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speeches
Remarks to Children's Forum held before the Special
Session of the General Assembly on Children
New York, 5 May 2002 -
 Welcome
to the United Nations. This is a very special occasion
to help us prepare for a very special session.
Your presence here marks a new chapter in the history
of the United Nations.
It is the first time that the General Assembly will
meet in a Special Session just to discuss children's
issues.
It is the first time that such large numbers of children
will take part in a Special Session as official members
of delegations representing Governments as well as non-Governmental
organizations.
That is a tremendous breakthrough. It is also obviously
right. This is a special session for you and your fellow
children around the world. It is right and necessary
that you should play your part in it. We all want a
better world for children. But so far, it is adults
that have called the shots. Now, we are going to build
a better world with children. It's high time that we
adults hear what you have to say.
Already, children and young people have played a crucial
role in the national reviews and regional meetings that
have led up to the Special Session.
You have shown great leadership in the Say Yes for
Children campaign, and in the Global Movement for Children.
You have helped focus worldwide attention on the needs,
and the rights, of your peers around the world.
As the Special Session goes ahead this week, please
don't be afraid to speak up. Your voices will be heard
-- I promise you that.
And I hope you will help us follow up afterwards to
make sure we keep our promises. It is when the talking
ends that the really hard part begins. I look to you
to continue to watch out for children's rights when
you go back home, and keep a close eye on progress in
your countries.
It is you, after all, who will take over in the next
generation. Judging by your performance so far, I am
sure you will take that mission seriously. And I hope
many more will follow your example.
I wish you every success in your forum here today.
And good luck in the week ahead.
Thank you very much.
*****
Office of the Spokesman for the Secretary-General,
United Nations, S-378, New York, NY 10017
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