STATEMENT BY THE UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR WORLD CHILDREN’S DAY EXHIBITION

The First Lady of The Republic of The Gambia,

Hon. Minister of Basic and Secondary Education,

UNICEF Representative,

UN Heads of Agencies, 

Civil Society Reps,

Partners,

Children,

The Media, 

Good Morning to you all 

 Today, we stand at a profound moment of reflection and hope. 'Our World, Through Our Eyes: A Story of Childhood in The Gambia' is more than an exhibition – it is a testament to the power of young voices and the transformative potential of children's perspectives.

As we commemorate 35 years since the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, this exhibition reminds us that children are not just recipients of protection, but active participants in shaping our collective future. Through the lens of 20 adolescent photographers from the Lower River Region, we are invited into their world – a world of hope, community, resilience, and boundless imagination.

Each photograph is a narrative, each panel a window into the lived experiences of Gambian children. They challenge us to truly listen – to hear their dreams, their concerns, and their vision for a better tomorrow. In a world that often silences youth, this exhibition is a powerful declaration: children have a right to be seen, to be heard, and to be understood.

The United Nations remains unwavering in its commitment to supporting children's holistic development. This means more than just protecting children from harm – it means creating environments where every child can grow, learn, and flourish. We are dedicated to ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, protection from violence, and opportunities for meaningful participation in society. Our work spans critical areas: reducing child poverty, eliminating discrimination, providing safe spaces for learning and play, and empowering children to become agents of change in their communities.

In The Gambia, we continue to work hand in hand with the government, civil society, and communities to transform the rights of children from words on paper to lived realities. We invest in programs that support early childhood development, protect children from exploitation, ensure access to education, and create platforms for youth leadership and engagement.

As we celebrate World Children's Day, let us recommit ourselves to the fundamental principle that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, to dream, and to shape the world they will inherit. Let us listen to the future – for in the voices of our children lies our most profound hope, our most powerful catalyst for change, and our shared promise of a more just, equitable, and compassionate world. 

Thank You