At a glance: San Marino

Azerbaijan, Kenyan and Honduran children's groups honoured for their leadership

San Marino–Alexander Bodini Foundation Children's Awards

© UNICEF/2010/Susan Markisz

UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman, H.E. Antonella Mularoni and Ambassador Daniele D. Bodini at the 2009 San Marino-Alexander Bodini Foundation Children's Awards Dinner in New York City.

By Chris Niles

NEW YORK, 26 February 2010 – Three children's groups from Azerbaijan, Honduras and Kenya have been recognized for their outstanding work in promoting children's rights.

The winners of the 2009 San Marino-Alexander Bodini Foundation Children's Awards were announced last night at a New York City ceremony hosted by the Permanent Ambassador of San Marino to the United Nations, H.E. Daniele Bodini, and UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman.

Also on hand at the event were UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, San Marino Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs Antonella Mularoni and the current President of the General Assembly, Ali Abdusaalam Treki, along with several other Permanent Representatives to the UN.

Children's future at risk

"The children of the world have not created the problems that we face today," Mr. Treki said, referring to climate change, poverty and the global economic crisis. "Yet it's their future which is at risk."

© UNICEF/2010/Susan Markisz

UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman greets UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the 2009 San Marino-Alexander Bodini Foundation Children's Awards dinner in New York.

The winning groups – each of which receives a cheque for $20,000 to support its work – were announced by Ambassador Bodini.

"We are here to recognize the outstanding work and leadership of three inspiring groups of young people," he said. "They have distinguished themselves by their achievements."

This year's winners are:

• The Network of Children and Youth Communicators of Honduras, which helps children to develop leadership skills so they can promote child rights in their communities
• The 'Nur' Children and Youth Public Union, from Azerbaijan, which works on child rights and advocates with the country's parliament and government ministries
• The Nairobi Youth Counselling Centre, which works in the second largest informal settlement in Kenya, addressing the reproductive needs of young people.  

Commitment to children

Ms. Veneman praised Ambassador Bodini's commitment to children affected by poverty, disease and emergencies. She said the positive effects of the work of this year's winners would resonate beyond their countries' borders.

Mr. Ban outlined the challenges that hunger, poverty and violence pose to building a better future for children. "These organizations are bringing meaningful, positive change to the lives of children," he said. "That means a better future not only for children but for all of us."

The Secretary General added that the UN must make sure the Millennium Development Goals Summit to be held in September keeps children in mind as it focuses on sustainable development.

"Our goal for the summit must be a clear, concrete, globally agreed plan with high level political backing," he said. "I count on all of your support and leadership to make the summit a success for children and for the world."