World Vision Brings Global Leaders Together at Annual Prayer Service for Children

By Vivian Adu, Communications Officer

World Vision International convened faith leaders, policymakers, and child advocates from across the globe for the Annual Prayer Service for Children, held alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly. The event, themed “A Moment of Hope,” became a powerful demonstration of unity as leaders prayed and reflected on the urgent need to protect and uplift the world’s most vulnerable children.

Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, delivered the keynote address, calling on world leaders to embrace wisdom, compassion, and decisive leadership in addressing the challenges facing children in conflict zones and humanitarian crises. “Across the world, children are affected by conflict and humanitarian crisis. The UN estimates that hundreds of thousands of children are caught up in armed conflict. A significant number of them are in Africa, where they are robbed of their childhood, forced to fight, and endure terrible experiences,” she said.

She stressed that children remain the most vulnerable victims of war, displacement, and poor policy priorities. Quoting Proverbs 9:10, Lordina Mahama reminded participants that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” and urged leaders to seek divine guidance in shaping policies that foster peace and progress. In a prayerful appeal, she lifted up the plight of orphans and vulnerable children and reaffirmed her and President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to policies that secure a brighter future for children.

World Vision International’s President and CEO, Andrew Morley, opened the service by emphasising the significance of pausing for prayer at the start of the General Assembly. Acknowledging the growing uncertainty for children amid shrinking resources and weakened global partnerships, he highlighted Christian hope as a transformative force. “Hope is not mere optimism or wishful thinking. It is immeasurably more than that. We bring faith, we bring hope, and we bring love to a world that needs it now more than ever,” he said.

Andrew shared the story of Matthew, a child in the Central African Republic who nearly lost his life to malaria but survived through timely intervention, as a reminder of both the urgent needs and the power of global solidarity.

Adding her voice, Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, praised the partnership between WFP and World Vision, which in 2024 reached nearly 12 million people including 7 million children through food aid and cash support in 33 countries. “Together, we bring more than food. We bring hope especially for those just starting their lives who, despite their youth, already know too much about hardship,” she said.

The service also included heartfelt prayers from other leaders, including First Lady of Mozambique Guetta Selemane Chapo, who prayed in Portuguese for children in Mozambique, Africa, and beyond. She asked for God’s provision of safe homes, education, health, and freedom for all children, urging a future where they could grow to become strong, honest, and compassionate leaders.

The Annual Prayer Service, convened on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, is organised by World Vision International in partnership with leading global faith-based and humanitarian organisations.