Who are you, and what are you doing?
I’m Jiatong (Annie) Han, presenting CereGen, a project that aims to guide youth in navigating the complex world they face today.
What have you rebelled against in the past, and what are you rebelling against today?
From battling the pressures of social media approval to struggling to find their footing post-graduation, I’ve rebelled against the idea that these obstacles should define our future. Today, I’m rebelling against the notion that youth should navigate this labyrinth alone.
What motivated you to attend the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024?
I was motivated to attend the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024 as it provides a valuable opportunity for CereGen’s goal and vision to be amplified and foster further collaboration with like-minded individuals.
Can you describe the ECOSOC plenary sessions?
The ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024 plenary sessions emphasized proactive engagement, leveraging social media for advocacy, collective action, and understanding cultural contexts for effective implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. Key takeaways: It’s never too late to act; networking is crucial for collaboration and idea expansion; and perseverance is essential—believe in yourself and never give up on what you love.
Could you provide insights into the ‘Learning for Global Citizenship’ session with the Ban Ki Moon Foundation, Global Schools program, and KidsforSDGs?
The ‘Learning for Global Citizenship’ session with the Ban Ki-moon Foundation, Global Schools program, and KidsforSDGs focused on analyzing SDG data and exploring strategies to involve youth in leadership roles for the 2030 agenda. This workshop, held at the Ban Ki-moon Foundation’s office in New York City, provided valuable insights into fostering global citizenship among youth and empowering them to contribute to sustainable development goals.
Were you able to address recommendations for learning programmes on global citizenship? What were they? Why?
Yes, recommendations for learning programs on global citizenship include integrating experiential learning, fostering intercultural understanding, promoting active participation, and leveraging technology. These recommendations are crucial because they empower youths to address global challenges effectively and contribute positively to a more sustainable and interconnected world.
Did you have the chance to interact with a diverse group of people? What did you take away from those interactions?
Yes, interacting with a diverse group at the ECOSOC Youth Forum emphasized that we shared a common goal despite our varied backgrounds. This demonstrates the common desire for positive change and the importance of collaboration across cultures in addressing global challenges.
If you had to pick one word to describe your experience at ECOSOC, what would it be, and why?
“Empowering” describes my experience, reflecting the motivation and confidence I gained from engaging with other delegates. This reinforces my dedication to continuing my efforts to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Do you believe youth voices were genuinely heard and valued at ECOSOC? In what ways? If not, why and what could be done to improve the current situation?
While there might have been limited opportunities for youth delegates to speak directly at the ECOSOC forum due to time constraints, the connections forged among youth delegates allowed for meaningful discussions about the issues they wanted to address. Youth voices were heard and valued during these interactions, even if not in the formal sessions.
Did you feel supported in your involvement? From whom did you receive the most support?
Yes, I felt supported in my involvement at the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024. The most support came from the Ban Ki-moon Foundation, which invited me to participate in additional workshops and discussions, and from the Learning Planet Institute, which actively incorporated youth perspectives into their work.
After your experience at ECOSOC, what emotions are you left with? Do you still have hope?
Yes, after the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024, I’m filled with a mix of emotions, but I still have hope. The inspiring experiences, discussions, and connections reaffirmed my belief in the power of youth to drive positive change.
Learn more about Jiatong’s project as part of the # Planetizen University Design Challenge here and discover all the projects on this page.
