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Global Goals Conference 2021
On a beautiful fall morning at the Shawnigan Lake School campus, there was nervous and excited energy as approximately 120 students from schools around the region converged on the campus to participate in the annual Global Goals MUN Conference, a beginner conference to introduce students to the Model United Nations. Aptly named the ‘Global Goals Conference,’ the focus for this year’s conference was on nine of the 17 Global Goals which were decided upon in 2015 by world leaders as Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. A few examples of the goals being: Quality Education, Affordable and Clean Energy, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
The day began with an opening ceremony in the Chapel which provided an inspiring start to the day for the delegates. Head of School Mr. Lamont extended a warm welcome and shared a recent story of how Shawnigan was able to help students from Afghanistan – speaking to SDGs 4, 5, and 16 (Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Peace and Justice). Following this, keynote speaker Andrew Ference, typically used to taking to the ice, took to the floor to share his experience and passion for sustainability. A former NHL player with a Stanley Cup under his belt, his career has led him to his current role as Director of Social Impact, Growth, and Fan Development for the NHL. The key message behind his address to the students happened to be around one of the four values of Shawnigan, curiosity. "It is curiosity that will lead and guide us, and the knowledge and innovation that come out of that are what will make a difference in the world," he said. With this curiosity at top of mind, the students were encouraged to use it as they approached the topics of the conference. Just prior to sending the delegates on to their sessions, Mr. Ference reminded the students that no matter what they want to do or what their dreams are to ‘Just Do It.’ It is with this that the future leaders of the world headed off to spend the day collaborating on how to accelerate the progress, raise awareness and ultimately drive action and change based on the Sustainable Development Goals.
As the delegates attended sessions throughout the day, it was evident that they all benefited from gathering in person. After a couple of years of no in-person opportunities due to the pandemic, it was no small task for the Shawnigan team and their dedicated staff leader Mr. Paul Klassen to ensure all delegates could participate safely. It was because of this hard work behind the scenes that the participants from the 2021 Global Goals Conference will leave with a newfound understanding of how world leaders tackle these Sustainable Development Goals. With open and thoughtful dialogue, a curious mind, and a willingness to work hard to see things through, the opportunities that lay ahead for them are endless.
Shawnigan Lake School is adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
