UN Children's Forum opens with energy and hope

NEW YORK, 5 May 2002 - Hands clapped, feet thumped and arms swayed as the Children's Forum opened today at the United Nations to a rousing performance of "Give Us Hope" by the Young People's Chorus of New York City. Some 300 under-18 delegates from around the world are participating in the Forum, as well as contributing to the outcome document of the UN Special Session on Children, which begins later this week.

Leaders of the UN and UNICEF, along with children, open the Children's Forum.

"My mother told me to dye my hair grey before going to the UN," said Rhys Campbell, a young man from Jamaica who co-moderated the opening and will help facilitate the Forum. He didn't follow his mother's advice because the Children's Forum sets the stage for a path-breaking UN meeting that acknowledges young people as equal partners in the struggle to create a world fit for children.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan urged the gathered young people to make a difference at the Special Session, 8-10 May. "Your presence here marks a new chapter in the history of the UN," said Mr. Annan. "So far, adults have called the shots, but now it's time to build the world with children. Your voices will be heard, I promise."

UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy also urged the young delegates to make their voices heard, because the outcome document of the Special Session is still a work-in-progress. "Bring us your ideas, experiences, and opinions," said Ms. Bellamy. "You are the ones who bring energy and excitement to this Special Session."

Ambassador Patricia M. Durrant of Jamaica, who served as Chair of the preparatory process for the Special Session, reminded the young delegates that they have an opportunity to report directly about the results of the Children's Forum to the UN General Assembly, when two young delegates open the Special Session.

Responding to questions, Ambassador Durrant explained that reaching consensus on the outcome document has taken so long because the process involves not only 189 UN member states but also non-governmental organizations, religious leaders and young people themselves.

UNICEF Executive Director Bellamy added, "As important as this week is, what's most important is that we hold our governments accountable for the agreements made during the Special Session."

The ceremony ended with performances by 10-year-old rap star Shawn Thompson, singer Maurice Lauchner, the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Dance Theatre, and the Young People's Chorus.

"That was awesome," said Mr. Campbell, the young Jamaican. "I wish this ceremony didn't have to end." But as the festivities died down, the young delegates prepared to begin the critical work of drafting their statement for the UN General Assembly and telling world leaders what children and young people really want and need from them.