Unveil UN’s Impact Today

By Phoebe Z., Grade 9

Many might find political news to be extremely boring and irrelevant. After all it does not affect them personally, right? 

Well, even though this may appear to be the case, politics shape every element of our lives. Global politics and UN policies are extremely important and personally affect everyone.

“It (politics) shapes the country we live in and affects the way we go about our life through the laws in the country,” a Grade 9 student wrote in an anonymous survey.

Established in 1945 by 51 states post WW2, the United Nations is a global organisation comprised of 193 countries, ensuring international peace and security, cordial relations, social economic progress, protection of rights and enhancing general living standards. It has adapted and developed to stay aligned with the current continually progressing world, according to the UN’s website.

The UN states that it strives to achieve universal peace by cooperating international integrations, invigorating collaboration between countries to advocate for the 17 sustainable development goals such as reinforcing freedom, curing illness, combating illiteracy, eradicating poverty and hunger, etc. It is the vessel uniting countries to accomplish these objectives. 

“I think it (politics) is relatively important because it affects our personal life and our economy’s future,” a Grade 9 student wrote in an anonymous survey.

The General Assembly is the UN’s principal policymaking, and universal representational body. Once a year, in September, the UN gathers in New York’s General Assembly Hall where sessions, discussions and general debates occur (addressed by many heads of states). 2/3, considered as the majority in the General Assembly, is necessary to advance a decision on significant issues, such as fiscal concerns, admission of new members and ministering peace and safety. Other decisions are made through simple majority. 

A General assembly president is chosen annually to hold office for a one-year term. In addition to the above, the General Assembly is also involved in the following tasks: selecting the Secretary-General according to the suggestions given by the Security Council, deciding on temporary member of the Security Council and accepting the UN’s financial spendings.

“It is important to know what is going on in your country/in the world … support the parties that align with your moral ideologies when you are of voting age,” another Grade 9 student wrote in an anonymous survey. 

A significant moment highlighting the development towards achieving the 17 sustainable development goals is the 79th UN General Assembly session. Beginning on 10th September 2024, the session spanned 13 days consisting of crucial events dispersed throughout. For example, the General Debate took place on 24th September. It concentrated on the topic of “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.”

 The UN met at the Summit of the Future on the 22nd and 23rd of September, 2024. A Pact for the Future was signed which solidified the organization’s goal of rejuvenating a collaborative world. Among the content of this session, three Actions stood out from the document:

Action 10. “We will accelerate our efforts to restore, protect, conserve and sustainably use the environment.” To achieve this, the UN will…

• Construct a world where humans and nature coexist in harmony by using resources sparingly and reversing the deterioration of the environment.
• Introduce measures to preserve and restore oceans, freshwater, drylands, glaciers, forests, mountains, and animals.
• Reduce pollution of the soil, air, ocean, and fresh water. An international agreement addressing plastic pollution, circular economy and zero waste will be enforced by 2024. 
• Cease the loss of biodiversity by 2030.

The environment has long been polluted and damaged by human intervention. For students at MIS it is especially important to become pioneers, crafting and refining solutions to counter climate change, optimising both nature and human survival in generations to come. To ensure that humans will have a foreseeable future on this planet, we must be on the forefront to accelerate these efforts made by global organisation through green initiatives, recycling programs, reducing food and plastic waste and many others behaviours.

Action 31. “We will ensure that science, technology and innovation improve gender equality and the lives of all women and girls.” To achieve this, the UN will…

• Allow girls’ equal access, involvement, and leadership within the field of science, invention, and technology by providing adequate education.
• Diminish dangers encountered by women and girls through various platforms and social media.
• Combat violence, discrimination, cyber bullying, and prejudices. 

To all girls and women living in the current digital age, this policy promises a more secure experience while using technology and the internet. It stresses the emphasis on women’s rights and basic equality online. For MIS students, technology has become an indispensable, integral part of our lives. Regardless of school work, communication or entertainment, protection of our personal information is crucial. This policy aims to improve the access, development and safe environment that empowers women and girls.

Action 34. “We will invest in the social and economic development of children and young people so that they can reach their full potential.”  To achieve this, the UN will…

• Support the Global Youth Investment Program (informing the Secretary-General).
• Pursue insurance for the physical and mental health of teenagers.
• Foster attainable quality education through proper guidance from certified teachers during early childhood, specifically for girls.
• Introduce job opportunities with social security, directed to the youth in developing countries.
• Cultivate creative thinking, innovative ideas, and entrepreneurship .
• Apply family-oriented policies to create a safe upbringing (socially and economically) for children.

To teenagers and youth like us, these policies are a reassurance of our health, development, creativity, and future job opportunities or fair operating professions. This policy guarantees that your right to education is met by provided tools and resources such as lessons teaching students how to learn instead of what to learn, researching skills, self-reflection, discovering their strengths and weaknesses, etc. They act as keystones keeping students in pace with the rapidly changing technology, globalisation and society as a whole.

“I think politics are relevant because they are what will protect our planet from destruction,” a Grade 9 student wrote in an anonymous survey.

If you are interested in the UN or global politics, the MUN (Model United Nations) would be a perfect chance for you to enter the realm of politics. It is a program offered in 11th grade that imitates the United Nations. Delegates representing different countries debate and work together, generating discussion to resolve global issues. It is an opportunity that enables students to gain experience modelling the processes of proposing policies and examining a variety of perspectives.

“Depending on what’s happening and where, I think politics are relevant in my life… to avoid the inevitable civil war that will happen and split my family apart,” said a Grade 9 student in an anonymous survey.