Thai Child Representative Ming Calls on Global Leaders to Keep Their Promise to End Violence Against Children

As the world marks one year since governments pledged to end violence against children, a young Thai child advocate, “Ming” Satsawat, speak before ministers, UN leaders, and youth representatives at the “Dear Minister” session of the Ministerial Anniversary of Commitments to End Violence Against Children, hosted by UNICEF, WHO, and the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children (UNSRSG-VAC).

Ming shared his powerful journey from being a sponsored child in a conflict-affected area of Thailand to becoming a voice for other children across ASEAN. Representing children from Thailand and across the region, Ming delivered a moving message urging governments to turn their promises into action and to see child protection as a lifelong commitment, not a response to crisis. 

“If I had a magic wand,” Ming said, “I would wish for all governments to see child protection not just as a response to problems, but as a promise that must never be broken. Because children—no matter their ethnicity or where they live—deserve safe spaces, equal rights, and the chance to live fully and freely.”

Ming, supported by World Vision Foundation of Thailand, has been an active child advocate since participating in the ASEAN Regional Children’s Consultation on the Elimination of Violence Against Children (RPA EVAC) held in Jakarta, Indonesia earlier this year. The consultation, co-organized by Asia Joining Forces (a coalition of child-focused organizations chaired by World Vision), brought together children from seven ASEAN member states to share experiences and recommendations directly with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR).

At the regional dialogue, Ming spoke of his experience growing up in a border community affected by conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, where he helped lead youth activities and create child-safe zones in temporary shelters for displaced families.

“I have seen innocent children suffer from things they didn’t cause,” Ming said during his address. “Our voices can influence policy and create real change. Children today are the adults of tomorrow, and we must be part of shaping the future we will inherit.”

The “Dear Minister” session brought together children, youth, and survivor advocates from around the world to reflect on progress made since last year’s Ministerial Conference and to call for renewed accountability and concrete steps toward ending violence against children in all its forms.

World Vision continues to champion child participation across the region, ensuring that children like Ming are not just seen, but heard — as partners and change-makers in building a world where every child can live in safety, dignity, and hope.