My experience at the event was enriching and inspiring. My favorite part of the event was when I attended the Impact Coalition on the Children’s Rights and Protection where the children were addressing their issues. I was struck by the confidence and freedom that the children who participated were able to address the challenges that they face in their daily life. Among them was the need to increase the number of children’s representation in UN conferences, the views of the children to be heard and be listened to, especially in decision making.
They did not hesitate to address the issue of children’s participation in the Summit for the Future reminding us they are the future generation. “The future depended on them” as said by one of the delegates from Sudan. Forced marriages were also on the rise in the different countries and they requested if they can have a helpline.
The delegates made a suggestion on implementation of structures that each child will have access to especially on the right to education and healthcare which is the greatest challenge. However, the curriculum in schools should also be inclusive and engaging to the children that will allow for the intergenerational and coalition projects. Whereby we will need to advocate for children’s education, invest on their education and create awareness on early marriages. In order to avoid parent-child conflicts, we suggested a parenting curriculum which will guide and educate the parents/caregivers.
I was also able to attend the ECOSOC Youth Forum where they had a discussion on the models of youth engagement that can work and strengthen their voices. This has already been witnessed with our (Kenya) current demonstrations on the Finance Bill 2024. The youth’s voices need to be heard as they need to be involved in decision making, have online community programs and embrace multilaterism that brings equality in practice. They ended with an action plan of:
1. Talk
2. Listen
3. Act
At the end of the conference the Major Group for Children and Youth in the UN General Assembly came up with areas of work which is:
1. Advocacy
2. Facilitate capacity building
3. Increase their knowledge on the current trends
4. Action
Author: Maureen Wanyora IBVM (IBVM East Africa Province)
Group Photo (L-R): Maureen Wanyora ibvm, Pauline Wambui ibvm, Latifah and Keendi (students), Jackline Mwomgela ibvm, Teresia Wamuru Wachira ibvm, Leonida Kwamboka Oriki ibvm, Phylice Nyabate (teacher)
