Niël Terblanché
Namibia is gearing up to mark World Children’s Day (WCD) on 19 November 2023, joining the global community in celebrating this important occasion.
This year, Namibia will host the sub-regional World Children’s Day event in Walvis Bay, under the theme “Renewing Our Promise for Children’s Rights.”
According to Lukas Haufiku, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, this year’s celebration holds special significance.
He said that Heads of State from Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia are expected to grace the event. This gathering follows on from regional engagements established in Botswana in 2021 and Zambia in 2022, where a commitment was made to create a Heads of State Network.
According to Haufiku, the network serves as a platform for discussions on issues of mutual concern and the development of concrete strategies to address children’s rights in their respective countries.
The upcoming celebrations will bring together over 200 children from the four countries, who will meet in person from 17 to 19 November.
Additionally, thousands of others will join virtually to engage in discussions and share insights on how leaders can create an enabling environment for children to realize their full potential.
On 20 November 1989, the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child, aimed at promoting international togetherness, raising awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare. Subsequently, UNICEF designated 20 November as World Children’s Day.
World Children’s Day unites governments worldwide in celebrating the progress made in achieving child rights, shedding light on critical issues affecting children’s lives, and supporting children and young people as advocates for their own rights.
The 2023 World Children’s Day Sub-Regional celebrations offer a renewed opportunity for the four Heads of State to reaffirm their commitments to children’s rights, champion the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and ensure that no child is left behind.
Haufiku said World Children’s Day serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing and protecting the future of every child, emphasizing that every child deserves a bright and promising future.
