On Friday, March 7, GCE-US took part in the annual Global Classrooms DC Winter Model UN Training Conference hosted by the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area. This dynamic event brings together students from across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, offering an invaluable opportunity to build core Model UN skills such as public speaking, resolution drafting, and research on global issues. Students collaborate with delegates from diverse schools, creating a vibrant atmosphere of learning and exchange. 

GCE-US Executive Director, Giulia McPherson, conducted a presentation on GCE-US's work and led a thought-provoking discussion with teachers from various schools. The session centered on integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4—focused on Quality Education—into educational programming. Key questions explored included: 

• Approaches and tools that resonate most with students while teaching about SDGs.
• Challenges faced in fostering awareness and understanding of global issues.
• The resources and support needed to strengthen classroom engagement on global education. 
• Strategies for encouraging students to embrace global citizenship. 

Educators shared critical feedback, emphasizing the transformative potential of project-based learning. They highlighted the importance of offering students real-world perspectives, particularly through opportunities to explore how their peers across the globe live. Additionally, there was a collective call for greater flexibility in school curricula to address the SDGs more deeply. 

GCE-US’s involvement in the conference underscores its commitment to empowering educators and inspiring the next generation of globally conscious leaders. Through collaborations like these, GCE-US continues to champion the cause of equitable, high-quality education for all.