In 2019, United by schools organized at the United Nations Office at Geneva the first session of the Committee on School Climates, titled “Campus Start: Violence Stops First at School.”
The event brought together 50 French students from Gaston Doumergue middle school in Sommières, alongside international associations and several representatives from permanent missions.
Seven thematic advocacy statements were presented, each demonstrating that it is possible to combat school violence through different approaches:
- Digital Advocacy: combating cyberviolence and promoting responsible internet use.
- Children’s Advocacy: amplifying the voices and initiatives of young people.
- Civil Society Advocacy: encouraging peer mediation and family involvement.
- Public Policy Advocacy: implementing unified and equitable territorial policies.
- Emotional Advocacy: valuing social and emotional skills in conflict resolution.
- Arts and Culture Advocacy: engaging media, literature, and visual arts for awareness.
- International Advocacy: fostering cooperation between States and NGOs to ensure safe learning environments.
At the end of the conference, the International Convention for the Improvement of School Climates was adopted in its first reading.
Its goal: to encourage UN Member States to create healthy, peaceful, and positive educational environments, and to embed the concept of school climate within long-term public policy frameworks.
Drafted by civil society working in committees, the Convention was designed to expire should the UN General Assembly later adopt its principles.
Upon returning to France, the participating students received the Medal of the City of Sommières, presented by Mayor Guy Marotte, in recognition of their international commitment.