Writing IIOpen Letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
His Excellency Antonio Guterres
United Nations Secretary-General
United Nations Secretarial
42 Street, New York, NY 10017
7 August 2020
RE: Inclusion of children in the Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change
Your Excellency,
Congratulations on your recent announcement of seven young climate leaders between the ages of 18 and 28 years old to your Youth Advisory Group on climate change, who will advise you regularly on accelerating global action and the action to tackle the worsening climate crisis. We appreciate this important focus on bringing young leaders into decision-making and planning processes related to climate action. We also welcome the emphasis you place on receiving and giving frank and fearless advice, and the urgency of holding government and corporate leaders to account on climate action.
We are disappointed, however, that you have not expanded this list of young climate leaders to children in all their diversity. Millions of children took part in school strikes for climate action in 2019 and early 2020 and demonstrated their outrage and constructive solutions in equal measure. They have been agents of change in the climate debate using their channels of influence-schools, social media, and street protest-to catalyse global activism on the climate crisis. We have seen children from the global North to the global South engaging with political and corporate leaders- in their home countries and also within the international system-most recently at the UN Human Rights Council- claiming their right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment as critical foundation to realizing their wellbeing and rights.
It was, after all, a child. Greta Thunberg, who sparked this global movement through an inspiriting solo protest in 2018. By 2019, she was able to rightly assert: "We proved that it does not matter what you do and that no one is too small to make a difference." In 2020, children are saying the same thing. Like Fabrizio, a 16 year old boy from Peru, who told us on a recent child-led online conversation, "The Future of Children is at stake now, tomorrow will be too late." Children like Fabrizio are vocal in their anxiety that our dash to economic recovery will scupper climate change at net-zero commitments. They continue to pressure on us all for urgency, and to fight for a green recovery.
Once again, Secretary-General, we congratulate you on the establishment of the Youth Advisory Group on climate change. We ask, however, that it be inclusive of children and adolescents younger than 18; respecting their right to be heard and to contribute their expertise directly. We also ask that as preparations for COP26 advance, you call for the UK and Italy to give children a safe space to influence these upcoming preparatory events. We would of course be happy to support a process that facilitates meaningful engagement with children across the globe on both your Group and COP26.
If the last two years have taught us anything it is that children, armed with information and a sense of purpose, have a unique role to play by participating in decision-making processes and in combating crises with constructive solutions. Let us make sure that we learn and apply this lesson to the planning process related to climate action.
Sincerely Yours,
Save the Children
Child Rights Connect
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct words given below.
tackle | corporate | outrage | catalyse | at stake | net-zero | expertise |
a. The....... headquarters of the company is in Dubai. |
The corporate headquarters of the company is in Dubai. |
b. According to Greta, the leaders are failing to......... the key issues. |
According to Greta, the leaders are failing to tackle the key issues. |
c. Some viruses....... the step in the production of other viruses. |
Some viruses catalyse the step in the production of other viruses. |
d. His....... in business helped him greatly to run the company. |
His expertise in business helped him greatly to run the company. |
e. Nepal governing plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to ....... |
Nepal governing plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to net-zero |
f. He does not have good knowledge of the business. So, he has put his investment ..... |
He does not have good knowledge of the business. So, he has put his investment at stake |
g. His controversial remarks caused public ...... |
His controversial remarks caused public outrage |
B. Write whether the following sentences are 'True' or 'False'. Write 'Not Given' if the information is not found in the letter.
a. Save the Children congratulates Antonio Guterres on his recent appointment as the General Secretary of the UN. - Not Given |
b. The Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change was announced at the request of children between 18-21 years of age. - False |
c. The dissatisfaction is that the representation of children is not inclusive. - True |
d. Greta Thunberg protested for the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. - True |
e. The children demand their physical safety in the UK and Italy.- Not Given |
f. The children think that they can participate in decision-making to fight against the climate crisis.-True |
Answer the following questions
a. Where is the office of the UN Secretary-General? |
The office of the UN Secretary-General is located (अवस्थित) at 42 Street, New York, NY 10017. |
b. What is the purpose of writing this letter to Antonio Guterres? |
The purpose (उद्देश्य) of writing this letter to Antonio Guterres is to express disappointment (असन्तुष्टि) about the exclusion (बहिष्कार) of children from the Youth Advisory Group on climate change. |
c. Why was the Youth Advisory Group announced? |
The Youth Advisory Group was announced to provide regular advice to the UN Secretary-General on accelerating global action and tackling (सामना गर्दै) the climate crisis (संकट). |
d. What roles have children played in the time of climate crisis (संकट)? |
Children have played the roles of agents of change in the climate debate, engaging with political and corporate (सामाजिक) leaders, participating in school strikes, and advocating (समर्थन गर्दै) for urgent action and a green recovery. |
e. Describe Greta Thunberg and Fabrizio's contributions. |
Greta Thunberg sparked the global movement through her solo (एक्लो) protest (विरोध) and emphasized (जोड दिइएको) that everyone, regardless of age, can make a difference; Fabrizio, a 16-year-old boy from Peru, expressed his concern about the future of children and their need for urgent action on climate change. |
f. What is the final demand of the children? |
The final demand of the children is for the Youth Advisory Group and COP26 preparatory (तयारी) events to be inclusive (समावेशी) of children and adolescents, respecting their right to be heard and contribute (योगदान) their expertise (दक्षता) directly. |
Choose the correct alternatives to complete the sentences.
a. Abhilasha said that she........ (witnessed, has witnessed, was witnessed) the accident. |
Abhilasha said that she witnessed the accident. |
b. The teacher explained that.......(the earth revolves round the sun, the earth revolved round the sun, revolve round the sun). |
The teacher explained that the earth revolves round the sun. |
c. Smarika says that .........(she could not stay there anymore, I can't stay here anymore, she can't stay here anymore). |
Smarika says that she can't stay here anymore. |
d. Sachita says that..................(she loves to listen to music, she loved to listen to music, I love to listen to music). |
Sachita says that she loves to listen to music. |
e. My brother reported that....... ......( he had completed his homework, I have completed my homework, he has done his homework). |
My brother reported that he had completed his homework. |
f. My father said that the sun.............(is, are, was)very hot. |
My father said that the sun is very hot. |
g. Jenifer said that she……...(want, wants, wanted) to be a nurse. |
Jenifer said that she wants to be a nurse. |
B. Rewrite the following sentences in indirect speech.
a. Raima said, "We had to cross the river and go ahead. |
Raima said that they had to cross the river and go ahead. |
b. Smarika said, "I will meet you tomorrow, friends." |
Smarika said that she would meet her friends the following day. |
c. "I can't come to school tomorrow," Chandani said. |
Chandani said that she couldn't come to school the following day. |
d. Dorje said, "Sorry, I cannot lend you any money today." |
Dorje said that he could not lend me any money that day and apologized for it. |
e. The teacher said, "Now, you can solve the remaining problems yourselves." |
The teacher said that we could solve the remaining problems ourselves then. |
f. The police said, "The incident probably took place yesterday." |
The police said that the incident probably took place the day before. |
g. I said to him, "I live in Changunarayan these days." |
I told him that I lived in Changunarayan those days. |
h. They said to us, "We would like to join you too." |
They told us that they would like to join us too. |
i. The Science teacher said, "The coal gives off thick smoke." |
The Science teacher said that the coal gave off thick smoke. |
j. Resham said, "I have never seen such a strange animal anywhere else." |
Resham said she had never seen such a strange animal anywhere. |
k. "I love my children more than wealth," the father said. |
The father said that he loved his children more than wealth. |
Write a letter to the Mayor of your municipality or the Chairperson of your rural municipality requesting him/her to involve the representatives of children in the decision-making process related to children's issues in your municipality/rural municipality.
Tokha-3, |
Kathmandu. |
|
21st, May, 2023 |
|
The Mayor, |
Tokha Municipality, |
Tokha, Kathmandu. |
|
Subject: Request to involve the representatives of children in the decision-making process Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing this letter to request your attention (ध्यान) towards an important matter related to children's issues in our municipality/rural municipality. As a resident and a student of this area, I believe that involving the representatives of children in the decision-making process related to children's issues can have a positive impact (प्रभाव) on our community. Firstly, children have a unique perspective (दृष्टिकोण) on issues that affect them and their peers (साथी समूह), and their input can provide valuable insights (ज्ञान) that may not be considered by adults. Secondly, involving children in decision-making can help promote a sense of ownership (स्वामित्व) and responsibility among them, which can lead to better outcomes and a stronger community. I would like to request you to consider (विचार गर्नु) creating a platform for children to share their opinions and ideas on issues that affect them, such as education, health, and safety. This can be done by organizing regular meetings or setting up a special committee dedicated (समर्पित) to children's issues. Furthermore, I believe that involving children in decision-making can also be a great learning opportunity for them. It can help them develop critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills, which are essential (आवश्यक) for their future. In conclusion, I urge you to consider involving the representatives (प्रतिनिधिहरू) of children in the decision-making process related to children's issues in our municipality/rural municipality. I believe that this can help create a better future for our children and our community. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name] |
Words, Phonetic Transcription and Meaning
Inclusion /ɪnˈkluːʒən/ |
incorporation, involvement, participation |
The action or state of including or involving someone or something. |
Announcement /əˈnaʊnsmənt/ |
declaration, statement, proclamation |
A public or formal notice that informs people about something. |
Accelerating /əkˈsɛləreɪtɪŋ/ |
speeding up, hastening, quickening |
The act of increasing the speed or rate of something. |
Worsening /ˈwɔːrsənɪŋ/ |
deteriorating, declining, deteriorating |
The process or state of becoming worse or less favorable. |
Appreciate /əˈpriːʃieɪt/ |
value, recognize, acknowledge |
To understand the value, significance, or importance of something. |
Emphasis /ˈɛmfəsɪs/ |
stress, importance, focus |
Special attention, importance, or prominence given to something. |
Frank /fræŋk/ |
candid, honest, straightforward |
Open, honest, and direct in speech or expression. |
Fearless /ˈfɪrləs/ |
brave, courageous, bold |
Showing no fear; brave and courageous. |
Corporate /ˈkɔːrpərət/ |
company, business, organization |
Relating to a corporation or large business organization. |
Disappointed /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd/ |
let down, unhappy, dissatisfied |
Feeling unhappy or discouraged because something did not meet expectations. |
Expanded /ɪkˈspændɪd/ |
increased, extended, enlarged |
Made larger or more comprehensive. |
Diversity /daɪˈvɜːrsɪti/ |
variety, range, assortment |
The state of being diverse or having a variety of different elements or qualities. |
Outrage /aʊtˈreɪdʒ/ |
anger, fury, indignation |
An extremely strong reaction of anger, shock, or indignation. |
Catalyze /ˈkætəlaɪz/ |
stimulate, trigger, initiate |
To cause or accelerate a reaction or process. |
Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ |
eco-friendly, renewable |
Capable of being maintained or continued without causing significant harm to the environment, in this context, sustainable ways of living. |
Sparked /spɑːrkt/ |
ignited, triggered, started |
Caused or initiated something, usually with great enthusiasm or energy. |
Stake /steɪk/ |
interest, claim, investment |
A personal interest or involvement in an undertaking or situation, especially one with an expectation of financial gain. |
Anxiety /æŋˈzaɪəti/ |
worry, concern, unease |
A feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, often about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. |
Dash /dæʃ/ |
sprint, rush, dart |
To move or run quickly or suddenly. |
Scupper /ˈskʌpər/ |
thwart, frustrate, hinder |
To prevent or put an end to something, often unexpectedly or by acting against it. |
Net-zero /ˈnɛtˌziːroʊ/ |
neutral, balanced, zero emissions |
Achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount removed from the atmosphere, resulting in no net increase in global warming. |
Recovery /rɪˈkʌvəri/ |
recuperation, improvement, revival |
The process of returning to a normal or improved state of health, strength, or well-being after an illness, injury, or difficulty. |
Inclusive /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/ |
all-encompassing, comprehensive, broad |
Including or encompassing everything or everyone; broad and accepting of all people or groups. |
Contribute /kənˈtrɪbjut/ |
contribute to, add to, participate in |
To give or provide something, such as ideas, efforts, or resources, to help achieve a common purpose or goal. |
Expertise /ˌɛkspərˈtiːz/ |
knowledge, skill, proficiency |
Specialized knowledge, skill, or expertise in a particular field. |
Preparatory /prɪˈpærətɔːri/ |
preliminary, introductory, preliminary |
Serving as a preparation or introduction to something more important, especially in terms of an event, action, or process. |
Of course /əv ˈkɔːrs/ |
certainly, definitely, naturally |
Used to express agreement or give confirmation to something that is expected or obvious. |
Engagement /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/ |
involvement, participation, commitment |
The act of participating or becoming involved in something, often with enthusiasm or commitment. |
Armed /ɑːrmd/ |
equipped, prepared, furnished |
Equipped or prepared with something necessary or useful for a particular purpose or situation. |
Combating /kəmˈbætɪŋ/ |
fighting, battling, resisting |
Taking action to fight against or oppose something, often in a determined or forceful manner. |
Constructive /kənˈstrʌktɪv/ |
positive, helpful, productive |
Having a positive or helpful effect; contributing to a solution or improvement. |
Extra questions to practice
Expandable FAQ Section
Why did the authors of the letter congratulate (बधाई दिनु) Antonio Guterres?
▼
The authors congratulated Antonio Guterres for establishing the Youth Advisory Group on climate change.
What is the purpose (उद्देश्य) of the Youth Advisory Group on climate change?
▼
The purpose (उद्देश्य) of the Youth Advisory Group is to advise the UN Secretary-General on accelerating global action and addressing the climate crisis.
Why are the authors disappointed (दुखी हुनु)?
▼
The authors are disappointed (दुखी हुनु) because children were not included in the Youth Advisory Group.
How did children participate (सहभागी हुनु) in climate action before?
▼
Children participated in climate action through activities such as school strikes, using social media, and engaging with political and corporate leaders.
What did Greta Thunberg do to spark (सुरू गर्नु/उत्साहित गर्नु) the global movement?
▼
Greta Thunberg sparked the global movement by protesting alone and raising awareness about climate change.
What did Fabrizio express in the child-led online conversation?
▼
Fabrizio expressed his concern that the future of children is at stake (जोखिम) due to the climate crisis and the need for urgent action.
How do children want to influence (प्रभाव) the upcoming preparatory events for COP26?
▼
Children want to have a safe space to influence (प्रभाव) the upcoming preparatory events for COP26 and be able to contribute (योगदान गर्नु) their expertise directly.
What lesson have the last two years taught us about children and crises?
▼
The last two years have taught us that children, armed (सशस्त्र) with information and a sense of purpose, have a unique role to play in decision-making processes and combating crises.
What does the letter ask the UN Secretary-General to do?
▼
The letter asks the UN Secretary-General to include (समावेश गर्नु) children and adolescents younger than 18 in the Youth Advisory Group and to provide them a safe space to influence upcoming preparatory events for COP26.
Which organizations signed the letter?
▼
Save the Children and Child Rights Connect signed the letter.
What rights do children want to have respected?
▼
Children want their right to be heard and their right to contribute (योगदान गर्नु) their expertise directly to be respected.
What is the main focus of the letter?
▼
The main focus of the letter is to advocate (समर्थन गर्नु) for the inclusion of children in decision-making processes related to climate action.
What is the significance of the UN Human Rights Council in relation to children's engagement?
▼
The UN Human Rights Council serves (कार्य गर्नु) as a platform where children can engage with political and corporate leaders and claim their right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
What kind of recovery are children concerned about?
▼
Children are concerned about a dash (संघर्ष) to economic recovery (पुन:प्राप्ति) that may neglect climate change commitments, and they advocate for a green recovery that addresses the climate crisis.