Two Ghanaian winners of the National Essay Competition on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Miss Miriam Aniwa of Holy Child High School at Cape Coast in the Central Region and Miss Evangelyn Ukoma Awa of the Frihans Educational Complex at Koforidua in the Eastern Region, have expressed their sincerest gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Sustainable Development Goals Advisory Unit at the Office of the President, for giving them the opportunity to attend the 77th United Nations General Assembly, in New York, USA.
The winners who won the competitions organized by Junior Graphic in 2019 and 2021 were at the UN headquarters, where they had the opportunity to attend some SDG events and education events.
It may be recalled that the two at separate events at the Jubilee House received awards and citations from President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is also the Emeritus chairperson of the UN Secretary-General’s SDGs Advocates Group of Eminent Persons.
According to the young students, the opportunity afforded them a better understanding of the SDGs and the chance to meet and interact with other young people who were also at the UN headquarters including Pakistani activist for female education and the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai.
Miss Miriam Aniwa, who aspires to be a medical doctor said the visit was an eye-opener for her, especially in the area of education.
She said on her return to school, she would share her gained experiences with her peers.
For her part, Miss Evangelyn Ukoma Awa who wants to be a cardiologist, also said the trip allowed her to interact with her peers from around the world and experience firsthand the unique culture of the United States of America.
She noted that the programs they have participated in have broadened her scope and perspectives on the global organization and the SDGs which she hoped to share with her colleagues.
Dr. Eugene Owusu, the Special Advisor to the President on SDGs, was optimistic that the experience of the two young students would go a long way to inspire other young Ghanaians to work and study hard to attain their dreams.
He said their experiences could broaden their perspectives and spur the young ladies to achieve more in their academic and future endeavors.
Dr. Owusu said the youth are the drivers of the SDGs and such opportunities can only aid in attaining the targets for the benefit of future generations.
