Today, a fantastic look into the leadership opportunities provided by Girl Scouting - stateside and abroad... For two weeks this month, ending tomorrow, government representatives of almost all 192 member countries of the United Nations have gathered at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, in the beautiful city of Copenhagen, Denmark, to negotiate and agree upon a way forward on how to tackle Climate Change.
As non-governmental members of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) along with 19 young volunteers from around the world have observed these proceedings - three of those delegates being young volunteers from Girl Scouts of the USA. Emily-GS of Heart of Hudson, Sarah-GS of Kentuckiana and Maria- GS of Black Diamond were selected to be members of the WAGGGS delegation to Copenhagen. The WAGGGS delegation ensures that the youth voice is heard in the Conference and that decision-makers are aware that it is today’s youth who will face the consequences of their decisions. In addition, Becca from Girl Scouts of the Nations Capital was selected as one of four young people to represent the United States at the Children’s Climate Conference that was hosted by the United Nations Children’s Fund from November 28 – December 5, 2009. Youth from over forty countries gathered in Copenhagen to establish an infrastructure of young global citizens who understand their role in finding solutions to global concerns, to advance young people’s understanding of global issues, and to provide a platform for them to discuss and advocate on these global issues. Be sure to check out Becca’s blog.
In related news, the 19 youth representatives have received a major boost from The UPS Foundation, who join WAGGGS as a founding partner of the Global Girls Fund. The UPS Foundation’s commitment $2 million over the next five years will support WAGGGS to carry out a range of programs, including creating platforms for girls and young women to learn, engage and have a voice on environmental issues that affect their communities, countries and the world.
Congrats to everyone involved in this excellent work!