In the rural communities of Kapiri Mposhi, access to clean water and quality maternal health services has long been a daily struggle. For expectant mothers, health workers, learners, and families, limited Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure meant long walks to unsafe water sources, heightened risks of infection, and added pressure on already stretched health facilities.

From Participation to Partnership: At APFSD 2026, child leaders from World VIsion programmes in 13 countries are moving beyond symbolic roles, inviting regional leaders into a shared co-design process and proposing "Innovation Labs" to bridge the gap between policy and the lived realities of their communities.

WVS’s child well-being priorities are closely aligned with Pillar 3: Social Development of the Somalia National Transformation Plan (NTP) and contribute directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Efforts to improve child nutrition and reduce wasting and stunting advance SDG 2: Zero Hunger and respond to the NTP priority of improving access to and quality of nutrition and food security services. Expanding equitable, quality maternal and child healthcare supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, addressing the NTP’s goal of strengthening accessible healthcare systems. Finally, strengthening child protection systems and family support contributes to SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, reinforcing the NTP commitment to protect children and promote social cohesion.

• From Participation to Partnership: Child leaders from 13 countries at APFSD 2026 are moving beyond symbolic roles, inviting regional leaders into a shared co-design process and proposing "Innovation Labs" to bridge the gap between policy and the lived realities of their communities.

As artificial intelligence reshapes platforms at extraordinary speed, are children’s rights keeping pace with the rapid shifts in their own digital world?

Somalia remains one of the most protracted and complex humanitarian contexts globally, with over three decades of armed conflict, political fragility, and recurrent climate shocks degrading livelihoods and resilience. Cycles of insecurity, drought, and flooding—now intensified by climate change—continue to devastate communities, with children disproportionately affected (FSNAU & FEWS NET, 2025; OCHA, 2025). As of early 2025, internal displacement has surged to an estimated 3.9 million people, driven by conflict, food insecurity, and environmental disasters (IOM, 2025), placing immense strain on essential services and deepening urban fragility.

EU-funded World Vision project supports 4,800+ Ukrainian children with education, psychosocial aid, and protection amid ongoing war disruptions.

At APFSD 2026, children and regional leaders unite to close the 88% SDG progress gap. Explore how child-centred innovation and direct negotiation are shaping a resilient future for communities across the Asia-Pacific.

Amid Syria’s education crisis, millions out of school and learning spaces damaged, Fadi* describes how broken basics made his children’s school feel unsafe and uncertain. Through World Vision’s rehabilitation project, the school was repaired (classrooms, desks, sanitation, water network) and students received stationery, restoring a healthier learning environment. Fadi also joined a sustainability committee to help maintain improvements through regular follow-ups and community awareness.