A key highlight of the buzz of activities within the SDGs Academy space at the GNRC Sixth Forum was intergenerational dialogue sessions involving over 20 children and adults.

Pertinent among those sessions was with Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, the United Nations Special Representative on Violence against Children and one with Kul Gautam, former Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF and co-chair of the Arigatou International Advisory Group.

Both Kul and Dr. Najat welcomed the voices of the children at the forum, lauding the ‘nomad’ Academy space for providing a safe space to listen to children and share their perspectives on issues affecting them.

Key issues highlighted during the conversations were the need to achieve the SDGs within the set timeline – 2030, as they provide a framework to build a safe, secure and sustainable world for children. Dr. Najat highlighted the urgent need to address and abolish harmful traditional practices that promote violence against children, while Kul emphasized on the need for a dedicated effort towards eradicating poverty worldwide.

“We must  have dedicated commitment to eradicating poverty in the world” Kul Gautam.

These sessions within the Academy’s space not only cemented mainstream conversations within the forum especially regarding the sub theme on sustainability but also provided an opportunity to interact with the SDGs Academy and have deep conversation about sustainable development within the purview of UN’s agenda 20230.

The SDGs Academy for Children is an innovation space where children learn about sustainable development and focus their ideas for a better world on the principles of Sustainable Development and the SDGs. It was launched in November 2020 during Arigatou International’s Global Week of faith in action for Children. Currently, there are established 4 physical spaces of the Academy. In Limuru, Kenya, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sombor, Serbia and Mae Sot, Thailand with an online space existing on the End Child Poverty website.