Taking a Step for a Sustainable Future with AIESEC in İzmir | World’s Largest Lesson Ceylin Canyuar October 21, 2024

Taking a Step for a Sustainable Future with AIESEC in İzmir | World’s Largest Lesson

At Egedeniz Textile, we believe that sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental responsibility. That’s why we were thrilled to support AIESEC İzmir for the World’s Largest Lesson, a global initiative that aims to inspire and educate young people about the Sustainable Development Goals.

This year we met with AIESEC which is a global youth-led organization that fosters peace and fulfillment through intercultural exchange. It provides opportunities for young people to volunteer abroad, gain international experience, and develop leadership skills. AIESEC is active in over 100 countries and territories, offering a wide range of programs and experiences for students and recent graduates.

With this new cooperation we learned more about the World’s Largest Lesson;  a global education initiative that aims to inspire and educate young people about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It involves a series of events and activities held worldwide, with the goal of raising awareness and promoting action towards a more sustainable future.

A Day in the Life of a Sustainable Future Led by Youth, AIESEC in İzmir;

Our journey began early in the morning as we set off to visit various schools across İzmir. Our team was eager to connect with students from different backgrounds and share their passion and vision for sustainability. We had the privilege of witnessing workshops and lessons on SDGs 13, 14, and 15: Climate Action, Life Below Water, and Life on Land.

Unveiling the Challenges and Solutions

In our workshops, we delved into the pressing environmental challenges facing our planet. We discussed the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect our oceans from pollution, and preserve biodiversity.

But we didn’t stop there. We also explored innovative solutions and practical steps that students can take to make a difference. Students were asked to create and envision their dream future for our planet considering their age range & therefore with different methods.

Quoting from the picture made by two of the students “ A world full of Justice and Love”, “A world which;  animals are treated like superheroes”

Witnessing Young Minds

The students’ enthusiasm and curiosity were truly heartwarming. The questions and insights were thought-provoking, and dreams for a better future and knowledge about our world’s current situation were inspiring. We were particularly impressed by their creativity and willingness to think outside the box.

While witnessing how youth see the future, we were once more awakened by the idea that the new generation is here to change the world.

From Theory to Action

We believe that education is not just about learning facts; it’s about applying knowledge to create positive change. That’s why we encouraged students to take action, no matter how small. Whether it’s reducing their daily consumption habits, conserving water, or advocating for sustainable practices in their communities starting from their homes and schools, they were more than excited and reminded us that every effort counts. From a kid sitting in their school desks to me writing this blog and to us, the private sector. We are all responsible; for sure private industry has more power to be a part of this commitment.

A Commitment to Partnership

As a proud supporter of SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals – Egedeniz Textile recognizes the importance of collaboration. By working with organizations like AIESEC İzmir and engaging with young people, we can build a more sustainable future together.

Our involvement in the World’s Largest Lesson was more than just a one-time event. It’s a commitment to ongoing education and advocacy. We plan to continue our partnership with AIESEC İzmir and explore other opportunities to engage with young people and experience sustainability and ideas with Youth.

Our Journey Continues

The World’s Largest Lesson was just one step in our sustainability commitment journey. As Egedeniz Textile, our commitment is to exploring new ways to share this vision and learn more from people. We believe that by working together, we can create a world that is both beautiful and resilient.

We are incredibly proud of the young people we met and their passion for a sustainable future. Their enthusiasm and commitment give us hope for a brighter tomorrow. We can’t wait to be part of future initiatives like the World’s Largest Lesson and continue to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.

Interested in learning more?