Skopje, 20 November 2024 (MIA) - The Government and UNICEF held a government session on Wednesday under the slogan "Listen to the Future" where children together with the PM and ministers discussed the topics of climate and environmental crisis, advanced technologies, and demographic changes on World Children's Day.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said that today he met with the most important interlocutors in his several months in the government - the children.

"This day is dedicated to raising awareness of children's rights around the world and promoting youth welfare. World Children's Day is also a reminder that we must work together to create a world where all children have equal opportunities and grow up in an environment that fosters their development and well-being. This day has deep roots in human rights history. On this date in 1959 the United Nations adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, and the convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989 - the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. These document are not only a legal framework, but also a moral guide on how we should treat the youngest and most vulnerable members of society. We are here today to reaffirm our collective duty - for every child to have access to care, education, healthcare, and protection from any form of violence or abuse," Mickoski noted.

He said that words on paper are not enough, but that we need actions.

"Our mission is to turn these challenges into opportunities for change; investment in education, access to healthcare, protection from abuse and violence. This is a day when we must not only speak, but also act. Government, civil society, teachers, parents, and every individual has a role in this fight. Therefore, our goal is: to create educational programs that inspire our children to become the leaders of tomorrow support policies that guarantee social protection for all children, especially the most vulnerable, to listen to children, encourage them to speak their minds, and include them in decision-making processes. Let this day not only be a reminded, but a turning point as well," Mickoski stressed.

UNICEF representative Lesley Miller pointed out that it was interesting to hear from children who came out with interesting suggestions and views and opinions about everything important to them in the present, but will also affects their future.

"Today we had the opportunity to hear 45 children aged 13-17 around the country that shared their opinions and ideas on three topics of great importance in the present - climate change and environmental vegetation, technological advancements and their influence, artificial intelligence, and demographic changes and their influence. It was interesting to hear from children who came out with interesting suggestions and views and opinions about everything important to them in the present, but will also affects their future. And it was always nice to hear their opinions and answers from the PM and other ministers. We believe this will be the beginning of a very interesting dialogue,” noted Miller.

She added that they will to strive to help children realize their vision and their beliefs for the future.ssh/ad/

Photo: Government