UN Foundation’s Global Debates program challenges high school students from around the world to think critically about pressing global issues. This spring they will focus their discussions and actions on the adaptations necessary to combat climate change. With the UN’s completion of climate negotiations last December, it is more important than ever to uphold a global push for international agreement to combat climate change.

The Santee Education Complex in Los Angeles will host two public debates on this critical topic, April 16, at 10:00 am and 1:45 pm in the school Auditorium. Teams of two will argue each side of the debate topic which challenges students to take a stand on the following: “Countries of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) should provide significantly increased aid to developing countries for the specific purpose of climate change adaptation.” Debates will be videotaped and submitted to the United Nations Foundation. The Santee High Debate Team has won the debate competition two years in a row. This year, Mayor Villaraigosa is invited, as well as LAUSD Board President Monica Garcia, LA City Council Member Jan Perry, and activists from local environmental groups.

As a result of their participation in the Global Debates, Santee Education Complex will be highlighted throughout the UN Foundation website and be eligible to win prizes that include a $2,000 UN Foundation school grant and a trip to the Open Society Institute’s Youth Forum in the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND
Since their inception, the UN Foundation Global Debates have been held in more than 90 countries. From Moldova and South Africa to Los Angeles and Mississippi, this program continues to grow, educating and activating new communities of students and teachers from around the world. As Ambassador Susan Rice and other UN leaders remind us, young people are ready to serve and take action. By engaging students and their teachers on issues of poverty reduction, global health, climate change and more, the UN Foundation is inspiring young people to be a positive force for change in the world.

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The United Nations Foundation is an advocate for the UN and a platform for connecting people, ideas, and resources to help the United Nations solve global problems.