Students Gather to Discuss Sustainable Development Goals
Tingran Zhang • Posted on April 28, 2023 • 2 minutes • 322 words
Recently, Overseas Chinese Academy of Chiway Suzhou (OCAC Suzhou) held an English speech contest for middle school students on the topic of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students from 5 schools in the joint community gathered at OCAC Suzhou to share their thoughts on sustainable development.
The 17 SDGs were adopted by the UN in 2015 as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030. The goals address global challenges related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, peace and justice.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Zhang Xin, Principal of OCAC Suzhou, said “In the age of AI, our minds should not just be filled with knowledge, but with unique perspectives to discover and think about our own and the world’s problems. Today’s speech topic, the 17 SDGs, are all world issues. The bigger the problem we think about, the bigger our perspectives become, which is what the talent of the new era needs.”
The 12 students from OCAC Suzhou and partner schools not only demonstrated their English proficiency, but also showcased their sense of mission and responsibility as future leaders. Their speeches reflected deeply on topics like gender equality, mental health, global warming, zero hunger, quality education and other SDG goals.
The students’ excellent English and confident deliveries won round after round of applause from the audience. Many speeches were well-structured, reasoned, and impactful. In between speeches, OCAC Suzhou students performed lively dances and instrumental music to energize the atmosphere.
The award ceremony was filled with suspense and excitement. After fierce competition, the judges selected winners for each category. Principals from OCAC Suzhou and partner schools presented the awards on stage.
As the student hosts said, “As individuals, we can all contribute to the SDGs through small, daily actions.” These small steps can add up to monumental change. The students’ reflections and advocacy today may become the driving force to improve our shared future.