Kansas City, MO (August 6, 2014) For the first time, the United Nations is allowing people to have a direct say in shaping a better world, and Children International is helping the nearly 340,000 impoverished children and youth it serves take advantage of this opportunity.
The UN has created two surveys – “MY World” and “The World We Want 2015” – with a specific version of the latter for children under 18 called “The World Children Want.” These surveys allow people to voice their opinions about what should be a priority for the global development process starting in 2015, at which point the UN’s Millennium Development Goals will expire. The UN has been working with governments everywhere to define the next global agenda to address extreme poverty and preserve the planet. The data from “MY World” and “The World We Want 2015” will continue to inform these processes and be used by decision-makers around the world.
“I want this to be the most inclusive global development process the world has ever known,” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in a video about creating the post-2015 agenda.
Somnath fills out the "MY World" survey at a Children International computer station.
Rukshar believes it is important to listen to the opinions and concerns of children and youth.
Children International is making sure that the hundreds of thousands of young people living in the impoverished communities it serves are able to have their voices heard by the UN through the “MY World” and “The World Children Want” surveys. Children International computer labs are available in 10 countries for children to fill out the surveys online, and Children International staff and volunteers are also assisting children and youth with paper ballots. Several of Children International’s locations will have the children and youth fill out the surveys as part of their International Youth Day activities on August 12.
Somnath, a Children International sponsored youth from India who recently completed the “MY World” survey, said, “It means a lot to fill in this survey. I am so overjoyed and excited …It’s an opportunity for me to make myself heard and my opinion matter.”
Rukshar, a Children International sponsored youth also from India, said, “It is important to listen to the voices of children and youth because the policies being made for the future concern us, and it is sensible to take into consideration our opinions and concerns to get a holistic view.”
Anyone can add their voice to the “MY World” survey, and children between the ages of 8 and 18 can add their voice to “The World Children Want" survey. Join the “World We Want 2015” discussion!
See where Children International works to serve impoverished children and youth around the world.
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For more information about Children International or to sponsor a child, visit www.children.org.
About Children International
Children International prepares children and youth to escape the traps of poverty by supporting their critical needs, building resilience and engaging them in transformative activities. Children International accomplishes this by providing crucial benefits and compassionate care through easily accessible, modern community centers. Children International’s presence, programs and supporters have a positive impact on children, youth, families and communities; provide protection; encourage self-sufficiency; and serve as catalysts for change.
Shabag says, “The most important issue for me is equality between men and women.”
