Youth engage High Level Panel in the development of the post-2015 Agenda

25 March 2013 in Bali, Indonesia – As nations race to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, three youths supported by World Vision International talked to international leaders on critical issues that affect their future at the start of the three-day High Level Panel discussion on Post 2015 agenda.

“The decision made by our leaders today will affect our future. Therefore, we would like to be involved in the process and get the chance to share our opinions because children know what children need specifically. By being involved in the decision making process, we also learn to be responsible of any possible consequences,” Irwa Juana (18), Cinta Khatulistiwa Children Forum leader from West Kalimantan, Indonesia, explained.

Amar Thakur (19) from Kolkatta, India, shares Irwa’s concern. Born with locomotor disability, Amar understands inequality through his personal experience.

Nordianto, a 17 years old representative of the Child Parliament of West Kalimantan, Indonesia believes that youth are vulnerable to all issues regarding their sexual and reproductive health, which can impact their life and future. However, majority of the 63.4 million young people in Indonesia still lack the right information on reproductive health. He added “youth should understand their reproductive health rights so that we can be responsible with our lives”.

Amplifying the voices of children is an ongoing process implemented by World Vision globally through Children Forum where kids learn about healthy self-image, children rights, and their potential as social change agents.

The report presented by Trihadi Saptoadi, South Asia and Pacific Regional Leader, emphasized the challenges faced by these children left behind by unequal progress toward development objectives, including the MDGs.

Save the Children and World Vision presented further evidence on inequalities as barriers to further progress and revealed concerns from children and young people about rising inequality and the impact on children’s development and well-being.