A letter written by over 50 thousand children and adolescents from around 60 countries will be delivered to the leaders of the G20—the group that brings together the world’s main economies. The document raises concerns and lists priorities on issues such as climate change, fair economy, poverty, global governance, and gender and racial equality.
The text comes as the result of a global consultation by Save the Children and Plan International, in partnership with Joining Forces, MMI-LAC, and Children in G20. Brazilian adolescents were chosen to represent the signatories of the letter at the G20 Social summit, to take place in Rio from November 14 to 16.
“We need to be heard. We want the recommendations we made with thousands of children from all over the world to be put into practice by the G20 leaders,” says 17-year-old Ynara, from the Centre for the Defence of the Rights of Children and Adolescents in Rio de Janeiro, a Save the Children partner organization.
“As children and adolescents, we can make a significant contribution, bringing our energy and unique vision to discussions. I’m looking forward to leaving the G20 with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to act,” said Maria Eduarda, 16, a project participant at Plan International Brasil.
At the social summit, teenagers Ynara and Maria Eduarda will act as moderators at the High Level Event: G20 and the Rights of Children and Adolescents, on November 14. The panel should be attended by children, ministers, G20 Sherpas, and representatives from nonprofits.
“For the first time at the G20, we have made room for children and adolescents to participate. The letter is the result of a consultation that brings their voices to this forum—a forum that plays such a crucial role in political negotiations and reaffirms the need to integrate them into decisions that directly affect their present as well as their future,” Flávio Debique, director for Programs and Advocacy at Plan International Brazil, said.
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