On September 22 and 23, 2024, the UN Summit for the Future took place, where global leaders came together to shape the “Pact for the Future.” The focus was on sustainable development and creating a better world for future generations. Although children make up one-third of the world’s population, their perspectives are often overlooked in these discussions.
At the Virtual UN Side Event: Summit of the Future and Beyond, organized by DKA Austria and other partners, the rights of children and their role in environmental issues were at the forefront. Young people had the opportunity to share their ideas and recommendations for a more inclusive and sustainable future. It was emphasized how important it is to hear the voices of children, as they are the ones who will inherit the world of tomorrow.
As a graphic recorder, I had the honor of visually capturing this virtual event. My goal was to encapsulate the complex and significant discussions surrounding children’s rights and climate change in concise images, making the messages more tangible.
Particularly moving were the two short films that showcased the lives and dreams of children worldwide. These stories, combined with contributions from children and young people from Austria and Nepal, who reported live on their experiences, made it clear how much the future of our planet depends on the coming generations. It was inspiring to see how engaged the young participants were and what clear visions they have for a just and sustainable future. With my graphic recording, I hope to make this engagement visible and enrich the discourse through visual representations.
