United Nations

In 2024, the World Affairs Club didn't just talk about global issues; we brought the United Nations to Langley High School. Twice. And we did it all virtually, making these incredible experiences accessible to every student. This was made possible through the invaluable support of Souad Fennouh-Chalhoub, PhD, from the UN's Speakers Bureau and Visitors Services, who served as our main point of contact and managed all content delivery for these events.

Our first initiative, a live briefing held on November 21st, transformed our classroom. After school, as our club gathered for our usual meeting time, we connected with UN expert Antje Kristin Watermann, who leads the SDG Book Club and SDG Publishers Compact projects, in real-time. We delved into the complexities of peacekeeping operations, explored the UN's role in protecting human rights, and learned about the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals. The virtual format fostered a dynamic conversation, with students engaging in insightful discussions and gaining firsthand knowledge.  Ms. Watermann was joined by her intern, Ruby Yuan, a graduate student at Columbia University studying applied analytics.

Our second UN encounter took place on UN Day, October 24th, and transported us to the heart of international diplomacy – virtually. We embarked on a live virtual tour of the UN Headquarters in New York City, led by Ms. Volasoa Ramiliarisona from Madagascar. From our classroom, we explored the iconic building, gaining a deeper understanding of the UN's history and its vital role in promoting peace and cooperation.

These virtual events weren't just convenient; they were transformative. They honed our communication and organizational skills, showing us how to navigate the complexities of a global organization from afar. More importantly, they ignited a passion for global issues, a desire to understand the interconnectedness of our world, and a drive to make a difference.

But these events were more than just isolated experiences; they were crucial stepping stones in our journey towards a much bigger goal: the World Affairs Challenge, beginning in January 2025. This international competition demands a deep understanding of global issues, critical thinking skills, and innovative solutions.

Our virtual encounters with the UN provided invaluable knowledge, broadened our perspectives, and fueled our determination to excel in this challenging arena. Armed with firsthand insights and a newfound global awareness, we were ready to tackle the World Affairs Challenge head-on, confident in our ability to make a meaningful contribution on the international stage.