Jack and Emma Mogus in New York for CSW60 by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 17 | Thursday, March 31, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Being part of Youth Forum at the 60th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW60) in New York City was something Jack Mogus felt "really privileged to be a part of." The Garth Webb Secondary School Grade 10 student told the Oakville Beaver he's a firm believer in "empowering women and men to stand together, united for gender equality," which was what the two-day forum organized by UN Women, YWCA, the UN Inter-agency Network on Youth Development's Working Group on Youth and Gender Equality and partners fostered. "I think it is very important to achieve this goal and by this, I mean that our voices don't just fall on the sideline, but are instead heard," he said. "And the reason is because there is still a lot of gender inequality in this world." The Oakville resident, along with his sister Emma, were among more than 200 youth leaders from across the world who gathered to collaborate their ideas, share their experiences and form a declaration that would be delivered at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The CSW , is a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) that represents the principal intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. Jack Mogus, left, a Grade 10 student at Garth Webb Secondary School and his sister Emma Mogus, pictured at right, took part in the 60th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York City. | submitted photo The forum took place at the Salvation Army, International Social Justice Commission and at the United Nations Headquarters on March 11 and 12, a few days before the CSW's 60th session on March 14-24. Collectively, the youth participants prepared a set of conclusions on what they would like to see in the year 2030, described Jack, the founder of Change by YOUth, a group that mobilizes young adults to create positive change locally and globally through volunteerism, leadership and peace. Some of the things young people want to see in 2030 are: · a world with balanced opportunities and equal access to resources; · a world where people are not discriminated on gender or any other basis; · a world where differences are celebrated, not abused; · a world that is devoid of pollution; · a world where success, health and safety are available to all, irrespective of gender. Emma, the co-founder of Books With No Bounds, an organization that provides indigenous children and teens living in remote communities throughout Canada and around the world, with books donated by publishers, authors, schools, individuals and organizations, told the Beaver she felt empowered being part of the forum. "It was just wonderful being in a United Nations conference room with hundreds of other people who are like-minded and motivated," said Emma. She noted, over the course of the day, through various workshops, she felt a sense although the participants came from different experiences, they were all united in one cause -- to bring equality to the world. Emma added the workshops were also useful in helping her gain knowledge and experience on how she could magnify the work she is already doing in her local community and how to collaborate more with others. Julia, Jack and Emma's sister, was also invited to attend the forum, but was not able to attend because she was representing the University of Toronto and Canada at the World's Model UN in Italy, hosted by Harvard Model UN. BRONTE Wanna Play? TENNISCLUB OPEN HOUSE and REGISTRATION AT THE CLUBHOUSE (between 3rd Line & Bronte Rd.) Saturday, April 9th from 9am to 12 noon 2310 Bridge Rd. New & Returning member Registration ON NOW LEARN TO PLAY TENNIS · Meet our resident Tennis pro team · Get information on adult and junior programs including: Adult and junior ladder, Competitive programs, Register for clinics and camps, Get registration information, & much more! The courts will be open so bring your rackets For more information check our web site: www.brontetennis.com email: membership@brontetennis.com