Remarks at the commemoration of World Children's Day

Salutations:

• The Guest of Honour, The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Ms. Aminah Zawedde;
• The Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda, Her Excellency Maria Håkansson;
• The UNICEF Representative, Dr. Robin Nandy;
• The Executive Director, Uganda Communication Commission, Honourable Nyombi Thembo
• Development Partners;
• UN Colleagues;
• CSO Representatives;
• Distinguished Guests;
• Ladies and Gentlemen;
• Boys and girls.

I am delighted to join you today to celebrate World Children’s Day. This special day is a reminder of our collective commitment to the rights and well-being of every child. As we gather here, we must reflect on the progress we have made and the challenges that still lie ahead.

The theme for this year, “Empowering Children in Uganda through Technology and Design,” is particularly timely and inspiring. In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, technology has the power to transform lives and create a brighter future for our children. 

I commend UNICEF and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for their unwavering commitment to empowering young people through technology. Their initiatives, which focus on digital literacy, creative thinking, and problem-solving, are essential for nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators.

As the United Nations family, we are proud to partner with the Government of Uganda, civil society organizations, and the private sector in creating a brighter future for all children. We are working together to address the challenges that young people face, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

I am particularly impressed by the innovative initiatives undertaken by UNICEF and the UCC. By leveraging technology and design, these organizations are empowering children to become problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and creative innovators.

In his message for World Children’s Day this year, UN Secretary General António Guterres notes that: 

“The recently adopted Pact for the Future includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. All three texts contained strong commitments to protect and support children, invest in their rights, and expand opportunities to actively participate in the decisions affecting them. Every child has the right to live in peace, health and safety. Today and every day, let’s protect and support children as they meaningfully contribute to making our world a better, brighter, more peaceful place for all people.”

As we gather here today, let us renew our commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This landmark treaty outlines the fundamental rights of every child, including the right to life, health, education, and protection. It is our duty to uphold these rights and create a world where all children can reach their full potential.

As we celebrate World Children’s Day, let us recommit ourselves:

• To prioritize children’s rights. We must uphold the Convention on the Rights of the Child and ensure that the rights of every child, in all their diversity, are protected and fulfilled – this means girls and boys; children living with disabilities or HIV; the child living in a remote village in Karamoja, the slums of Kampala, or refugee settlement in West Nile. For the girls flighting for education and the boy defying stereotypes. Those at the top of the class and those not able to be in school – together we must work to uphold the rights of them all. 
• To invest in education. We know that quality education is the foundation for a brighter future. We must invest in education systems that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all children.
• To promote digital literacy. By empowering children with digital skills, we are preparing them for the jobs of the future and enabling them to participate fully in the digital age. In this area, we need to pay particular attention to our girls, who are at risk of falling even further behind in digital literacy and in STEM more generally. 
• To protect children from harm: We must work together to protect children from all forms of violence, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse.
• And finally, let us recommit ourselves to create a sustainable future. We must take urgent action to address climate change and environmental degradation, as these issues will have a profound impact on future generations.

Finally, I would also like to commend the young people who have participated in today's event. Your creativity, passion, and dedication are truly inspiring. You are the future leaders of Uganda, and I have no doubt that you will make a positive impact on the world.         

Thank you.