Strengthening STEAM Education and Youth Engagement: GEYC’s Meeting with the Permanent Mission of Romania to the UN in New York
On February 7th, 2025, GEYC representatives met with Mrs. Andreea Mocanu, Deputy Permanent Representative, and Mr. Simion-Adrian Purza, Counsellor, from the Permanent Mission of Romania to the United Nations in New York. Held during GEYC’s visit in the US as an official delegation, the meeting marked an important step in advancing STEAM education and youth engagement efforts, focusing on GEYC’s efforts in advocacy.
Discussions explored potential collaborations with key institutions, including the Department for Sustainable Development. Cultural initiatives, like the Romanian Cultural Institute’s exhibition on art and cancer healing, were noted as examples of the intersection between arts and science, which lies at the core of the SENSE. project’s vision. You can see part of the exhibition below.
The importance of youth involvement in international diplomacy was emphasized, with the “MOTHER UN” model highlighted as a potential blueprint for similar initiatives in Romania, fostering spaces for young voices in global policymaking.
The need for grassroots events in Romania to enhance public understanding of the UN’s work and foster community dialogue was discussed, alongside potential collaborations on human rights dialogues, supported by the Mission’s strong ties with the EU Permanent Delegation to the UN.
Plans for Romania’s 70th anniversary at the UN included a proposed online awareness event involving young people and Romanian missions globally. Dr. Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, was identified as a potential keynote speaker for the event, given his leadership in youth participation in sustainable development, human rights, peace, and security.
GEYC also shared its commitment to observing key international days, such as International Youth Day on August 12, which will focus on amplifying youth voices at the UN and to provide more details about our Sete de solutii advocacy initiative (more info HERE) to explore further replication.
This meeting provided a roadmap for future collaboration and reinforced GEYC’s commitment to promoting inclusive STEAM education and youth participation on international platforms through the SENSE. project.
