Empowering Leadership: Anna and Inayaa's Impactful Journey with UNICEF

Anglia students globally to explore implementing the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within their communities.

Students engaged with community stakeholders, UNICEF representatives, toured the Houston Museum of Natural Science, supported the BISH school’s Food for Friends initiative, assisted the Houston Food Bank, and lobbied with local governments to create educational resources.

Inayaa Kazi

As Founder and President of the UNICEF Club, Inayaa found the summit profoundly inspiring. "Meeting passionate students from around the world strengthened my commitment to global citizenship and underscored the importance of collaboration for positive change," she reflected. The summit provided a unique opportunity to achieve goals by collaborating with like-minded students who share a similar vision for the future. Inayaa emphasized a key takeaway from her experience: "I will always keep in mind the importance of truly being a global citizen in whatever work I do in the future." Her dedication to global citizenship and collaborative efforts highlights her commitment to making a lasting impact on the world.

Both Anna and Inayaa's experiences underscore the impact of youth engagement in global initiatives like the SDGs. Their volunteer work at the Houston Food Bank and lobbying efforts highlight their practical approach to making a difference.

SDGs in Action

The summit emphasized developing advocacy skills and applying the SDGs, focusing on five specific goals:

Goal 2: Zero Hunger

Students learned to combat world hunger and achieve food security. The BISH school’s Food for Friends initiative involved rebuilding a greenhouse and planting vegetables for a homeless shelter. Students also packed 19,040 meals at the Houston Food Bank. Anna’s favorite activity at the summit was the meal packing. 

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities among countries

Anna’s advocacy work against antisemitism and for the autism community contributes to reducing inequalities within her school and broader community, aligning with Goal 10's aim to ensure inclusivity and equality.

Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Advocating for all students through the UNICEF and Model UN clubs on campus supports Goal 16’s objective of promoting peaceful, inclusive societies and justice for all.

Leadership in action

Anna and Inayaa aim to inspire others and continue their efforts toward achieving the SDGs and promoting children’s rights. Their dedication to collaboration, advocacy, and cultural appreciation serves as a model for effective youth engagement in global initiatives. This summit experience enriched their understanding of global issues and empowered them to advocate for positive change within their communities.

Their intent to share newfound skills and insights with fellow students by inspiring further action, aligns perfectly with the summit’s goals. The UNICEF Student Summit ignited a passion for creating positive social change that will influence their future endeavors.