Lil' MDGs - Youth Making Changes

Text Update: IYY activities

All of us at Lil’ MDGs were extremely excited to be going to the Kick-off Event for the International Year of Youth. We had a great time and really became inspired by all the speeches and acts. If you haven’t heard of the International Year of Youth (IYY): check out the official page at http://social.un.org/youthyear/ It’s really just a celebration of us, the world’s youth and giving us a chance to really move things.
Throughout the year, Lil’ MDGs is going to be hosting events and creating opportunities for youth to get involved. As well, if you want to start your own event or movement, just contact us, and we’ll help any way we can.

Pictures from the UN IYY event will be going up soon, and check back here or at www.lilmdgs.org for upcoming events!

#IYY #youth
Text UN MDG International Year of Youth Kick-off Event

All of us at Lil’ MDGs were extremely excited to be going to the Kick-off Event for the International Year of Youth. If you haven’t heard of it: Check it out here http://social.un.org/youthyear/ It’s really just a celebration of us, the world’s youth and giving us a chance to really move things.
After eating breakfast at a local Starbucks (one of many!), we set off for the UN. A few blocks of walking and we arrived at the building. Flags from all countries stood tall, waving in the breeze. The visitor’s entrance was not quite open yet, so we waited outside the gates. We met up with Dylan and Pooja while waiting. Plus, we took a few pictures! A little while later some movement started happening. All the people, and there were quite a few by now, lined up and began walking in. Through security we went, up an elevator, through a few halls, and then we reached the General Assembly Hall. It really was very amazing to be there. The hall is huge, and you can just imagine the all world’s delegates sitting there.
Sitting down, we discovered microphones and earphones, just another little thing to remind us of the people who usually sit there. There was a light chatter while people found seats and filled in. Finally, the event began.
The MC, Chris Bashinelli, gave a speech to start us off and then introduced the first musical performance by The Bonde. The two girls had amazing voices and really got us off to a great start.
Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon followed with an inspirational speech. He urged youth to “look beyond the borders” of their own countries and to “engage with the world, and be a global citizen.” Shortly after he had to leave for other commitments, but we were glad that he took the time to attend at least part of this event and to make a speech.
The following hours passed in a whirlwind of amazing speeches and performances. One very inspiring act was the Move for Autism group. They had a dance set entirely to dialogue and the piece was beautiful.
Finishing up was a speech by Monique Coleman. She most notably was featured in HSM and DWTS, but she really has a passion for youth. On Sept. 8, she’s launching her new show online, Gimme Mo’ Talk, for youth. Her speech was great, and you could tell that she really feels strongly about this cause.
After all the formal performances, we stuck around to talk to a few of the speakers. Everyone was really friendly and eager to connect. We had a great time!

#UN #MDG #IYY #youth