By Sister Joan Pikiell, SSND
The International Day of the Girl was celebrated this year on Friday, Oct. 10, with an intergenerational town hall forum at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.
The 2025 theme, “We are here: Bold, Diverse, and Unstoppable – Demanding Action for Girls’ Rights,” brought together global leaders and young advocates to spotlight the challenges and triumphs of girls worldwide.
United Nations General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock joined ambassadors from Canada, Costa Rica, Peru, and Turkey in addressing the attendees, urging girls to use their voices to advocate for justice and equality.
Among those in attendance were 11 seniors from the Academy of Holy Angels, who chose to spend their day off from school participating in the event.
Accompanied by their teachers, Sarah Allen and Jennifer Cucchisi, the students heard powerful testimonies from girls around the world—both in person and through video—on issues ranging from access to education and healthcare to online safety and discrimination.
Reflecting on the experience, senior Ellie Finnegan shared, “To see girls who are similar to me, yet so different, take such a passionate and strong position against the discrimination against them reminded me that my voice has power.”
The day served as an inspiring reminder of the importance of global solidarity in advancing girls’ rights and empowering the next generation of leaders.
AHA Students visit the UN
