Kigali 19th November 2021 –The 15^th National Children’s Summit was 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 the World Children’s Day. This year’s theme aims to empower children and encourage the community to support children's development and their aspirations.

Bringing together children’s representatives, government officials and partners, the event served as a platform to exchange on children's participation in development programs and their stake in creating a better future. Participants will also reflect on joint mechanisms to address issues that undermine the rights of the children.

"The Children’s Summit has helped us to contribute our views on important national issues, especially policies and programmes that affect children. We appreciate the support of our government in this initiative. I encourage all children to take every opportunity, to be active and think big because we are the future."  said Elodie Octavie AKOYIREMEYE; Children's Forum Committee Representative at National level.

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

The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Prof. BAYISENGE Jeannette underlined: ‘We cannot prepare a better tomorrow without investing in children and ensuring their full participation in the country’s socio-economic transformation journey. The Government of Rwanda will continue to work with all partners in upholding children’s rights. 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 themes remind 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 Dome will light up blue to showcase solidarity with children and collective commitment from all partners to continue to uphold the rights of children, and work to ensure they fulfill their potential.

The World Children’s Day was established by the United Nations’ General Assembly in 1954 and is observed every year on 20^th November to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare. The National Children’s Summit was initiated in 2014.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Innocent MUVUNYI: imuvunyi@migeprof.gov.rw:+250 788 353 906
Steve NZARAMBA: snzaramba@unicef.org:        +250 786 384 106