Girl Who Silenced the UN for 5 minutes
Posted by Stephanie Miller on June 1st, 2009Although it’s 17 years old, the message hasn’t changed. Severn Suzuki speaks on behalf of the world, especially for those with no voice.
She represents E.C.O., the Environmental Children’s Organization, a group of Canadian 12-13 year olds trying to make a difference. In 1992, Vanessa Suttie, Morgan Geisler, Michelle Quigg and Severn traveled 5,000 miles to emplore the United Nations for change.
She says, “I am only a child yet I know that we are all part of a family, 5 billion strong, in fact 30 million species strong. And borders and governments will never change that. I am only a child yet I know we are all in this together and should act as one single world towards one single goal.”
If you want your heart strings tugged and your sense of responsibility emboldened, watch Severn Suzuki speak to the United Nations in this 6:30 minute video:
Please pass this on and keep the message strong and clear!
Dee
June 3rd, 2009 at 7:23 pmThis is such a significant speech, so intelligently written and delivered by a great young role model. I wish everyone in the world could see it, hear it, and then act upon it! I remember feeling so proud of Severn, as I’m sure her father David Suzuki and her mother were. Although this was given many years ago, I think its message is timeless. As true today as it was then. And sadly, not enough has been done by our government and others, in all the years since. I would like it to be shown in all of our schools to both educate and inspire all children ~ our future leaders.
Steph
June 4th, 2009 at 5:16 pmI totally agree, Dee, our future leaders would do well seeing this video in school.
While we’re at it, why not throw in some life skills, too? I would have loved to have been taught 1) how to find a fulfilling job, 2) how to form and nuture relationships, and 3) the principals of good decision-making.
Dee
June 6th, 2009 at 2:42 pmI seriously second that Stephanie. Those are really excellent suggestions!
In fact, not only should these be mandatory in schools ~ I think our government representatives could learn a lot from such life skills. Have you seen how badly our politicians behave in the legislature (when they bother to show up at all)? I have. And this applies to ALL levels of government - municipal, provincial and federal. Children in kindergarten are better behaved and more respectful. And while I’m on the subject… when are judges in our judiciary system going to come down from their ivory towers and reconnect with the real world out there. There needs to be some accountability on their part. Who’s judging the judges anyway? I think the basics of justice - serving law abiding citizens and protecting victims - need to be re-taught. All the rights and protections have gone backwards in favour of the criminals! Where’s the justice in that? Having witnessed far too many BAD decisions and INjustices by our so called leaders, I’m steaming mad ….. and I want some long overdue changes now! What does this teach our children? Crime pays! Lie, steal, cheat to get what you want in life… Don’t worry about keeping promises. If we get caught doing corrupt things - just DENY it and change leaders. Never admit you’re wrong. Who cares about global warming, the environment and wildlife…. we’re the superior race! Let’s give ourselves a raise…. ALL the wrong messages in my opinion. If you disagree I’d love to hear your take on it. And if you feel the same, let’s hear your voice on the subject. Remember ~ evil can only win, when good people do nothing!
Steph
June 18th, 2009 at 12:20 pmNo problem, Dee. Your wish is granted. *poof!*
No really, things ARE changing. Slowly. Keep faith and doing what you’re doing, that is, being a good person (walking your talk) and asking more from our world leaders.
Dee
June 18th, 2009 at 1:38 pmYou’re funny Steph! THANK YOU for granting my wish! If only it were that easy! I realize I did kinda go on a rant there, but even now in reflection, I still hold those strong convictions. Thank GOODNESS we have more GOOD people in the world than BAD. Otherwise … where would our world be?? Especially without a GOOD sense of humour!! (heh)
But of course, you’re right. The only thing constant IS change, however painstakingly s~l~o~w it comes about. I DO have more faith (than patience) that the best is yet to be, and that in fact, it IS happening now ~ one person at a time. Since you and the whole team of Daily Challengers are leading by example, I will take your advice, and pray that our leaders will wake up and get the message soooooon!! I don’t think it would do any harm if they heard from more of us ~ more often ~ to keep them on the right track ~ with an extra PUSH in the right direction!
Head Health Nut
June 21st, 2009 at 10:26 amYou’re so right, Dee. Change will happen faster if we’re all pitching in to make powerful people accountable for their decisions and actions.