Looking back at the G20 - UK School Students

Tuesday, 2 June 2009 | posted by scott.forbes
G-20 London Summit 2009, Education

Just over two months ago 21 of us Global Changemakers from across the G20 Countries plus Thailand, embarked on the London Summit for what was a whirlwind experience, as well as a fantastic opportunity for us all to shape youth policy.

Looking back at the G20 - UK School Students

Over the week, we engaged in a number of intensive workshops with leading financial experts like; Lord Nicholas Stern, Jim O'Neill and Matthew Bishop. All of whom helped us to gain a better understanding of the current financial crisis, which also gave us the platform to ask a number of questions, relating to the current recession and to hear recommendations for the future. We also had the chance to meet with key policy makers during the week such as; the Rt.Hon Gordon Brown PM, HE President Felipe Calderon of Mexico, the Rt.Hon Alistair Darling MP, the Rt.Hon John McFall MP and the Rt.Hon David Miliband MP - whom we presented the final Youth Communique too, of which he stated 'To effect change in the modern world, you don’t just need governments, you need citizens' before going onto say 'the dynamism and idealism of the group are hugely impressive'.

But one of the many highlights of the week, was engaging in a conversation with 20 UK school children, discussing many issues and solutions to solving the current financial recession. As well as looking at other wider Global issues such as; HIV and AIDS, Education, Poverty, as well as touching briefly on Climate Change. We were then further impressed by the way these young people conducted themselves, during a round table discussion with the Rt.Hon Alistair Darling MP along with some Global Changemakers, raising questions such as; 'Did deregulation cause the recession?', 'How do you, as a politician, encourage people to save an produce economic growth at the same time?', to which the Chancellor later went on to state 'Monetary easing is a necessary step to increase liquidity' when addressing one of these points.

 
At the end of the 24 hour period with the UK students, we set them a challenge to go back to their schools and to meet with their local Member of Parliament or in some cases Member of Scottish Parliament, to tell them about their experience of the London Summit and of course to spread the news of us as Global Changemakers! We also made a promise, to stay connected with one another and to offer them advice, on the start of their journey to making a positive impact. We know for sure they left us feeling empowered and motivated to making that change possible, whether that be within their school or local community, it also left us truly inspired and touched with the feedback we received at the end of our time together. Speaking to some of the students over lunch this was for sure, one of their best learning experiences during their secondary education, one that does not often come around enough!

I have recently had the chance to catch up with  three of these students, here's what they had to say, on their memorable experience:

'It was such a fantastic experience meeting with 20 people from different parts of the world, as well as getting to know about other cultures, plus financial and economical situations in other countries than the UK. I think it was a truly brilliant opportunity for every single young person, to put their ideas across and to exchange constructive opinions through this seminar, I was really glad to be part of this project and want to thank every one who was involved. Especially the Global Changemakers, who have motivated, inspired and empowered me to make a change to my society and I thank those for their continual support!'

Sami - Edmonton County School, London

'Stuart continues to talk about each and everyone of you Global Changemakers to this day, your involvement with Stuart over that 24 hour period has impacted his work within the community of the school, Stuart continues to strive to make a difference on the School council and speaks highly of each and everyone of you to fellow peers! I am hugely impressed with your attitudes to making a positive change to this Globe, on behalf of our School and Stuart we wish you every success in the near future, I look forward to seeing the day when you are presiding over your countries within the G20 - as you are the real change and superstars of the next generation!'

Stuart's Deputy Head Julie - Heritage House School, Buckinghamshire

'Since the event I have been in contact with my MSP, who I will be meeting with in 2 weeks time to discuss the youth communique in London and have been emailing my MP who has offered to arrange a meeting. Yourself and the other Global Changemakers really did inspire me to try and get more young people involved and motivated about society and so I have planned a 'Question Time' style event for the pupils of my school. Although I have just finished my last year of high school, I will be hosting the event in June. I am planning to have a panel consisting of local councillors, our MSP, a representative from our local police department and other groups within our area. I have asked for teacher's co-operation in asking pupils to think of questions they might ask the panel in relation to some of the issues they, or other young people in our area, might be facing. I will present these questions to the panel and hopefully get a bit of a discussion going. Once again I'd like to say thank you for the example you made of a young person who can make a change!'

Gemma - St. Ninian's High School, Glasgow - Scotland