July 9-16
On July 7 we began by praying with the Statement of JPIC Commitment from the document “Being Artisans of Hope in Our Blessed and Broken World.” We also prayed the song, “If Not Now,” by Carrie Newcomer.
Nance O’Neil (INS) and members of the 120th Street Community, Helen O’Regan (USC) and Stephany Veluz (USC) also joined the delegation in prayerful support.

Kim Jihye rscj (KOC)
The first thing we did was to get our UN grounds passes. Then we had an orientation with some members of other religious congregations, such as the Claretians, Sisters of Notre Dame and the Maryknoll Fathers.
We met at the UN-NGO office of the Society of the Sacred Heart. We discussed about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sustainability, a systems view of life, and the structure of HLPF.
Here are some of questions we were given for reflection:
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What are your personal goals for HLPF?
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How do these goals fit into the collective goals of congregation?
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What messages or experiences do you or your congregation bring to discussions on SDGs?
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How will you share your experience with your community and other networks?
We concluded the orientation with a tour of the UN Headquarters, which showed us the UN’s history and significant works until now.
Betty Nakato rscj (UGK)
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Work with all characters to improve behaviour. Young people MUST be involved in the shaping of their world.
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Equip people with skills to take up jobs of the future.
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We need the necessary data in order to make the implementation of the SDGs possible.
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The world does not need power but actions. What we truly need is courage not power.
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Diverse challenges need diverse solutions.

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Establishment of Individualized Education Program (IEP)
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Strengthening the relationship among all the school stake holders.
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Promotion of hands-on/project-based learning
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Teachers’ professional learning communities/ professional development
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Teachers’ performance improvement plan
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Small size classes
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Using assessment for learning
Our journey with companions from around the world continues today.
In the morning there was a discussion about the importance of university education to achieve the SDGs. The importance of including SDGs in the curriculum and educational activities of universities was emphasized. We became aware of how the practice of “field education,” creating networks, and building bridges with civil society organizations contribute to the promotion the SDGs.
In the afternoon, we explored the different ways by which the policy of “no one left behind” in upheld in the process of implementing the SDGs.
Today was also our day to be in touch with the level of collaboration that the Society of Sacred Heart engages in at the UN. While most of the members of our delegation attended side-events, Daphne Sequeira, our general councillor from Rome, spent much of the day meeting with some of Sheila Smith’s colleagues. Being the Central Team’s Link to the UN-NGO, Daphne’s time in New York is significantly dedicated to understanding more fully the work of the UN-NGO.
Rita Pinto rscj (IND)

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Concrete plan of action- to educate people about the Climate crisis in the world
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Encourage nations to use the carbon tax
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Engage politicians in the issues of Climate Urgency in their campaign for elections
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Inspire the youth to work together ,to speak to the young to make a difference to their nations
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Listen to the aspirations of the young to go down to their level- to educate to make a difference.
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Be models of change- do things that the young ones can imitate.
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Think globally and act locally. Global problems need to be addressed locally. We need to educate to network with the young, exchange ideas, make their voices heard.
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Put greater emphasis on increasing participation, including youth

Bang Junghye rscj & Kim Jihye rscj (KOC)

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Resilience from the heart creates sustainability.
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Heart intelligence is available to everyone and is a source of inclusive empowerment.
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Heart intelligence is key to creating peaceful and just societies.
We think this is deeply connected with our Sacred Heart spirituality. By listening to our hearts through prayer and meditation, we are able to share more grounded energy with others, and invite them as well to face themselves. This awareness is for us an important insight as we endeavor to live our mission through the SDGs.
Sheila Smith rscj (UN-NGO Representative)

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Provide more experiences like this one
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Include teaching of the SDGs in our places of mission
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Raise awareness that we are already contributing to the achievement of the SDGs, and identify in each context
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Make stronger local-global connections with the UN-NGO office
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Help members of the Society and our partners in mission to see and experience the connection between the SDGs and Sacred Heart charism and spirituality
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Teach the SDGs in initial and ongoing formation programs within the Society of the Sacred Heart
Immediate next steps for our group:
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One of us has committed to work on SDG 16 (Peace) by helping to build capacity in students for inner peace. This is essential for sustainable peace within and among families, communities, institutions, societies, etc.
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Two have committed to be SDG ambassadors to RSCJ in the next probation.
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One has committed to promote the SDGs as a component of formation programs within the Society.
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The UN-NGO Representative has committed to help the group remain connected and supported as they live these commitments in their local realities.