Students shine at UN Disaster Conference - 2022

Students from St Joseph's Primary School, Woodburn, and St Joseph's College, Banora Point, were offered a wonderful opportunity to attend the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference in Brisbane. (22 September 2022)

On the Queen’s Memorial Public Holiday, students from St Joseph's Primary School, Woodburn, and St Joseph's College, Banora Point, were invited to attend the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference in Brisbane.

Year 6 students Jasmine Hayden and Ariella Mangan, from St Joseph's Woodburn, who tragically lost their homes, school and church in the flood, were invited to ask a question of panellists representing the UN and the Red Cross during a plenary session. Their question was about the voice and experience of young people in natural disasters. 

Jasmine and Ariella were approached by many throughout the day. Congratulating them on their poise and were eager to learn about their plans for the future. Many international organisations and agencies posted on social media that Jasmine and Ariella’s question was the most impactful moment of the conference.

Eight students from St Joseph's College, Banora Point, then joined Jasmine and Ariella to participate in a working session with delegates where they shared their experiences of floods, bushfires and COVID. Students enthusiastically engaged in the workgroups with their contributions provoking robust conversation. Their experiences provided insight into why youth inclusion is important in future disaster risk reduction and disaster response planning.

The students also interacted with representatives from the UN, International Red Cross, Government Ministers and Officials from Asia Pacific Nations, and international disaster response organisations and charities from across the Asia Pacific region.

We are thrilled that these students were such incredible ambassadors for Catholic education and today's youth.