Last year, the United Nations (UN) celebrated 75 years since its creation. This year the UN looks ahead to the next 75 years. What challenges will world nations face? How can world leaders improve people’s lives? These questions and more will be explored at a meeting called the UN Summit of the Future.
The UN was founded in 1945. It is a group made up of many world nations. World leaders wanted to prevent future wars. They also wanted nations to cooperate. Today, the UN has 193 member nations! Over the years, the UN has protected people’s human rights. It has helped provide aid for people in need. The UN has also played a role in solving climate issues.
The UN Summit of the Future will take place on September 22–23. Those attending hope to agree on a plan for solving global challenges. One challenge is achieving sustainability (using resources in a way that makes sure there are enough for people in the future). A related challenge is climate change. Rising temperatures have caused extreme weather events around the world. Floods, droughts, and hurricanes have increased in recent years. Climate scientists recommend that countries move away from burning coal and natural gas. They say that using wind and solar power will slow global warming.
The summit will cover many other important topics as well. Attendees will discuss human rights. They will consider how to prevent violent conflicts around the world. They will propose solutions to inequality (when people do not have the same opportunities as others or are treated unfairly). They also hope to engage young people in these conversations. Today’s leaders need all the help they can get to solve the world’s biggest problems. They are hoping tomorrow’s leaders—maybe you!—will lend a hand.
What Do You Think? What world issue or topic would you like leaders to solve? Why?
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