United Nations Student Leadership Conference on Development (UNSLCD)

Theme: Happiness — Good Health and Well-Being

The 2017 UN Student Leadership Conference on Development brought students into a global conversation on Happiness, Good Health, and Well-Being, anchored on Sustainable Development Goal 3 and connected to the wider UN Sustainable Development Goals. The conference framed happiness not as a shallow or personal feeling, but as a development issue deeply connected to community, safety, health, equality, environment, self-worth, and human dignity. The introductory paper emphasized that human beings are social creatures, and that community, belonging, and social connectedness are vital to personal and societal well-being. 

The conference focused on key concerns that directly affect the happiness and well-being of young people, families, and communities: domestic abuse, air pollution, and self-image. Together, these themes show that development is not only measured by economic progress, but by the quality of human life — whether people are safe in their homes, able to breathe clean air, and able to see themselves as persons of worth. 

Domestic Abuse was presented as one of the most urgent yet under-addressed issues affecting global society. The materials highlighted how violence in the home harms women, children, families, and communities, with serious physical, emotional, psychological, and economic consequences. This subtheme was linked to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, affirming that no society can be truly happy or developed when abuse, fear, and violence remain hidden behind closed doors. 

Air Pollution was addressed as a major threat to health, development, and the environment. The conference materials described air pollution as a danger caused by hazardous chemicals, particulate matter, toxic substances, and biological organisms released into the atmosphere. It was connected to multiple SDGs, including SDG 3, SDG 7, SDG 11, SDG 12, and SDG 15, showing that clean air is not only an environmental concern but also a human rights, public health, and development concern. 

Self-Image was presented as a vital part of happiness and well-being. The materials emphasized that self-image is shaped by society, culture, media, gender expectations, and social circles, and that a negative self-image can affect a person’s confidence, relationships, mental health, education, and ability to participate fully in life. This subtheme was linked to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. 

For the I AM S.A.M. Foundation, these conference themes are deeply aligned with its core advocacy: that every human being is Special, Unique, and Precious. The conference affirmed that young people must not only learn about the Sustainable Development Goals, but must also understand how these goals affect their own lives, homes, schools, communities, and future. Happiness begins when children and youth are safe, valued, heard, respected, and empowered to act.

Through this lens, development becomes personal. A child who knows that abuse is never acceptable, who understands the importance of caring for the planet, and who sees himself or herself with dignity and self-worth becomes better prepared to become a responsible citizen and compassionate leader. The conference therefore served not only as an educational gathering, but as a call to action: to place human dignity, well-being, and self-worth at the heart of sustainable development.

At I AM S.A.M., this remains the continuing message: a better world begins when every person knows, lives, and protects the truth — I am Special. I am Unique. I am Precious.