November 21, 2024,
Abu Dhabi, UAE
We are gathered in this plenary to launch the GNRC Strategy 2030.
GNRC was launched in 2000.
Today, as it was then, the Network’s determination of building a better world for children is as resolute as ever.
We are about to commemorate the GNRC’s 25th anniversary. What better way to do so than to launch a Strategy at the GNRC Sixth Forum?
The Strategy builds on the tremendous work done by our members at the grassroots.
It also builds on the decades of impact that the Network has had on children, families, and communities around the globe.
It reaffirms the GNRC’s vision and mission and sets out the Network’s strategic goals for 2030.
It lays out the steps to achieve more significant and profound impact as we work to protect all children, build their resiliency and hope, and free up their limitless potential.
This Strategy is the result of a process of deep reflection and extensive consultation and engagement with all our stakeholders, including children and young people, which captured diverse ideas, views, and aspirations.
The Strategy responds to the rapid changes we are witnessing in the world today.
It responds to the increased violence against children.
It responds to the widening inequalities
It responds to the increasing conflicts, climate-related disasters, food insecurity, and the digital revolution we are facing today.
The Strategy is our answer to the call of the child.
It responds to the valuable advice from the planning process of the GNRC Sixth Forum, in which senior religious leaders from diverse faith and spiritual traditions and leaders from multilateral, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations advised the GNRC Sixth Forum.
The strategy will provide the operational framework for the Abu Dhabi Declaration and Plan of Action, which will be adopted later this afternoon.
The GNRC recognizes that children must be actively involved in shaping their futures.
As such, child and youth participation will be at the heart of this Strategy, its implementation, and all our efforts.
We also acknowledge with deep gratitude the extraordinary support of the GNRC members, staff, partners, and the Arigatou International leadership.
Our ambition is immense. With all of us working together—religious and spiritual leaders, their communities, GNRC members, bilateral and multilateral partners, youth, and children—we can indeed build a hopeful, safe, secure, and sustainable world for all children.
Let’s do it!
