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We started with this mission to create environmental awareness more than ten years ago, in 2011. Since then, we have helped communities and worked with many non-profit organizations that endorse the SDGs. We're passionate about making a difference. We are serious about our commitment to take action as we build the way to a more sustainable future that benefits us all.&nbsp;We hope that each year, our kids get to learn, draw, grow, and share with us via our drawing contest; together, we can make the changes the planet needs. With this in mind, we wanted to take a moment to highlight the many non-profit organizations we have worked with during these years.&nbsp; &nbsp;<h1>The Barbados Sea Turtle Project&nbsp;</h1>(University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus) Aims to recover marine turtle populations through scientifically-sound conservation measures and monitoring programs with a heavy focus on developing and implementing training.&nbsp;Which SDG does it support? Goal 14: Life below water.&nbsp;How can you help? You can donate to help cover the cost of their nesting beach program, their in-water monitoring activities, or their rescue and rehabilitation program. Or, if you are local and over 21 years old, you can also volunteer. <a href="http://www.barbadosseaturtles.org/">Visit the webpage</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h1>The Biomimicry Institute&nbsp;</h1>Empowers people to create nature-inspired solutions for a healthy planet. Their main goal is to become a natural part of the design process, to create a new generation of innovators who support all life on this planet. They do this by supporting a series of innovative solutions, such as AskNature.org, a database with lesson plans, classroom exercises, and educator resources. They have also developed numerous educational resources, such as the Biomimicry Student Design Challenge, as an opportunity for university students studying biomimicry to apply their knowledge and skills to address critical sustainability issues with nature-inspired solutions. This program would later become the initial feeder for the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge, Biomimicry Launchpad, and Ray of Hope Prize.Which SDG does it support? The Biomimicry Institute Youth Design Challenge focuses on broad topics such as energy, transportation, water, and food, covering many of the United Nations Sustainable Goals.&nbsp;How can you help? You can make a financial donation to empower more students and educators to connect with nature in ways that address social and emotional learning. <a href="https://biomimicry.org/">Visit the webpage</a>&nbsp;<h1>The Plastic Soup Foundation&nbsp;</h1>Focuses on the effects of single-use plastic and microplastic pollution and works toward finding solutions for a more sustainable future.&nbsp;Which SDG does it support? Goals 14, 11, and 12. Life Below Water, Sustainable Cities, and Responsible Consumption and Production.&nbsp;How can you help? You can take action! Do as much as you can to stop using unnecessary plastic at home. You can also become a Plastic Soup Angel and help spread the word and create awareness about plastic pollution. Lastly, you can donate or fundraise to help them continue their mission. <a href="https://www.plasticsoupfoundation.org/en/">Visit the webpage</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<h1>The Wildlife Conservation Network&nbsp;</h1>Focuses on protecting wildlife and endangered species across the world.&nbsp;Which SDG does it support? Goals 13, 14, and 15. Climate Action, Life on Land and Life Below Water.&nbsp;How can you help? You can donate. When you designate your donation to a specific species, 100% of your donation will go directly to the field to support this species. You can also help by spreading the word online and offline by talking to friends and family about each species's importance and habitat. <a href="https://wildnet.org/">Visit the webpage</a>&nbsp;<h1>WildAid&nbsp;</h1>WildAid's mission is to protect wildlife from illegal trade and other imminent threats. However, while most wildlife conservation groups focus on scientific studies and anti-poaching efforts, WildAid works to reduce the global consumption of wildlife products and to increase local support for conservation efforts.&nbsp;Which SDG does it support? Goal 12, 14, and 15. Responsible Consumption and Production, Life on Land and Life Below Water.&nbsp;How can you help? You can donate to help fund the many conservation programs they currently manage. You can also help by creating awareness. Talk to your friends and family about wildlife conservation and illegal wildlife use in the production of garments, food, and other consumer-driven products. Always research any product you consume to ensure no animals were harmed in the production process. <a href="https://wildaid.org/">Visit the webpage&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;<h1>Save the Chimps&nbsp;</h1>Does exactly that! Save the Chimps is one of the largest chimpanzee sanctuaries in the world, whose mission is to provide refuge and exemplary care to chimpanzees in need. Save the Chimps offers life-long care for chimpanzees rescued from research laboratories, the pet trade, and the entertainment industry.Which SDG does it support? Goal 12 and 14. Responsible Consumption and Production, Life on Land.&nbsp;How can you help? You can donate. Your donation will help provide quality care to their chimpanzee sanctuary residents, including fresh and nutritious meals, veterinary care, innovative enrichment, and the social companionship necessary for the chimps to live happy lives. You can also "adopt a chimp" by supporting one of their sanctuary chimps exclusively - you can find out more about each chimp on the <a href="https://savethechimps.org/">website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h1>The Oceanic Society&nbsp;</h1>Whose mission is to improve ocean health by deepening the connections between people and nature to address the root cause of its decline: human behavior.&nbsp;Which SDG does it support? Goal 12 and 15. Responsible Consumption and Production, and Life Below Water.&nbsp;How can you help? You can become a member of the Oceanic Society to support sea turtle <a href="https://www.oceanicsociety.org/">conservation programs worldwide</a> and the production of our annual State of the World's Sea Turtles Report. Or you can choose to Adopt or Name an Ocean Animal, such as a sea turtle, whale, dolphin, or albatross, or lastly, you can host a fundraiser online!&nbsp;&nbsp;<h1>Heifer International&nbsp;</h1>Their mission is to end hunger. They focus on helping families overcome poverty by empowering them with the tools they need to succeed. They are heavily involved in supporting social enterprises, local farmers, and their communities.&nbsp;Which SDG does it support? Goals 1, 2, 8, and 10. No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Decent Work &amp; Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities&nbsp;How can you help? You can help end poverty and hunger by donating. When you donate to Heifer, you help families settle and develop sustainable <a href="https://www.heifer.org/">solutions to prevent poverty and end hunger</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h1>The Whitchurch Stouffville Food Bank&nbsp;</h1>Helping the local community fight hunger and food poverty. They have been supporting the community through food assistance in a caring and non-judgmental way since 1990.&nbsp;Which SDG does it support? Goals 1, 2, 8, and 10. No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Decent Work &amp; Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities.&nbsp;How can you help? Due to Covid restrictions, the Whitchurch Stouffville Food Bank is asking for financial and gift card donations instead of cans and non-perishable foods this year. Otherwise, you can also donate online. Your donations keep many families fed. <a href="https://wsfoodbank.ca/">Learn more!</a>&nbsp;<h1>Ocean Acres Animal Sanctuary, Barbados&nbsp;</h1>Their mission is to protect and advocate stray, abandoned, and abused dogs and cats in Barbados: through rescue, rehabilitation, sheltering, adoption, and spay/neuter.&nbsp;Which SDG does it support? Goal 15 Life on Land.&nbsp;How can you help? You can donate, or if you are local, you can sponsor, foster or volunteer. You can also help create awareness about the importance of spaying, neutering, and caring for our pets as family members. <a href="https://oceanacresanimalsanctuary.org/">Read more!</a>&nbsp;<h1>SWOT - the State of the World's Sea Turtles</h1>&nbsp;As its name implies, it focuses on the conservation and preservation of sea turtle populations around the world.&nbsp;Which SDG does it support? Goal 12 and 15. Responsible Consumption and Production, and Life Below Water.&nbsp;How can you help? You can donate to support the cause and help from home by spreading the dangers of plastic and sea pollution to the world and the importance of preserving marine biodiversity. Find out more on the <a href="https://www.seaturtlestatus.org/">website</a>! &nbsp;<h1>The Defenders of Wild Life &nbsp;</h1>Founded in 1947, Defenders of Wildlife is the premier U.S.-based national conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring imperiled species and their habitats in North America.&nbsp;Which SDG does it support? Goal 15 Life on Land.&nbsp;How can you help? You can take immediate action by signing one of their current online petitions to the current US Administration to help save and protect many local endangered species. And you can also donate to support their cause. <a href="https://defenders.org/">Visit the webpage</a>. &nbsp;You can get involved, help, and spread the word about the importance of sustainability, equality, inclusion, and prevention. Even by just being here reading this blog post, you are already taking action. We are eternally grateful to each of you who participates in our annual drawing contest. You are already working toward a better future.&nbsp; &nbsp;

As part of our commitment to promoting a more sustainable world and helping local and global communities, today we want to highlight some of the amazing NGOs that we have collaborated with in the past.

Organizations Working Together to Change the Future

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Our mission throughout 2021 was to create awareness through age-appropriate content to help kids of all ages learn, grow and think strategically about a sustainable future for all. And oh boy, you've made it so fun! We have learned so much together.&nbsp;Thank you for believing in us, for coming back for more, and for taking part in this year's drawing contest.&nbsp;<h1>2021 Edition of Diproinduca's WED Drawing Contest &nbsp;</h1>From our winners:&nbsp;<h2>SEEDS (up to 3 years old)</h2>1st Place:&nbsp;Esteban, 1-year-old, from Peru. Esteban supported The Biomimicry Institute.&nbsp;"...with the donated money, we would like to help support the microorganism implementation or some other ecological option for the healing and purification of water." –Esteban's parents2nd Place:&nbsp;Carlos, 2-year-old, from Canada. Carlos supported his Local Food Bank."...We are convinced that giving back to our community is the best way to make it a better place for everyone who lives here. Supporting those in need is the lesson we want to teach our son. We want him to grow up being a kind human being that helps others." –Carlos' parents.3rd Place:&nbsp;Mateo, 1-year-old, from Venezuela. Mateo supported The Biomimicry Institute."...our 1-year-old son who will make the donation to his cause since we think the ones they present are a very interesting proposal, you can appreciate ingenuity and creativity carried out for the well-being of all, that is precisely what we want to see in our son in the future, thanks to you." –Mateo's parents.<h2>SPROUTS (4 to 7 years old)</h2>1st Place:&nbsp;Amber, 7 years old, from Barbados. Amber supported The Plastic Soup Foundation."I live in Barbados, so the ocean is super important to me, and I want to make sure that it is clean for all the creatures that live in it." - Amber2nd Place:&nbsp;Ismail, 6 years old, from Canada. Ismail supported The Plastic Soup Foundation."Thank you for helping keep our oceans clean and protecting the animals" –Ismail.&nbsp;&nbsp;3rd Place:&nbsp;Arianna, 7 years old, from Spain. Arianna supported The Barbados Sea Turtle Project."I send this donation so you can take care of the turtles... Help protect the turtles and respect the time of laying of eggs." –Arianna.<h2>THINKERS (8 to 11 years old)</h2>1st Place:&nbsp;Santiago, 10 years old, from Barbados. Santiago supported the Ocean Acres Animal Sanctuary.&nbsp;"I would like to be able to expand the homes at Ocean acres so they would have space to help more animals... This is for the animals so they can live happily and they can get adopted." –Santi2nd Place:&nbsp;Veronica, 9 years old, from Venezuela. Veronica supported The State of the World's Sea Turtle."...I felt moved by the work you do to save the turtles from so many dangers, your message touched my heart" –Veronica.3rd Place:&nbsp;Sara, 9 years old, from Mexico.&nbsp;"My ideal house is a house where we can use rainwater, sunlight and the rest of nature to be able to live and help the planet to not work so much for us."- Sara.&nbsp;<h2>GAME CHANGERS (12 to 14 years old)</h2>1st Place:&nbsp;Elena Salazar, 14 years old, from Barbados. Elena supported the YEMEN Humanitarian crisis."... I want to help children in need because knowing there are kids in this world surrounding my age that have been faced with unimaginable horrors such as not having enough to eat is an issue I want to address and assist." – Elena.2nd Place:&nbsp;Juliana, 14 years old, from Venezuela.&nbsp;"...have a positive change together with the creative ideas that accompany us in every step and achieve our goals towards a healthy and happy planet." - Juliana.&nbsp;3rd Place:&nbsp;Victoria, 12 years old, from Venezuela. Victoria supported The Wildlife Conservation Network.&nbsp;"...My drawing expresses education seen from a different way, in which we can learn from natural, inspiring spaces and with the resources we have to become creative classrooms." - Victoria.&nbsp;<h2>PLANET AMBASSADORS (15 to 18 years old)</h2>1st Place:&nbsp;Tanuj, 16 years old, from India. Tanuj supported WILD AID and wildlife protection.&nbsp;"We can't have nobility and dignity if we do not extend it to the animal kingdom. Neither can we claim to have love in our heart if we have no love for animals." –Tanuj2nd Place:&nbsp;Stefania, 18 years old, from Venezuela. Stefania supported The Plastic Soup Foundation."... I would like to alleviate the pollution of plastic in the sea ... It makes me happy to know that there are people who bet on taking care of the planet we live on." – Stefania.3rd Place:&nbsp;Isabella, 17 years old, from Barbados. Isabella supported The Plastic Soup Foundation.".. I particularly focused on the empowerment of women and girls through the representation of women in the media and in positions of high power. Often, careers or fields which are regarded as powerful and important, usually also high paying, are male-dominated." – Isabella.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h1>What We've Accomplished</h1>Thanks to you, different donations were made across ten various non-profit organizations, including Plastic Soup, the Food Bank and UNICEF, among others. In addition, we directly supported 14 of the 17 SDG's, and we learned how to put our 'thinking caps on' to achieve long and short-term solutions to everyday problems. It might not have been an enormous change, but it meant a whole new opportunity for those in need. Remember, the change begins with your efforts, everyday challenges and accomplishments, and the awareness and support you can provide to the less privileged ones.&nbsp;We can't wait until next year for another 365 opportunities to learn, grow and expand together.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We are wrapping up the year with a look back at this year's 2021 drawing contest in which kids of all ages learn, grow and engage in 2021's mission for a sustainable future for all. 

 A Year of Learning & Growing Together 

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Living and doing everyday things during a pandemic has been a transforming opportunity for many nations. As nations and societies, we have relearned social rules and adapted to live with limited face to face interactions. It hasn't been easy, but it has undoubtedly been cutting edge, bringing forward human ingenuity and collaboration.&nbsp;The main thing this pandemic has brought to light is the need for humans to work together. In this context, the UN Sustainability Goal 17, partnerships for the goals, focus on global collaboration to drive technological and financial progress for all nations. However, it has also highlighted gaps and challenges in developing countries and the roadmap ahead to meet the targets.&nbsp;<h1>Access to the Internet&nbsp;</h1>Perhaps this is something many of us living in developed countries take for granted. We turn our smartphones, computers, tablets or even our TVs every day and immediately access the Internet with high-speed broadband. We do this without thinking that kids and adults may not have the same ability in other countries. Therefore, these kids and adults miss out on accessing information, services and products every day.&nbsp;During the pandemic, when many of us had to work and study from home, having access to the Internet and the right set of working tools - such as computers, printers and Wi-Fi - made a big difference. Those who didn't have access to these could not keep up with learning remotely. Many schools and governments had the ability to provide rapid solutions, such as computers and printers, to all. However, this was not the case in every country around the world. In some places, it meant kids suddenly had no access to education.&nbsp;According to <a href="https://en.unesco.org/">UNESCO</a>, only 55% of households worldwide have an internet connection. With 87% of families in developed countries connected and only around 47%of families connected in developing nations, and just 19% in the least developed countries.The Internet nowadays is an important tool for development. It provides information relevant to science, technology and innovation, fostering and enhancing regional and international cooperation and knowledge-sharing. High-speed access is essential to ensure that Internet users can take advantage of the Internet's growing knowledge bank - including user-generated content, services and information.This pandemic year, technology has been used to work towards the UN Sustainability Goals. In addition, cooperation between nations and organizations has enhanced tech's importance in education and information. Social media has also helped by giving people a voice and connecting people with common goals.&nbsp;<h1>Virtual Teams and Working Remotely</h1>A few years ago, working remotely was considered a perfect dream, only available for those in positions of power. Long commuting times and even longer working hours were the norm. However, the pandemic changed this by building bridges, closing market gaps, and allowing people to work from anywhere. The use of technologies such as Microsoft Teams, video conferencing via Zoom and Google rooms, and direct online collaboration via other platforms have allowed international cooperation at a level never seen before. Every day decisions are made, conferences are held, classes are delivered thanks to these technologies.&nbsp;By allowing remote working, economies flourished in places where access wasn't available. More people at home during the day means more e-commerce and home deliveries are possible. Small businesses can now sell their products and services without the need for expensive rent or a physical storefront.&nbsp;But if there is one thing remote working needs, it is reliable and continuous access to the Internet. Hence governments and country leaders need to find a solution to the digital gap by working together to provide affordable and dependable internet access to everyone.&nbsp;<h1>Meaningful Connectivity — unlocking the full power of internet access</h1>The alliance for affordable Internet, A4AI, is an organization hosted by the World Wide Web Foundation. Its purpose is to bring businesses, governments, and civil society members from across the globe together to deliver the policies needed to reduce the cost to connect and make universal, affordable internet access a reality for all.&nbsp;The A4AI focuses on reforming the policies and regulations needed to drive down prices and expand internet access in developing countries. Visit <a href="https://a4ai.org/where-we-work/">A4AI</a> to learn more about their projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.&nbsp;The <a href="https://webfoundation.org/">World Wide Web Alliance </a>relies on public support, and it hosts a vast number of projects. Their donors include a wide variety of international organizations, government agencies, prominent foundations and companies, such as Facebook, Google, Internet Society (ISOC), and Microsoft, to name a few.&nbsp; Find out more about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6F8__Qa0mU">digital equality</a>. &nbsp;

While we may take the Internet for granted, but it’s important to understand that there are many people who do not have this privilege at all. Learn how you can help to educate kids and adults in remote areas or countries.

The Internet is Building Bridges for Tomorrow 

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Thinking Caps On&nbsp;Imagine you are a small business owner that wants to offer an educational product or service for small kids in kindergarten to learn to count and read. Brainstorm some ideas with your friends and family to find an effective way to teach this age group remotely and with technology.&nbsp;Things to consider:&nbsp;<ul><li>Do you need a website, or can it be delivered via social media? Is it a digital book? A song? A game?</li><li>How would you advertise your service or product?&nbsp;</li><li>How much would it cost?&nbsp;</li><li>Can it be available worldwide? or is there a distribution/shipping cost to consider?</li></ul>Prepare your business plan and share it with us! We would love to see your ideas.&nbsp;

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Have you ever heard the expression, "Rome wasn't built in a day"? It takes time to organize all the pieces together. Like building a new Lego creation, it takes time and effort to stack the building blocks to a sustainable future.&nbsp;Change doesn't happen overnight. For years the United Nations have worked with governments, businesses, and people to create paths toward equality, tackling the climate crisis, population changes, and even global pandemics.&nbsp;<h1>How it Started</h1>The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security. The United Nations has helped reduce dozens of conflicts and saved many lives through humanitarian action. They have also provided millions of children in developing countries with education and health support. Undoubtedly the UN's role has helped humanity over more than half a century.&nbsp;However, there is still so much work to be done. Regardless of the progress accomplished, the world still faces inequality, poverty, hunger, armed conflicts, terrorism, insecurity, climate change, and pandemics. In addition, people in different corners of the world are still forced to make dangerous journeys to seek refuge and safety.&nbsp;The world is not perfect. We need your help.&nbsp;<h1>The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development</h1><a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/decade-of-action/">The 2030 Agenda</a> is the name given to a set of global sustainability goals the UN has identified; the deadline for international governments to make these happen is, well as you guessed it, the year 2030. The 2030 agenda focuses on the message of "Leave No One Behind."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globalgoals.org/">The Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs</a> are designed to achieve life-changing 'zeros,' Such as zero poverty, zero hunger, preventable child deaths, AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, zero discrimination against women and girls, and zero human trafficking. If you have been following us by now, you should have an idea of these goals and how you can help change the world by adopting small actions and sharing your knowledge with your peers.&nbsp;It is important to remember that it is all about working together in your community and larger scale. The 2030 Agenda applies to all countries. It requires all nations to make radical changes toward meeting those life-changing zero goals.&nbsp;<h1>How it's Going</h1>Therefore, to mark its 75th anniversary in 2020, the United Nations launched the biggest-ever global conversation on the role of international cooperation in building the future we want. Through these conversations, the UN sought to understand future global threats and make a global vision for 2045 when they turn 100 years old.&nbsp;This year, all 193 Member States of the United Nations will be represented in the UN General Assembly. The General Debate allows each member to discuss and work together on a wide array of international issues.&nbsp;The theme for this year, during the 76th session, is "Building Resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalize the United Nations." The 76th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 76) will open on Tuesday, 14 September 2021.&nbsp;The meeting will convene leaders from over 30 Member States and champions for the SDGs from civil society, the private sector, and international partners. It will be accessible to everyone, everywhere, through UN media channels.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The 2030 Agenda is the name given to a set of global sustainability goals the UN has identified; the deadline for international governments to make these happen is, well as you guessed it, the year 2030. The 2030 agenda focuses on the message of "Leave No One Behind." 

Building Blocks to a Sustainable Future

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<h2>Thinking Cap On:&nbsp;</h2>Ask your parents if you can join the UN conversations by visiting any of the channels below. &nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://media.un.org/en/webtv/">UN WebTV</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/UNWebTV">Facebook</a> [@UNwebTV]</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/UNWebTV">Twitter</a> [@UNwebTV]</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/UNITEDNATIONS">YouTube</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>Pick a topic with your family and commit to watch, listen and discuss together. Then, take notes. Are there any ideas that you can think of to create solutions to the problems being discussed?&nbsp;Share your thoughts with us on social media.

Have you ever thought about being part of something extraordinary? To use your voice and create awareness of the many things that affect your town, country, and planet? Have you ever thought about changing the world? The world needs you more than ever. You have the power to build sustainable cities, help people, and transform today for a better tomorrow.&nbsp;Don't believe it?&nbsp;When we are young and our minds are full of creativity, and imagination we can build dreams without restrictions. That inspiration, drive, and force are what we need to move away from the 'old ways' into a whole new way of living. This is where organizations such as the Diproinduca Foundation's Drawing Contest can inspire young minds such as yourself to start thinking about sustainability.&nbsp;António Guterres, Secretary-General, <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/">United Nations</a>, said, "The Sustainable Development Goals are more important now than ever. Now is the time to secure the well-being of people, economies, societies, and our planet."&nbsp;Together, we can change the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h1>Creating Bridges to Sustain Development:&nbsp;</h1>Globalization is a word you might have heard before, either at school or on the news. Globalization focuses on the interdependence within countries and their economies, cultures, and populations. In other words, is when we trade goods or services, technology, information, and expertise across countries. Globalization has been vital for humanity, and it remains at the center of all economies. It works just like when you work in a team, and each one of the members of the team has a task. If we all do our jobs effectively, the team succeeds. But it requires communication between parties and a lot of collaboration. Have you been part of a team where one member sits around and does nothing? It hampers the success of the whole team. Just like that, all countries need to participate to become better at being sustainable and eco-friendly. Therefore the UN's 17 Sustainability Goals are so important.&nbsp;Can you think of ways you can work with local groups at school to achieve a common goal? For example, to encourage or develop a recycling scheme in your local community. Then, can you take it a step further and think about what you can do with those recycled materials? Recycling on its own is not enough; we need to find ways to reuse those materials and put them back into the economy.&nbsp; &nbsp;<h1>Rethinking Environmental Leaderships: Young and Leading&nbsp;</h1>Have you heard of Greta Thunberg? Greta started protesting outside the Swedish parliament in 2018 when she was just 15 years old. She stood her ground, and with conviction, she conducted a "School Strike for Climate" to pressure the government to meet their carbon emissions targets.Her small and mighty campaign had a global effect, inspiring thousands of young people worldwide to organize their own strikes. And it worked! By December 2018, more than 20,000 students - from the UK to Japan - had joined her by skipping school to protest.A year later, Greta received the first of three Nobel Peace Prize nominations for climate activism. Since then, she has also participated in many UN discussions and partnered with <a href="https://contest.diproinduca.com/blog/a-superhero-for-the-sustainable-development-goals?redirect_to=%2Fblog%3Flimit%3D9%26offset%3D0%23a-superhero-for-the-sustainable-development-goals">non-governmental organizations (NGOs)</a>. She is an example that no action is too small toward bringing awareness. However, we are not saying you should go on strike. Instead, we encourage you to think outside the box.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h1>Knowledge Sharing &amp; Cooperation&nbsp;</h1>Sharing is caring. This is true in more than one way. For example, did you know one of the reasons humans have evolved over other species is because we share learned information? Back in the Paleolithic Period, also called the Old Stone Age, humans shared information about what food to eat, where to hunt, and how to use the materials available for the greater good. It was this sharing ability that led to our species evolution. Likewise, future development will only come from sharing knowledge and working together in today's world.&nbsp;Can you think of a situation where something you learned and shared helped someone else?&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

Globalization focuses on the interdependence within countries and their economies, cultures, and populations. In other words, is when we trade goods or services, technology, information, and expertise across countries.

Together We Can Change the World 

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<h2>Thinking Cap On</h2>Our thinking cap will be divided into a series of activities, and each activity will go deeper into sharing and collaboration.&nbsp;Remember when we mentioned a recycling scheme project above? &nbsp;<ol><li>Do you recycle at home? Can you list the pros and cons of recycling? Start by dividing each material into cardboard, aluminum, and glass. Then, do some research and speak with your parents about what can be done with these recycled materials.&nbsp;</li><li>How could you share this information with your peers?&nbsp;<ol><li>Ideas: You can make a video about plastic pollution and the importance of recycling and reducing the use of single-use plastics. Make a poster about what happens every time you recycle a can of soda.&nbsp;</li></ol></li><li>Now, recycling alone is not enough - since not all materials can always be recycled. What can you repurpose recycled materials? <a href="https://www.wwf.org.au/news/blogs/17-cool-products-made-from-recycled-plastics#gs.a6tyik">Can you create a new product from recycled materials?</a> For example, some brands are developing clothing from recycled water bottles.</li><li>Can you solve a problem with your product made from recycling materials? Think about developing countries with limited resources. Does your product solve a problem?&nbsp;</li></ol>Innovative thinking transcends the simple actions we can make every day. When we think deeper, we can find more ways to become sustainable for the future of our planet.

By now, you are probably a little more familiar with all the UN Sustainability Goals. If you are not, no fear! There is still time to learn more about all the goals by using the learning tool on the website! An interactive way to learn and explore with bite size pieces of information. Or, if you prefer, head over to the blog section and click on any of the goals to learn more! Studies show that the best way to learn is to find a topic you are passionate about. What are you the most passionate about when it comes to sustainability?&nbsp;The 17 goals focus on different areas that affect us all as citizens of the world. And as a response to all the global problems affecting humanity, the environment and the world's ecosystems, the UN Secretary-General launched the UN Response and Recovery Trust Fund.&nbsp;The fund's purpose is to encourage developed countries to help developing countries find and sustain long term solutions to the problems that affect us as a whole. There is no planet B, and as such, we must work together toward a better future for all.&nbsp;This includes: looking into sustainable plans to guarantee food security, access to education, better health programs, equality for all, access to clean water, renewable energy resources, and greener cities, to name a few.If you had to pick, which would be your number one priority? There is no right or wrong answer. Each mind is a world of its own, and different points of view are often needed for consensus, which is why committees and assemblies like the United Nations exist.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h1>But what can you do?&nbsp;</h1>You might be thinking, "I am only a kid, what can I do" - but inside you resides the power to become a superhero. Yes! You can change the world, <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/takeaction/">little by little, every day by living more consciously</a>, helping spread the world and learning inventive ways to make the planet a better and safer place.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h1>Non-Governmental Organizations</h1>A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a group of voluntary citizens' that organize themselves together at a local, national or international level to address issues in support of the public good.The United Nations is not an NGO. It is an IGO which is an intergovernmental organization because it is formed by many different governments. However, there are many famous NGO's that focus on helping the preservation of ecosystems, human rights, access to water, and education, among others.&nbsp;<h1>Become a Superhero</h1>Not all heroes wear capes.&nbsp;You can become a superhero by participating in our drawing contest. Not only will you show the world your talents, but you will be faced with the opportunity to donate to a good cause. At the end of the contest, winners will be awarded money to contribute to their favorite cause or NGO. By participating in our activities, engaging with your community, and spreading the UN Sustainability Goals word, you are already becoming a superhero.&nbsp;But when you align your efforts and passions and partner with organizations that somehow support the goals you are interested in, you can make a real difference. Let's get into action! Are you ready? &nbsp;

The 17 goals focus on different areas that affect us all as citizens of the world. And as a response to all the global problems affecting humanity, the environment and the world's ecosystems, the UN Secretary-General launched the UN Response and Recovery Trust Fund. 

A Superhero for The Sustainable Development Goals.

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Thinking Caps OnImagine that your school's cafeteria or library closed down working due to a water leak. This leak would undoubtedly affect everyone's ability to obtain food and/or access reading and learning resources. This would become a problem that would concern the whole school, not only those working in the cafeteria or library. Immediately fixing the leak would become everybody's priority, even though some might be less affected than others (those who take their own lunch to school, for example). Funds would be allocated, fundraising activities planned, and temporary fixes will take place.&nbsp;That is what happens at the UN but on a much bigger scale. It is essential to understand that any long-term damage to the world's ecosystems, the world's economy or the world's health has a profound effect on all of us. The COVID19 pandemic is a perfect example of how an issue that started in one part of the world can affect everyone.&nbsp;

We have achieved to get here together, and we are excited to start our second decade of The World Environment Day Drawing Contest organized by Diproinduca. This year we begin a new journey, one of which we must prepare in advance, mindful of all the details, leaving nothing behind. For this trip, we will need everything we have in our history of environmental knowledge; because it's going to be a long path of ACTIONS for the planet; sounds grand, doesn't it? Many people worldwide have decided to participate in this journey, great leaders, famous personalities, and us, of course. Believe it or not, the drawings and ideas presented in our contest are famous!. They help create ripples of actions, inspiring others, sometimes across the globe. As environmental leaders, we support the United Nations' initiative to secure a better planet for all by 2030.&nbsp;For 2021, our contest's theme cannot be broader; it is what our planet needs; for everyone to become Global Citizens. Today, more than ever, we have a global power; in a click, without moving (well, moving a finger), we can send a message to a person on the other side of the world, sometimes without even speaking the same language. We travel to a country far away and practice eco-tourism, impacting their ecosystem; we influence friends in different countries with our environmental leaders' achievements. So we must be responsible global leaders of change in all our actions.&nbsp;The United Nations has a plan, a very detailed program, and we must say, it is wonderful. It considers the essential needs, not only for the planet but also for all living beings. It's a "Super Global" plan with a vision of a better future for everyone and everything.&nbsp;&nbsp;This Super plan has 17 Objectives called <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/">The Global Goals for Sustainable Development</a>; we were not joking when we said we needed everything we know -maybe more- to succeed with this topic.&nbsp;For now, the most important step is to start thinking globally: what you do affects everything, and your actions have a global impact; this, my friend, is half of the journey, so keep it at the front row of your knowledge records, and get ready to hear the "Global" word many times throughout the contest. For the 2021 World Environment Drawing Contest, we will learn the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development and how we connect with them. Let's get started…"We only have one planet. We have nowhere else to go. If we use our creative powers properly, we don't need anywhere else. If we take care of it and each other, everything we need is right here." &nbsp;Sir Ken RobinsonAuthor/Educator &nbsp;

For the 2021 World Environment Drawing Contest, we will learn the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development and how we connect with them.

Global:  A decade of actions to change the world together.

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