About SDYC

The Sustainable Development Youth Convention (SDYC) is NUS High School’s very own Model United Nations conference. In a school known for its rigour in Math and Science education, a remarkable community of bright young minds fascinated with the intersections  between the Sciences and Humanities grew and flourished, giving rise to the Humanities Interest Group. SDYC had its humble beginnings in the form of a series of talks, discussions, hands-on activities, and guided tours of NUS High’s specialised labs, with the purpose of inspiring an interest in the environmental sciences. Since then, SDYC has evolved and metamorphosed into the conference we cherish today, borne of the tireless efforts of generation after generation of Y4-Y6 students of the Humanities Interest Group. Now, NUS High welcomes numerous delegates from all over Singapore who gather to explore and challenge the multitudinal facets of the ethos of sustainability. 

The need for sustainability was officially recognised in 1987, when the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Over the years, sustainable development has only increased in relevance as the crises of the world mount. The effects of climate change-induced extreme weather patterns and the energy crisis alike have proven sustainable development to be a fundamental principle upon which we must base all  international solutions. 

To get through these turbulent times, the world relies on its young people. The creative solutions and radical change that the youth bring to archaic practices make room for progress to occur, and the voices in support of such change turn resonant only with greater awareness. In that regard, SDYC has served as a platform for learning and development for every single delegate- in equal parts through academia and the opportunity it provides for students to hone their public speaking skills. At the end of each conference, it is our hope that delegates walk away with an impression of the bigger picture encompassing sustainable development as a whole. 

In order to reap these benefits, we urge delegates to challenge themselves and their views by making full use of provided materials, doing their own research, and presenting critical arguments during council sessions, all under the conditions of debate in a true United Nations council. May this year’s iteration of SDYC be an enriching experience for all.