PRESS RELEASE
Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment takes part in World’s Largest Lesson
Images from event available here.
DUBLIN, 12 November 2018 – Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton TD took part in the World’s Largest Lesson, along with primary school students at St. Fintan’s National School in Sutton and UNICEF Ireland last Thursday, November 8th. This event forms part of a global activity which has involved millions of children in 130 countries across the world learning about and taking action on the Sustainable Development Goals (also known as The Global Goals).
UNICEF and its partners launched the World’s Largest Lesson as part of a commitment to inform Irish people about The Global Goals that were adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2015. The Global Goals are a series of 17 ambitious global targets that aim to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice and fix climate change by 2030.
Using the World’s Largest Lesson’s and UNICEF’s creative and educational resources, students across Ireland have a unique opportunity to learn about The Global Goals.
Children are invited to investigate their local communities and identify projects to work on and contribute to achieving national targets for achieving The Global Goals. These activities can help students develop empathy, creativity, communication and the ability to work collaboratively – important competencies in today’s world.
While participating in the lesson, Minister Bruton said he was delighted to support such an innovative learning programme. “The decisions we make now to address the global challenges addressed by the Sustainable Development Goals will define the next century. I am delighted to be here this morning, in my own neck of the woods, in St Fintan’s to support this innovative programme which puts a focus on taking action. World’s Largest Lesson helps those taking part to bridge the gap between learning and action and inspires children and young people to explore the personal changes they can make to the world around them.”
UNICEF Ireland Executive Director Peter Power said: “World’s Largest Lesson is a global initiative, meaning millions of young people all over the world are having the same conversations that we had. The power that brings to achieve change is inspirational. In St. Fintan’s we witnessed the wonderful ideas, passion and energy that young activists have for The Global Goals. They know why taking action and achieving these goals matters so much for all of us, especially children. The SDGs are central to UNICEF’s work on children’s rights, both in Ireland and around the world. They set out the change we need. If we are to build a world where every child is both prioritised and protected, we must make the Sustainable Development Goals a reality by 2030.”
Mr. Power continued: “I would like to thank the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton, for his clear dedication to The Global Goals, and to children.”
Schoolchildren in Ireland are joining millions of girls and boys across more than 130 countries who will also be taking part in the World’s Largest Lesson and learning about the key targets included in the Goals, such as promoting gender equality, ending extreme poverty for all people everywhere, tackling climate change, and giving all children the opportunity to gain a quality primary and secondary education.
The World’s Largest Lesson provides a unique opportunity to foster global citizenship in schools. It supports student learning across a range of subject areas such as science, geography, citizenship and technology, and helps teachers explore important global issues such as human rights, poverty and climate change.
As a founding partner of the World’s Largest Lesson, UNICEF leveraged its global presence and networks, to play a critical role helping to bring The Global Goal’s messages in 25 languages to more than 500 million girls and boys in over 160 countries during the initiative’s pilot launch in 2016.
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NOTES TO EDITOR
Please find images from the event here.
About the Sustainable Development Goals
In September 2015, all 193 members of the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or ‘Global Goals’ as they are commonly known. This ‘Agenda for 2030’ is comprised of 17 Goals to drive development over the next 15 years by. collectively ending extreme poverty, tackling climate change, and fighting inequalities. Each Goal offers clear and measurable targets for countries and citizens to respond to the call to action to meet the Goals by the year 2030.
About World’s Largest Lesson
World’s Largest Lesson introduces the Sustainable Development Goals to young people everywhere and unites them in action. World’s Largest Lesson and UNICEF are partner organisations. In 2018, World’s Largest Lesson takes runs from 24 September to 20 November.
For more information, including images and video visit World’s Largest Lesson website
To join the conversation about SDGs, hashtag #WorldsLargestLesson #TeachSDGs #GlobalGoals
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
Follow UNICEF on Twitter and Facebook
For more information, please contact: Danny Smits, Communications and Advocacy Officer for UNICEF Ireland | danny@unicef.ie | Tel: +353 1 809 0291 | Mob: +353 87 1308070
