Last month, Regents International School Pattaya's Head Students traveled to New York to attend Nord Anglia Education's exclusive Global Goals Summit held at the UN headquarters. Head Girl Saliha Rehanaz gives an account of her experience there.
Last month, Regents International School Pattaya's Head Students traveled to New York to attend Nord Anglia Education's exclusive Global Goals Summit held at the UN headquarters. Head Girl Saliha Rehanaz gives an account of her experience there.
By Head Girl Saliha Rehanaz:
The Nord Anglia Education (NAE) Global Goals Summit was one of the most memorable weeks of my life. It gave me an insight about how important the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals actually are. At the Summit, I was able to discuss the problems that exist in Southeast Asia and come up with solutions with other students. As an ambassador, I gained knowledge and access to resources to help with the Global Goals Challenge next year, which will revolve around Goals 12 and 13, Sustainable Communities and Cities and Responsible Consumption and Production.
The Summit included workshops on public speaking, excursions and the first Global Goals Model United Nations. During the Summit, we shared rooms with other students from other NAE schools around the world. My roommates, Joey and Benedicte, were from schools in China and we bonded over our love for the environment and the struggle of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Over the week, I made 86 new friends from all over the world. The chaperones were friendly and welcoming, and played a massive role in taking care of us.
The highlights of the Summit included watching Miss Saigon on Broadway, a tour of the United Nations and the Gala Dinner. The Gala Dinner was very special for me as I had the opportunity to speak with four other students. With only a day to prepare, I was nervous and worried about speaking in front of respected Ambassadors and Partners of NAE. The evening had been a success and a night with my friends which I will cherish for life. Other highlights include the High Level Political Forum meeting, where Osman made an impressive speech, dinner at Stardust Diner, a presentation from UNICEF and the Global Goals Model United Nations. I also enjoyed the trip on the Staten Island Ferry, where I saw the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline.
Previously, I had participated in numerous Model United Nations Conferences but the Global Goals Model United Nations was the most exciting conference I have ever attended. I was part of a double delegation for Italy in the Security Council. We had numerous debates over Syria, North Korea and ISIS. Our arguments were fierce and I felt myself contributing like I had never before. At the Gala dinner, my partner Sunny and I had received the award for Honorable Delegate for our teamwork at the conference.
I made friends who I will always cherish and gained knowledge which I will always remember. I am grateful that I was selected for this opportunity, and glad that I was able to represent Regents.
