Children aged from four to 14 have made history by becoming the youngest ever official delegates to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa.
The young CHOGM delegates shared their reflections on what makes them feel safe and happy, with presentations that moved the audience of Commonwealth leaders, ministers and policy-makers.
The special event, titled “One Resilient Common Future: Where All Children Are Cared For and Protected”, marked a significant shift in global policymaking, by creating a space for children in which could express their views on what makes them feel secure, valued and contented.
Moderated by Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, and Helen Jones from It’s a Penalty, the panel featured speeches and heartfelt contributions by young children, including a stirring keynote address by Kyannalei Agamalu Lesā-Ah Liki, the 12-year-old Deputy Head Girl of Vaiala Beach School in Samoa.
Kyannalei urged leaders to listen to children’s voices, saying:
“Children have voices and can contribute. It’s time to stop saying children should be seen and not heard.”
Her words captured the essence of the event’s mission: to amplify the voices of the Commonwealth’s youngest citizens and ensure that they are heard in global discussions – emphasising the importance of the 2022 Kigali Declaration on Child Care and Protection Reform.
The event opened with inspiring performances by the Australian Children’s Choir, part of The Commonwealth Resounds, captivating the audience with their rendition of “This Is Me”.
Justice Vui Clarence Nelson of Samoa’s Supreme Court, an advocate for children’s rights, said a children’s summit should be a permanent fixture at future CHOGMs:
“Millions of children across the Commonwealth still lack a platform at these global forums, but today we’ve taken a crucial step in changing that.”
The session also included opening remarks by David Lammy MP, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom. Lammy stressed the fundamental responsibility of every government to protect and empower children within the Commonwealth:
“The future of the Commonwealth lies in the hands of its children. We owe it to them to create a world where they are safe, supported, and heard.”
His Excellency High Commissioner Johnston Busingye, representing the Government of Rwanda, underlined the importance of the 2022 Kigali Declaration on Child Care and Protection Reform, which formed the backbone of the day’s discussions. He expressed Rwanda’s commitment to accelerating the implementation of the declaration, which calls for comprehensive reforms to ensure that all children across the Commonwealth are safe, cared for and given opportunities to thrive.
The event’s focus on child welfare and protection reforms included contributions from experts such as Michelle Muller from UNICEF Pacific and other regional leaders. Their discussions highlighted the progress made, but also the challenges that persist, in efforts to protect children, particularly in vulnerable regions of the Commonwealth.
This historic panel event demonstrated that the Commonwealth’s youngest citizens, who are its future, will no longer be ignored – echoing the call from Justice Nelson for a dedicated children’s summit at the next CHOGM.
