Flip the Script - Advocating for the Sustainable Development Goals

Chosen for her demonstrated interest in student activism, Clara was invited to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), a privilege reserved exclusively for NAE students, to speak with key policymakers from around the world and to share what actions they and their fellow students are taking to achieve the SDGs.

Flip the Script – A World's Largest Lesson

Clara explains: "During last summer’s NAE-UNICEF Student Summit, I developed a lesson plan with two other Nord Anglia students to deliver on World Children’s Day as part of a “Flip the script” initiative from World’s Largest Lesson. The concept is based on creating a better future for children by raising our voices to advocate for the issues that matter to our generation, and for that reason the lesson focuses on the SDG 12, responsible consumption and production, and SDG 13, climate action. We chose to focus on those Global Goals because as the future generation of consumers, we need to be aware of our impact on the environment. Worldwide consumption and production are a driving force of the global economy, but over the last century, economic and social progress have been synonymous with environmental degradation, endangering the systems on which our survival depends. Therefore, the lesson is based on activism for an issue I believe it is critical to resolve to take necessary climate action.

What is the Nord Anglia UNICEF partnership?

Nord Anglia Education and UNICEF are working in partnership to support UNICEF in further developing freely available learning materials on the Global Goals. Nord Anglia students gain the knowledge and skills they need to effect positive change in their communities.

"I have been a teacher all my adult life and have had the privilege to serve generations of students who want to leave the world a better place than they found it," says Andy Puttock, Principal at LCIS. "Our partnership with UNICEF through Nord Anglia Education, which focuses on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, enables us to help our children develop the values, attitudes, skills, and attributes they need to make this a reality. It's a real joy to see them grow through this partnership."

Empowering students to be effective change-makers

"The collaboration between LCIS and UNICEF has proven invaluable to our students," says Kevin McDaid, Geography teacher and Head of Global Campus and Social Inclusion at LCIS. "Through the SDGs, students can expand their knowledge and understanding of global issues, eventually becoming proactive and responsible global citizens in an ever-changing world."

"The World's Largest Lesson Flip the Script initiative shows how students can develop the tools to make a difference through their contributions. Clara has developed a series of lessons and activities that students worldwide can complete on NAE's unique online learning platform, Global Campus, highlighting the importance of the SDGs to tens of thousands of young future change-makers."

"Taking part in Model United Nations has also helped students learn more about sustainable development. So far, LCIS is the only school in Europe that has hosted in-person conferences, and our students excelled at chairing committees, debating development topics, and guiding younger students. The next MUN conference will be held in Bratislava in 2023, and we are looking forward to exploring local initiatives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals there."

Exceptional opportunities that inspire action 

"LCIS has provided me with several opportunities to engage in activism, including climate activism," says Clara. "During last year's Villars Symposium, for instance, I learned about climate change, innovation, and activism. At school, I participate in a wellness club that works to destigmatise mental health issues and create a healthy school environment. As part of my participation in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, I serve as co-chair of our Primary chess club. The NAE-UNICEF Student Summit allowed me to meet students from schools in Nord Anglia and learnt more about their work. It's inspired me to participated in many other webinars, including peer talks on global crises, expert talks on UN children's rights and a webinar on the International Day of the Girl Child."

What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The Sustainable Development Goals or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future". The SDGs were set up in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by 2030. As part of the 17 goals, social, economic, and environmental aspects of global society are addressed, and sustainable development underpins their implementation - improving quality of life without compromising the needs of future generations.