FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Young Utahns are honored for their efforts in achieving the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
West Jordan, UT | 8.16.2021 - In recognition of the United Nations designated International Youth Day on August 12, local nonprofit Utah Council for Citizenship Diplomacy will give honors to young individuals in Utah, recognizing each with a 7 for 17 Award for their efforts in achieving the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The award ceremony will be hosted at its annual International Youth Summit.
The 7 for 17 Award recognizes the extraordinary work Utah youth between the ages of 14-32 are doing to address some of the most significant issues facing Utah and the world today, including climate change, social justice, poverty, economic growth, and good health and wellbeing.
Event: International Youth Summit 7 for 17 Award Ceremony
Date: Thursday, August 12
Award ceremony time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Where: Viridian Events Center (Address: 8030 S 1825 W, West Jordan, UT 84088)
“It may be cliche, but young people are key in solving the global challenges society faces,” Vincent Carson, Utah Global Diplomacy Youth Program Director, shares. “The International Youth Summit was envisioned as a way to bring youth who want to make the world a better place together to amplify their passions. Young people want to make a difference, but often they don’t know where to start. We hope that the International Youth Summit will be that place and that the 7 for 17 Award winners will inspire other youth in Utah to take the first step.”
Some 7 for 17 Award recipients include Ameena Ahmed, a student at Granger High School and the event’s keynote speaker, working to educate fellow students about the value of civic engagement and registering to vote. She was also recently featured on Good Morning America as a 2020 Youth Fellow for a nonprofit organization called The Civics Center.
Fiston Mwesige, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, recognizes firsthand the value of receiving a quality education. So he created a nonprofit called Umoja Generation that focuses on providing academic and college-prep support for high school refugee students and assists newly arrived refugee families with navigating Utah's educational systems. Fiston was recently featured in a UNHCR blog.
Jacob Crane is the executive director for the SLC Air Protectors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the natural environment, improving air quality, and supporting the rights and responsibilities of Indigenous Peoples to be stewards of the land. In addition, Jacob is a social entrepreneur and enjoys building startup companies that positively impact Native communities. He is working to see more conscious tribal investment for future generations.
Each 7 for 17 Award recipient has a proven record of leadership and dedication to one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Because of their work, dedication, and commitment to their causes, they are making a significant impact in improvising lives in Utah and worldwide.
The 7 for 17 Award ceremony will be hosted during the luncheon at the International Youth Summit. The purpose of the Summit is to give Utah’s emerging leaders the tools to engage with global problems facing Utah, the United States, and the world and ultimately encourage them to become worldwide change agents. Attendees will hear from local and international speakers, participate in interactive sessions, and network with peers during the event.
To read about the 7 for 17 Award recipients and their work, click here.
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