The 4th ASEAN Children Forum had the participation of 35 children aged from 12 to 18 from 9 countries in the region. Through discussions, the young delegates voiced their opinions and views on the drafting of a joint statement for ASEANchildren to submit to ministers in member countries.
"The issue I brought to today’s discussion is how to encourage children to participate in the local voluntary activities in order to develop localities." - Huynh Thanh Minh, Representative, Quang Binh Prov.
Held for the first time in the Philippines, the ASEAN Children Forum is intended to collect children’s ideas and create an environment for children to express their opinions, contributing to creating a friendly ASEAN community in which all children are able to enjoy common values.
"This forum is a vivid example in which ASEAN countries including Vietnam exercising children’s rights as well as respecting their ideas and opinions. We hope that this is a good way for children’s opinions to be submitted to their respective governments to better protect them in the future." - Dang Hoa Nam, Head, Department of Child Care and Protection
Also in the opening ceremony, competition prizes for painting and slogans for theASEAN Vision 2025 were awarded. The paintings will be exhibited during forum from June 20 to 23.
