Global Assembly on Child Rights

Just World for Children “बालबालिकाका लागि न्यायपूर्ण संसार” 

18 February 2024

World Social Forum 2024 Nepal - Another World is Possible

World Social Forum 2024

In the year 2000, in the background of the massive mobilizations against the impact of neo-liberal globalization, there was an urgent need to discuss alternatives to neo-liberal development, felt by social movements, community campaigns, trade unions, youth organizations, academia, and others. The first WSF was organized in Porto Alegre, Brazil dates was the World Economic Forum met in Davos, Switzerland to talk about how neoliberal globalization could be strengthened further to support capitalist interests.

The idea of the World Social Forum (WSF) is to create a counter-hegemonic process, in an open space, for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and strategies and to build alternatives and the organization and resistance of the people. The WSF space consists of people's movements and civil society organizations across the world who are opposed to neo-liberal globalization, climate injustice, patriarchy, casteism, racism, and war and who are fighting for justice, peace, equality, and protection of natural resources and the planet.

Since its inception, the WSF has been an immense unifying force under the popular banner of 'Another World is Possible'. WSF provides an open space for people to reflect on democratic ideas, formulate proposals, freely exchange experiences, and build alliances for effective action. This space is governed by a charter of principles and its facilitating bodies are the International Council (IC), Regional Forums such as the Asia Pacific Social Forum Facilitation Committee (APSF-FC), and the National Organizing Committee (NOC) focusing on WSF 2024.

Background:

World Social Forum 2024 (WSF2024) is scheduled to take place from February 15-19 in Nepal. The WSF serves as an open space and platform for the convergence of a diverse range of participants, including social movements, laborers, farmers, civil society groups, marginalized communities, and those affected by the impacts of neoliberal capitalism and privatization. The WSF’s purpose is to create reflective thinking, democratic debate of ideas, formulation of proposals, free exchange of experiences, and interlinking for effective actions. Originating in 2001 with the vision of "Another World is Possible," the 2024 edition is themed around the call for "Another World Now."

In this connection, a Global Assembly on Child Rights has been planned as a part of the WSF event. The theme of the assembly is “Just World for Children”. Children's Assembly at WSF2024 aims to provide a dedicated space for discussions, sharing perspectives, and contributing to the overarching theme of "Another World Now” reflecting Children. The assembly will focus on key issues affecting children globally, emphasizing their role as agents of change in shaping a more equitable and sustainable world.

As we all are well aware children are not just the inheritors of our world; they are pivotal agents of change, integral to the present and instrumental in shaping the future. The assembly will tackle pressing global challenges head-on, recognizing the disproportionate burden that climate change places on vulnerable populations, especially children. Simultaneously, it will try to address the imperative need to ensure children's safety in the digital age, emphasizing digital literacy, online safety, and the creation of a positive online environment. By acknowledging children as zones of peace, the assembly will underscore the critical importance of safeguarding their well-being and fostering environments free from violence. Furthermore, it will advocate for children's agency in civic spaces, promoting their active participation in decision-making processes. The assembly will also confront the profound impact of economic disparities on children's well-being, integrating discussions on mental health and emphasizing the need for equitable access to education, healthcare, and opportunities. In weaving these threads together, the assembly will serve as a compelling call to action, empowering children to contribute actively to building a more equitable, sustainable, and hopeful world

With meaningful participation of children and experts from the globe, the assembly will try to look at the world through a child rights lens aligning with different global commitments. It will also urge the global community that is a "Just World For Children".

Furthermore, the assembly will not merely witness but actively own the diverse perspectives and solutions generated in different parallel sessions related to children. From this rich tapestry, it will weave a unified call to action, demanding a "Just World for Children".

Major highlights of the assembly

• A program led and moderated by children themselves
• Opening ceremony with inspirational speeches from child rights advocates and performances by children.
• Keynote addresses from global leaders/ activists on climate justice and children, violence against children, children are a zone of peace, mental well-being digital space, and civic space of children.
• Exhibition of creative works by children, showcasing their perspectives on climate change, digital literacy, civic engagement, peace, and mental health.
• Art installations, performances, and presentations illustrate the impact of the assembly on children's awareness and empowerment.
• Sharing of recommendations of different parallel discussions related to children's issues
• Presentation of the Children's Declaration to global leaders, emphasizing children's rights and perspectives.
• Closing remarks and commitments from leaders to incorporate children's insights into policies.

Sidelines

Art Pavilion: The place for children and talented young artists from Nepal to create visually striking canvas paintings. These artworks will be used to convey powerful messages about climate justice and inequality in a visually captivating and artistic manner. The developed arts will be displayed throughout the remaining days of the forum in the main lobby of the WSF.

Disseminating messages/ information – Different informative materials such as flyers, batches, t-shirts, etc will be produced with slogans, call-to-action information, and fact sheets and widely distributed among the participants will support in achieving the objective of the assembly and recognition of the event.

Activity Updates:

As we progress toward the Global Assembly on Child Rights, significant strides have been made in the planning and organizing stages. Here is a concise update on the key activities and their current status.

• We have successfully secured a suitable venue for the Children's Assembly i.e. Rastriya Sabha Griha. The hall, chosen for its accessibility and capacity, is ideally located within the main area of the WSF 2024, ensuring easy participation and visibility
• Three-tier committee structure has been established. (Advisory Committee, Coordination Committee, and Working Team)
• A comprehensive concept paper and budget outlining the objectives, themes, and structure of the Children's Assembly has been finalized.
• Designs for flyers and other materials are in the final stages.
• Safety protocols, especially considering the participation of children, are a top priority. Measures are being put in place to ensure a safe and secure environment for all attendees and detailed planning for transportation, accommodation, and catering for child participants is underway