On February 4, 2025, IVECA proudly hosted the 2025 UN ECOSOC Partnership Forum Parallel Event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Sponsored by the Permanent Missions of the Republic of Korea and Portugal to the United Nations, this event titled “Inclusive Partnerships & Digital Global Citizenship Education: Advancing Social Cohesion for a Sustainable Future,” was co-organized by Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC) and the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Status with the United Nations (CoNGO). It successfully brought together expert panelists, educators, youth mentors, and students worldwide. Through insightful discussions, participants explored the transformative role of digitally facilitated global citizenship education in strengthening social cohesion and driving sustainable development.
The event opened with remarks from His Excellency Ambassador Sangjin Kim, who expressed his gratitude for the presence of youth representatives and acknowledged the value of engaging the next generation. Underscoring that global citizenship extends beyond a mere concept, he stated, "Being a global citizen requires expanding one's intellectual horizons, self-sacrifice, and unselfishness" and inspired the young to become humble and empathetic global citizens through the discussion that catalyzes “making the future we envision a reality.” Following his remarks, His Excellency Ambassador Jorge Aranda further expanded on the significance of inclusive partnerships and digital global citizenship education. He highlighted the delicate balance between global collaboration and local impact, emphasizing that "The key to success is a combination of both local and global thinking because youth-led organizations are learning from internationally shared best practices while applying solutions that fit their local contexts."
Students’ panel session moderator Mr. Felipe Queipo, Communications Officer at the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UNDGC), set the stage for an engaging dialogue on the role of youth in shaping a sustainable future. Reinforcing the pivotal role of young people, Mr. Queipo stated, “Youth is a key element in succeeding in achieving the goals of the United Nations. Don’t wait to be invited—create the opportunity yourself.”
Building on this theme of youth-led change, Youth mentors, Mr. Benjamin Goldstein (Anderson University, SC) and Mr. Maung Sawyed (New York University, NY), discussed the lasting impact of U.S. internal colonization and British colonization in Myanmar, emphasizing the crucial role of young people in driving positive change. They highlighted the importance of supporting youth-led initiatives for progress, social justice, and sustainable development, stating, "It begins with thinking critically and intentionally about this present issue, and also thinking empathetically, but it ends with an application, an application that begins today in our youth generation."
IVECA’s Fall 2024 semester provided a dynamic platform for students to engage in intercultural collaboration and discussion through digital learning while addressing both global and local challenges. For instance, students from Seoil High School (Korea) explored the economic impact of imperialism on South Korea, analyzing its historical and lasting effects on society, while proposing solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive future. A Korean student reflected on the importance of collective action, stating, “I have learned that even small actions gain significance when we embrace shared responsibility. To build a sustainable future, we must acknowledge our roles and take decisive action. Together, we can drive real change.”
Students from Alexander Hamilton High School (USA) addressed a pressing issue in New York: Hudson River pollution. Under the theme "Restore Our Water," they proposed solutions aligned with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to protect aquatic ecosystems. Exemplifying their own action to clean up the waste around the Hudson River in partnership with their local NGOs, they delivered the broader message that collaborative, localized efforts are key to addressing global challenges.
Euro-american School (Mexico) students addressed the humanitarian crisis faced by migrants in Monterrey, bringing attention to the difficult realities of their journey. They explored the root causes of migration poverty, violence, and political instability that force individuals and families to seek better opportunities despite immense challenges. Emphasizing the need for compassion in tackling these issues, they quoted Mahatma Gandhi: “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” Building on this message, they presented an actionable plan focused on providing support and assistance to migrants, highlighting the importance of community-driven solutions to ease their journey.
Students from Gurukul Secondary School (India) brought attention to their community's struggles, underscoring the importance of implementing SDGs at the local level. They emphasized that empathy is essential for fostering collaboration and driving meaningful change. One student notably remarked, “Schools should initiate programs that involve students in sustainable practices. This is the key because the youth will be the ones to shape the future of Earth.” Their message reinforced the need for youth empowerment in tackling global challenges.
Furthermore, the GNEC Hackathon, founded by Mr. Jason Xu (University of Pennsylvania), introduced an opportunity for young people to engage in collaborative problem-solving through its website. Inspired by a COVID-19 tracking app, this initiative aims to inspire youth participants to develop innovative solutions aligned with the 17 UN SDGs, empowering them to become changemakers in their communities and beyond. Mr. Jason remarked, "Young people are the leaders of tomorrow. With this Hackathon, we're proving that young people are the leaders of today—they just need a platform to show it."
All student speakers showcased their impactful work through compelling presentations, reinforcing the importance of youth-driven initiatives and collaboration in building a more sustainable and equitable future.
Moving forward, the second panel session on "Global Citizenship Education in the Digital Era: Strengthening Partnerships for Social Cohesion and Sustainability" was moderated by IVECA’s president, Dr. Eunhee Jung. During this session, the panel of experts emphasized the transformative potential of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) in the digital age. In particular, the discussion focused on how inclusive partnerships and digital learning platforms can foster intercultural dialogue, cultivate empathy, and reduce inequality, especially in under-resourced educational systems.
Expanding on this, Ms. Lily Gray, Senior Liaison Officer at UNESCO's NY Office, highlighted the vital role of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) in equipping learners with the skills to navigate uncertainty, tackle ethical dilemmas, and thrive in an interconnected world. She emphasized that global citizenship is a powerful tool for addressing the challenges of the digital age. "By fostering essential competencies and leveraging resources like UNESCO's recent publication from the Futures of Education Conference in Korea, along with strong partnerships, we can empower young people to become proactive contributors to a more inclusive, peaceful, and just world."
Based on her international education research and teaching experiences, Dr. Carol Anne Spreen, Professor at New York University, emphasized the need for inclusive, interdisciplinary, multi-generational, and innovative learning. She stressed that solving today’s global challenges requires moving beyond outdated thinking and creating spaces for collaboration and idea-sharing. “Learning extends beyond the classroom, we must hybridize ideas, embrace creativity, and explore new possibilities. Digital technologies and collaborative spaces make this transformation possible.”
Moreover, Rev. Dr. Liberato Bautista, President of CoNGO, pointed out that the success of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) hinges on ethical implementation and the provision of appropriate technology, not just access. He commented, "The ethics that must be in our mind as a means to achieve the SDGs are meant to be implemented. It is not just about access, but also about appropriate technology."
Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Jayashri Wyatt, Chief of Education Outreach at UNDGC, emphasized that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) belong to everyone and serve as a blueprint for progress. She highlighted the United Nations Academic Impact Initiative and the crucial role of global citizenship education in advancing UN values. “Even before the SDGs were adopted, global citizenship education was recognized as a key enabler of the United Nations’ principles.”
Dr. James Ryan from Northern Westchester Putnam BOCES New York stressed the importance of equipping young people with the skills to become global citizens. Based on his more than two decades of school leadership experience, Dr. Ryan emphasized that success in a rapidly evolving world requires moving beyond traditional academic paths. “We must create opportunities for young people to develop skills that prepare them for global citizenship, not just conventional academics.”
Collectively, these expert insights underscored the critical need for collaborative efforts and digital solutions to ensure that future generations are well-prepared to foster social cohesion, achieve the SDGs, and build a sustainable future for all.
As the event neared its conclusion, the "Inclusive Partnerships & Digital Global Citizenship Education" event proved to be a remarkable success, fostering meaningful discussions on collaboration, ethical responsibility, and innovation in education. In his closing reflection, Rev. Dr. Brian K. Muzás, Director of the Global NGO Executive Committee, emphasized the transformative power of digital education for global citizenship, stating, "Together, we can ensure digital education for global citizenship becomes a force for social cohesion and sustainable development." In continuation of this momentum, Dr. Eunhee Jung encouraged all participants to turn insights into action, stating, "Let today's discussion be a catalyst for action, and together, let's turn this whole insight into meaningful change for social cohesion and sustainability."
The event concluded with this powerful call to action, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing global citizenship education as a driving force for a more interconnected and sustainable world.
