Voices of the Special Session

Children and other participants had an opportunity to make their voices heard at the Special Session. Click below to read more.

"War and politics have always been an adult game but children have always been the losers. I hope you will remember my words." Elisa, 17 years old
More voices of children

"For many NGOs, the continuing violence, abuse and exploitation experienced by children is an unacceptable reality in a world of high tech education and a $30 trillion global economy." Dean Hirsch, President, World Vision International
More voices of NGOs

 "We know how to find money for military expenses. Now we have to find money for our children. ...It's time for us to find money for education for every child living in this world." Nambar Enkhbayar, Prime Minister of Mongolia
More voices of Heads of State and Government

"Our gathering here today is not to pay lip service to the world's children, but to chart a new course of action that will lift them out of the web of poverty." Hajiya Aisha Ismail, Minister for Women's Affairs and Youth Development, Nigeria
More voices of other government officials

 "You have a right to live a live a safe life from the threat of war, abuse and exploitation. These rights are obvious. Yet we, the grown-ups have failed you deplorably in upholding many of them." Kofi A. Annan, United-Nations Secretary-General
More voices of UN and UN entities

 "I would just like to note that what world leaders do here is being watched..." Carol Bellamy, UNICEF Executive Director
More voices of UNICEF

"Young people have taught us, and continue to teach us, that if we don't change our attitude we cannot help them." Father Clyde Harvey, Community Action Resource (for HIV support), Trinidad and Tobago
More voices of other participants