Three UConn student leaders recently traveled to United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York City to participate in international discussions on the future of multilateralism and international cooperation. The event covered topics including sustainable development, international science cooperation, science diplomacy, and other urgent global solutions, as part of the Summit of the Future Action Days.
“Attending the Summit of the Future at the United Nations was an inspiring and insightful experience that deepened my passion for environmental science and international relations,” says Eliana Raes ’25 (CAHNR), an environmental science major concentrating in global change. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to see how young voices are driving global sustainability efforts and shaping a brighter future for all!”
The Action Days were part of the Summit of the Future, a world gathering to agree and launch the Pact for the Future. The Pact for the Future is a landmark, forward-looking global declaration meant to address sustainable development; international peace and security; science and technology; youth and future generations; and transforming global governance.
Last week, countries gathered in New York to adopt the Pact, as well as to push progress on the Pact’s priorities and other urgent global issues through meetings of the UN General Assembly. UConn support for the student to attend was provided by the Office of Global Affairs, the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).
“Attending the Summit of the Future Action Days […] allowed me to acquire a different perspective of how we should combat our world’s issues, especially related to the environment and sustainability. All the speakers and panelists were so knowledgeable and contributed to such thought-provoking conversations,” says Judith Otunnu ’27 (CLAS), also an environmental sciences major.
While at the Summit, the students joined discussions with stakeholders from around the world on important issues central to UConn’s mission, as well as CAHNR’s strategic vision, particularly around the themes of a Sustainable Future for All, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strategic foresight, and research synthesis, sharing, and support.
“It was inspiring to personally witness the work that can happen when people get together with such ambitious goals. It was especially energizing to be part of the work that the UN is doing to include youth in decision making on climate action,” says Alice Sztabinski ’27 (CAHNR), an environmental sciences and art major.
“As a campus community, we are incredibly proud of these students, both as individuals and for the way they represented UConn on the world stage at a pivotal moment for international cooperation on science and sustainable development,” says Meg Boyle, assistant professor in residence in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment.
This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused Fostering Sustainable Landscapes.
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