World’s Largest Lesson

It is an outstanding pleasure for me to join you today. Not only because it is very unusual for my everyday work to be in school with schoolchildren, but also because of the lesson we will jointly learn today – the World’s Largest Lesson. 

The World’s Largest Lesson was born shortly after all the world leaders agreed on the plan for brighter future of the world. That plan is called 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and it is based on 17 Goals.  

The goals of this largest plan in the history of human kind are quite simple and tangible. This is the plan to build the world in which every child goes to school, the poverty and hunger are eradicated, in which men and women have equal chances, in which the climate is in balance and resources are being used wisely.

And today’s lesson – the World’s Largest Lesson is exactly about this plan. 

When the 2030 Agenda is completed, you will be 21 years old. It is the plan for your future and that’s why it concerns you more than anyone else. That is exactly why we are together today – to learn about this plan so you could take an active role in making it happen. The world needs to hear you and to take your voice seriously. Just like your peer from Sweden - some of you probably saw her - Greta Thunberg, a 16 years old climate activist, whose voice on climate action can be heard around the world. On a recent Climate Summit in New York, she asked world leaders “How dare you (take the hope from us young people)?” It was a great lesson, not only for world leaders, but for all of us. For entire world. The world needs more lessons like that.

Thank you.