Open Letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

Reading II

Open Letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

A. Fill in the blanks with the correct words given below.

tackle, corporate, outrage, catalyse, at stake, net-zero, expertise

a. The corporate headquarters of the company is in Dubai.

b. According to Greta, the leaders are failing to tackle the key issues.

c. Some viruses catalyse the step in the production of other viruses.

d. His expertise in business helped him greatly to run the company.

e. Nepal governing plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to net-zero.

f. He does not have good knowledge of the business. So, he has put his investment at stake.

g. His controversial remarks caused public outrage.

B. Write whether the following sentences are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Write ‘Not Given’ if the information is not found in the letter.

a. Save the Children congratulates Antonio Guterres on his recent appointment as the General Secretary of the UN. → Not Given

b. The Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change was announced at the request of children between 18-21 years of age. → False

c. The dissatisfaction is that the representation of children is not inclusive. → True

d. Greta Thunberg protested for the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. → True

e. The children demand their physical safety in the UK and Italy. → Not Given

f. The children think that they can participate in decision-making to fight against the climate crisis. → True

C. Answer the following questions.

a. Where is the office of the UN Secretary General?

The office of the UN Secretary General is located at the 42nd Street, New York 10017.

b. What is the purpose of writing this letter to Antonio Guterres?

The purpose of writing this letter to Antonio Guterres is to address the issue of the exclusion of children from the Youth Advisory Group on climate change and to request their inclusion in decision-making and planning processes related to climate action.

c. Why was the Youth Advisory Group announced?

The Youth Advisory Group was announced with the purpose of providing advice to Antonio Guterres on accelerating global action and addressing the worsening climate crisis.

d. What roles have children played in the time of climate crisis?

Children have actively assumed the role of change agents in the climate crisis by utilizing their influence through schools, social media, and street protests to stimulate global activism and raise awareness about the climate crisis.

e. Describe Greta Thuberg and Fabrizio's contributions.

Greta Thunberg initiated a global movement through her inspirational solo protest in 2018, while children like Fabrizio express their concerns that prioritizing economic recovery may hinder climate change efforts and net-zero commitments.

f. What is the final demand of the children?

The children's final demand is for the inclusion of children and adolescents below 18 years of age in the Youth Advisory Group on climate change. They assert their right to be heard and contribute directly, and also request a safe space for children to influence the upcoming preparatory events.

D. As a student, what roles can you play to control climate change and its effects? Share your ideas in the class.

As a student, I hold the power to make a meaningful impact in controlling climate change and its effects. Firstly, I can raise awareness among my peers and the wider community about the urgency and importance of addressing climate change. Through discussions, events, and social media, I can educate others about the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to climate change. By inspiring collective action and encouraging individuals to make sustainable choices in their daily lives, I contribute to a broader movement towards a more sustainable future.

Secondly, I can actively engage in sustainable practices to reduce my own carbon footprint. By conserving energy and water, practicing responsible waste management, and promoting eco-friendly transportation options, I can contribute to mitigating climate change on an individual level. These small actions, when multiplied by the efforts of students and communities worldwide, can have a significant impact on reducing overall environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable society.

In conclusion, as a student, I have the ability to drive change and play a crucial role in controlling climate change. By raising awareness, adopting sustainable practices, and inspiring others to take action, I contribute to the collective effort needed to combat climate change and create a sustainable future. It is through the combined actions of individuals and communities that we can make a real difference in preserving our planet for future generations.

Grammar II

A. Choose the correct alternatives to complete the sentences.

a. Abhilasha said that she witnessed the accident.

b. The teacher explained that the earth revolves round the sun.

c. Smarika says that she can't stay here anymore.

d. Sachita says that she loves to listen to music.

e. My brother reported that he had completed his homework.

f. My father said that the sun is very hot.

g. Jenifer said that she wants to be a nurse.

B. Rewrite the following sentences in indirect speech.

a. Raima said, "We had to cross the river and go ahead."

Raima said that they had to cross the river and go ahead.

b. Smarika said, " I will meet you tomorrow, friends."

Smarika said that she would meet her friends the following day.

c. "I can't come to school tomorrow," Chandani said.

Chandani said that she couldn't come to school the following day.

d. Dorje said, "Sorry, I cannot lend you any money today."

Dorje said that he was sorry and that he couldn't lend any money that day.

e. The teacher said, "Now, you can solve the remaining problems yourselves."

The teacher said that we could solve the remaining problems ourselves then.

f. The police said, "The incident probably took place yesterday."

The police said that the incident probably took place the day before.

g. I said to him, "I live in Changunarayan these days."

I told him that I lived in Changunarayan those days.

h. They said to us, "We would like to join you too."

They told us that they would like to join us too.

i. The Science teacher said, "The coal gives off thick smoke."

The Science teacher said that the coal gives off thick smoke.

j. Resham said, "I have never seen such a strange animal anywhere else."

Resham said she had never seen such a strange animal anywhere else.

k. "I love my children more than wealth," the father said.

The father said that he loved his children more than wealth.

Writing II

Write a letter to the Mayor of your municipality or the Chairperson of your rural municipality requesting him/her to involve the representatives of children in the decision making process related to children's issues in your municipality/rural municipality.

To Renu Dahal
Mayor
Bharatpur Metropolitan City
Bharatpur, Chitwan
Bagmati 44200

Subject: Request for Involvement of Children's Representatives in Decision-Making Process

Dear Ma'am,

I am writing to express my concern regarding the representation of children in the decision-making process pertaining to children's issues in our municipality/rural municipality. It is crucial that we recognize the importance of including children's voices and perspectives in matters that directly impact their well-being and development.

I kindly request your support in establishing a platform or forum where children's representatives can actively participate in discussions and contribute to decisions related to children's issues. By involving them, we can foster a sense of empowerment and inclusivity among our younger generation, while gaining valuable insights into their needs and concerns. Additionally, I encourage measures to provide proper guidance and support to these representatives, ensuring they can effectively represent their peers.

I believe that by taking these steps, our municipality/rural municipality can become a shining example of promoting child rights and creating an environment where children's voices are valued and taken into account. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your response regarding the implementation of this initiative.

Yours sincerely,
SEE Ko Guide