WFWP Slovakia President Promotes SDGs through Student Trainings and UN Trips
New York - As the ECOSOC was in the thick of High-Level Political Forums in New York on July 14-24, we highlighted WFWP work in Central Europe.
Lubica Magnusson, high school teacher and president of WFWP Slovakia, said that she is expanding the experience of her students on environmental action and diplomacy. She has involved them in activities like the Danube River cleanup and testing as well as participating in youth leadership training and UN exposure trips.
At the UN Round Table Talks of WFWPI online on July 7, 2025, Magnusson shared the latest activities the group in Bratislava has for youth empowerment. In the podcast with her was WFWPI VP for Administration and UN Relations Director Merly Barlaan and UN Representative Marivir Montebon.
WFWP Slovakia’s efforts at youth leadership and wellness reflects the UN Sustainable Development Goals on youth empowerment, health, and water and sanitation where member states are currently doing a review of its impact.
Magnusson happily shared one feedback of her 15-year-old student who attended the UN Forum. “It opened my eyes to the world of socio-politics, and I am considering it to be my college degree,” the feedback read.
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, may seem obscure for many people. But the WFWP has had its local chapter in that beautiful Central European country for more than 20 years now.
Magnusson said that she has observed a major concern for young people in Slovakia these days is their state of mental health, as many feel depressed and anxious. As president of WFWP Slovakia for 13 years, she said that the group is focusing on grounding the youth with appropriate programs on character education, sex education, leadership training, and literacy.
Magnusson teaches History which includes UN History, Slovakian History, and the history of women’s movements. The exposure trips and leadership training, she said, are some samplers to real life.
At the Round Table Talks, Magnusson said that the SDGs have a big and beautiful vision. “If fulfilled (locally), it will be a beautiful world.”
Magnusson: Promoting learning outside the classroom by expanding the experience of students on environmental action and diplomacy.
Leading the way for the youth, WFWP Austria and Slovakia, at UN Vienna.
UN Round Table Talks with Slovakian teacher Lubica Magnusson (lower middle photo) with hosts Merly Barlaan (upper left) and Marivir Montebon.