Children gather for their Summit on World Children’s Day

KIGALI, RWANDA –The 15^th National Children’s Summit will be held at the Parliament Hall, Kimihurura on November 20^th, 2021, under the theme: ‘I am the Future’ as Rwanda joins the rest of the world in celebrating World Children’s Day. This year’s theme translates children’s capacity and their active role to solve issues affecting them and own their future.

Bringing together Government officials, children representatives, and partners; the event will be a platform where among others present, children will share their ideas and express their opinions on issues that matter to them. Participants will also reflect on joint mechanisms to address persisting challenges that hinder the rights of the children.

‘Since the establishment of the Children’s Summit, it helped us (children) to amplify our voices on diverse Government programs from planning, budgeting to implementation. We thank our leadership that opened this forum for us; I call my fellow children not to spoil such a great opportunity as we are the future.’ noted Elodie Akoyiremeye, Children's Forum Committee Representative.

The 15^th Children’s Summit and World Children’s Day come as the Government of Rwanda has made notable progress in promoting children’s rights and in investing in their development.

The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Prof. Jeannette Bayisenge underlined: "Investing in children means preparing a better tomorrow, not only for them but also for the country as a whole. The Government of Rwanda will continue to work with all partners in upholding children’s rights and ensuring that they contribute to the country’s socio-economic transformation. They are the future."

The UNICEF Representative in Rwanda Ms. Julianna Lindsey stressed the importance of joint efforts in shaping children’s future.

"As this year’s theme reminds us, we need to continue investing in children so that we will have an empowered next generation. Children have gone through some really tough times since the onset of the pandemic over 2 years ago, and celebrating such important milestones is important to let our children know that we stand firmly with them, and for them."

I reiterate UNICEF’s full commitment towards achieving this. Children are the future; let’s support them, leaving no one behind,’ she said.

As part of celebrations to mark the day, the iconic Kigali Convention Center will light up blue to showcase solidarity with children and reiterate collective commitment from all partners to continue to uphold the rights of children and work to ensure they fulfill their potential. 

World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children's Day and is celebrated on 20 November each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improve children's welfare.

Rwanda adopted this same date for the National Children’s Summit in 2014.