Caring Across Borders: A Special Day at GCIS

On February 22nd, 2025, I had the honor of being invited as the Chief Guest at the Annual Day celebration of Global City International School, beautifully themed around “Caring Across Borders.”

As a pediatrician, I am constantly reminded that schools are not just centers of learning—they are vital ecosystems where children’s minds, hearts, and futures are shaped. GCIS stands out as a beacon of excellence, offering real-world, contemporary education while remaining deeply rooted in tradition. It was truly inspiring to witness their commitment to nurturing well-rounded global citizens.

During my address to the parents—a group I deeply value engaging with—I highlighted some critical issues that are increasingly impacting children’s health and well-being:

 

• • The epidemic of screen-induced mental health challenges , which is reshaping how children process emotions and build relationships.

• • The rise of unhealthy food options in our diets, which is silently affecting long-term health outcomes.

• • The growing concern of injuries linked to distracted parenting , an issue that deserves urgent attention in today’s fast-paced world.

As someone who works closely with children and families every day, I believe conversations like these are essential to creating awareness and driving change. Schools like GCIS offer a powerful platform to bring parents, educators, and healthcare professionals together to ensure our children have the best environment to grow—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the incredible teachers for their dedication and to the parents for being such active partners in this journey. Together, we can ensure that our children not only succeed but thrive in a world that needs their compassion and resilience more than ever.