The Echo of Our Legacy

There’s no doubt that children are the most crucial global demographic. We are the beholders of a brighter, and more prosperous society. Therefore, prioritizing the wellbeing and holistic development of all children is imperative to attaining an increasingly just society. A global incentive like World Children’s Day reminds us of the intergovernmental responsibility to uphold children’s rights and acknowledge our invaluable contributions to global development. World Children’s Day is not just another null occasion, but rather a commemoration of global liberty for all young people! It celebrates the very conventions that have been set out for us not as a privilege, but as a birthright. This day allows us to not only reflect on how far we have come since the establishment of the conventions on the rights of the child, but how much further we must trod to reach marginalized youths that may not have access to such prerogatives.

While this day is a celebratory juncture in our pursuit for a safer, more inclusive world for all children, it is important to consider that there are many more children that can only fantasize about freedom. There are many more children that can only fantasize about improved healthcare access. There are many more children that could only imagine what it would be like to express their views on issues that affect them; a right I was fortunate enough to exercise through my membership in the Belize National Children’s Parliament.

With passion in leadership, I was a high school sophomore when I learned about the youth parliament. Upon joining I realized how important it was to be openminded and surrounding myself with the type of charismatic leadership I admire. Nonetheless, aside from making friends or trying to be the ‘best’, I was stimulated by the idea knowing that there are many children who would have loved the opportunity to speak at such a high capacity. Bearing that in mind, I assumed the role of Senator in 2023 with great pride and honor, carrying the aspirations of all young people as I supported the prohibition of child marriage in Belize.

However, even after that experience I did not feel fulfilled. I needed to do more! Over time I became affiliated with various humanitarian organizations as I continued to champion the rights of all Children. Considering how much I enjoyed my initial NCP experience, I was delighted when I was contacted to serve as an alternate. Apart from the topic at hand, it was important for me to add value to the experience of the new parliamentarians by sharing my expertise in public speaking and giving them the encouragement that all children need when representing other children in such a high capacity.

The aforementioned experiences have shown me the importance of encouragement and empowerment in youth leadership. They have shown me the importance of young people reading and encouraging other young people. My 2025 NCP experience involved me emulating the support that was shown to me in my 2023 NCP participation. Nonetheless, they both taught me the importance of advocating for advocacy and that encouragement from young people is instrumental in the succes of our young people!

World Children Day is not just your average one day campaign, it is a movement! It is a call to action to all Children and Young persons of all capacities to take over and let our voices be heard!