The initiative is built on partnership relation between HCMC and UNICEF to address challenges faced by vulnerable children in HCMC such as poverty, being abused and exploited. The initiative aims to make HCMC the first friendly city to children in Vietnam, to expand partnership relation with political-social organizations, social and business communities, international organizations to improve living standard of children or children who can be prone to be abused or exploited.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Youssouf Abdel-Jelil, a representative of UNICEF Vietnam said: “The conference is one of the events to celebrate the 40th anniversary of strong co-operation between Vietnam and UNICEF. We are committed to ensure that all children in HCMC get benefits from basic services and social sponsoring system, to ensure healthy and safe environment for children, to contribute to the prosperity of Vietnam in the future”.

Mr. Hua Ngoc Thuan praised the initiative, saying that it will promote the improvement of living standard of children and the citizens. The initiative is where the voice of children and the youth will be respected and considered in all activities, children have the right to participate into the decision making process or actions of HCMC that are related to them. To achieve all the criteria of the so called “child friendly city”, Mr. Thuan said it is very crucial to have a high consensus and co-ordination from organizations, units, businesses, international and domestic non-governmental organizations, especially of the children and the young, community, society, etc.

HCM CITYWEB