UN ambassador inspires students at Beijing school

Daniel del Valle Blanco, the International Youth Organization's ambassador and permanent observer to the United Nations, as well as chair of the UN-Habitat Youth Advisory Board, recently visited the International Montessori School of Beijing as a major stop during his visit to China.

During the event, Blanco collaborated with students to create a large mixed-media artwork, symbolizing world peace. The artwork, showcasing the students' creative talents, will later be displayed at the United Nations, representing the voices of children and conveying their longing for peace to the world.

Blanco also delivered a speech titled "Child Growth and International Development", emphasizing the importance of education in shaping children into global citizens. He encouraged students to actively participate in the globalization process to contribute to a more harmonious world.

He said: "Chinese students consistently achieve remarkable results in international assessments, demonstrating their proficiency in mathematics, science and cultural literacy. These accomplishments reflect the nation's firm commitment to establishing a strong educational foundation."

"Moreover, China's adoption of modern technology and innovative teaching methods prepares students for the challenges of the digital age. By integrating cutting-edge tools into classrooms nationwide, educators empower students with the skills and adaptability needed to thrive in an interconnected and dynamic world", he added.

This speech will be included in the educational documentary series "Everyone's Enlightenment BP talks", held by the International Montessori School of Beijing, with Blanco honored as the first featured guest in the series.

Blanco is the youngest permanent ambassador of any country or agency to the United Nations. He is dedicated to supporting the implementation of the UN Youth 2030 Strategy and played an active role in the historic official consultations and negotiations to establish the first-ever UN Youth Office.

Additionally, Blanco was appointed as International Montessori School of Beijing's Goodwill Ambassador. The school principal remarked, "Blanco's visit and speech provided our students with a unique learning opportunity, allowing them to think about issues from an international perspective."