Sustainable Journey for the Natural World in Korea and Singapore

On November 6th, IVECA students from Korea and Singapore celebrated the end of the semester with a Live Class aimed at fostering cross-cultural exchange under the theme “Exploring Our Natural World.” The students examined how human activity shapes these environments, identified the related environmental challenges, reflected on the responsibility they hold, and proposed practical solutions for a more sustainable future. Beyond recognising the environmental issues, students thoughtfully considered their roles as global citizens with scientific analysis and multicultural communication to build an environmentally sustainable world.

Each Korean group presented distinctive Korean natural and cultural attractions, such as Ulsan Rock, Jeju Island, and the Han River and examined environmental issues associated with them. One group focused on water pollution in the Han River, a river in a central region of Korea, and highlighted the ongoing conservation efforts to maintain its high water quality. In addition to linking these issues with environmental initiatives, students emphasised the importance of individual action and collective responsibility. Another group shared, “As individuals, we can minimise our footprint, and through education, society should prioritise conserving the ecosystem and cultural legacy to ensure ecological protection.” By connecting their findings to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on clean water, life on land and sustainable cities, the Korean students explored how ecotourism in Korea can evolve more sustainably.

Meanwhile, students from Singapore highlighted the geographical features and cultural values of tourist attractions such as Bukit Timah Hill, Kampong Glam, and Pulau Ubin. The groups explained how natural resources in these areas are utilised and protected. One group noted, “Pulau Ubin is a popular spot for nature-based recreation such as bird and butterfly watching, so additional support is directed toward environmental protection there. Bukit Timah, with its valuable biodiversity and importance for scientific research on forest dynamics, is managed with significant efforts to preserve its ecosystem.” The Singaporean students also designed imaginative day-trip plans using real routes and transportation networks to access the tourism sites, expanding their environmental research to the broader cultural context of ecotourism, reflecting the historical Malay heritage of Kampong Glam and the traditional village lifestyle preserved on Pulau Ubin.

During the discussion, students from both countries expressed appreciation for how they explored ecotourism, learned about local and global traditions, and reflected on their duty to protect together the world’s environments and diverse cultures. As the Korean principal remarked, “It is truly a source of pride to see them growing through the process of collaborating with friends from different places to find solutions.”

This exchange closed the semester not with final answers, but with a clearer awareness of how interconnected our environments and our choices are. Through careful observation and genuine curiosity about how others live, students from Korea and Singapore will continue to grow as global citizens caring for their communities with a sense of responsibility for the shared world they are part of.

#GCED #GlobalCitizenship #IVECA #LiveClass #ScienceandPeace #SDGs #Sustainability #Nature #Korea #Singapore

Test Sessions: Establishing the Intercultural Foundations of Virtual Exchange

To prepare for the upcoming Live Classes, teachers from Colombia, Mexico, South Korea, Singapore, and the United States gathered for IVECA's Test Sessions–the teachers’ final meeting to ensure a smooth global exchange between students. More than a technical rehearsal, these sessions are opportunities for teachers to create a supportive foundation that encourages students to share intercultural ideas and collaborate with their partners.

During the Test Sessions, teachers exchanged ideas with enthusiasm, anticipation, and a strong dedication to cooperation. One of the United States teachers showed his excitement for the Live Class, expressing his appreciation for the program,  “Since our students have learned Spanish as a second language, having IVECA gives them an authentic way to communicate with others in their second language and learn things that are different from their everyday experiences.” They shared thoughtful insights rooted in respect, mindfulness, and empathy to have their students engage in meaningful global collaboration with their partners. One particularly heartwarming moment came when the Singaporean teachers checked the arrangement of their classroom for students’ cultural performance by playfully demonstrating part of the dance themselves. Despite the physical distance, Singaporean teachers sincerely wished their partner students would enjoy and appreciate their traditional dances, representing the spirit of intercultural exchange.

While discussing classroom setups, teachers approached the preparation from the partner school’s perspective, displaying their own intercultural understanding and communication skills. One Korean teacher, caring about how clearly her partners could hear, prepared multiple ways to support clear and smooth communication. Also, one of the teachers from Colombia mentioned that his students hope their partners will feel a warm and intimate connection. Through the discussion, teachers planned to make the students' introductions more active and engaging by having them call out their partners’ names to greet one another directly. These small but thoughtful considerations reflect the empathy and respect that help students feel genuinely connected across distance.

From these collective efforts, the Test Session demonstrated its essential value: teachers mindfully interacting, sharing ideas, and supporting one another to create an environment where students can confidently and joyfully exchange cultures. Through the teachers’ passion, respect, and cooperative spirit, students are empowered to build global connections and experience an engaging Live Class. The teachers have embodied IVECA’s mission, sharing their eagerness, appreciation, and mindfulness while walking in harmony with us toward global citizenship education.

#GlobalCitizenship #EducationforAll #LiveClassPreparation #TestSessions #Collaboration #InterculturalCommunication #GCED

IVECA Joins the CoNGO Board to Advance Global Collaboration

We are proud to announce that IVECA has been elected to serve on the Board of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO). The election took place during the CoNGO General Assembly on October 30, 2025, marking a meaningful milestone that reflects our belief that global development is achieved through cooperation, shared responsibility, and the efforts of civil society.

Founded in 1948, CoNGO is a respected, long-standing global platform that brings together non-governmental organisations in consultative relationship with the UN’s Economic and Social Council. It provides space for civil society to join international conversations, influence policymaking, and work alongside UN bodies to advance human rights, sustainable development, and inclusive global cooperation.

IVECA’s election to the Board is an honour that highlights our ongoing commitment to education, global citizenship, youth empowerment, and cross-border collaboration. At IVECA, we are humbled that our efforts to build globally inclusive, culturally responsive learning spaces and to amplify young people’s voices have been recognised by peers across the international civil society community. We accept this responsibility with gratitude and determination, ready to contribute our experience and energy to CoNGO’s mission.

Serving on the CoNGO Board means joining a group of committed civil society leaders who help shape the organisation’s priorities and ensure that NGO voices are heard across UN processes. Board members guide CoNGO’s strategy, strengthen partnerships between NGOs and UN institutions, and support the committees and working groups that connect grassroots experience to international policy. This is meaningful, practical work: it helps translate on-the-ground expertise into constructive engagement at the global level.

As a Board Member, IVECA will bring a passion for learner-centred practice, a belief in youth as partners in change, a focus on global citizenship, and a collaborative spirit dedicated to strengthening civil society’s role within the UN ecosystem. We look forward to working with fellow Board Members, CoNGO committees, and member organisations to advance shared goals and to ensure that education, access to information, and youth leadership remain central to global efforts for a fairer, more sustainable future.

#UN #CoNGO #IVECA #GCED #GlobalCitizenship