounds.
The Conference acted as a stepping stone for all of us on Day 1, by marking what the Summit future holds for all of us. The Speech Competition which was specifically organised for students for classes III to V in order to provide a forum to raise their opinions had the support of over 100 participants. Against the general perception that the students of the younger age group find it hard to put their thoughts forward, the participants proved this wrong. Their participation and response surpassed our expectations and it was commendable, they were tough competitors and were not easy to down-hold.
The participants were extremely thankful to the judges and teacher in-charges for their guidance and constant support during the competition, making it a successful one. Some say that art is a form of self expression, while others say that art is a beautiful form of communication and amongst these expressions lie the creative minds of the youth. They never fail to surprise us with their brilliance. Pouring their thoughts into those vibrant colors, the participants have put their creativity into the sheets, spreading awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals. They say that debating develops critical thinking skills.
A combination of 4 sub-competitions together gave the students a platform to speak their thoughts out and polish and nurture their skills. Seeing the participation, everyone was filled with awe. The students showed everyone that no matter what the challenge is, or how big it is, one can overcome it and that is exactly what the spirit should be like, that is exactly how one should intend to fulfil the agenda 2030.
In the end, the first day was the biggest opening ever to an online event which was held in the Tricity Area. The participants and members were overflowing with happiness and enthusiasm to begin the three day Summit, because here at Sustainable Development Goals Summit 2022, we turn goals into realities!
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