Statement of the UN RC in the Kyrgyz Republic, Ms Antje Grawe, at the Celebration of 30 Years of Cooperation between UNICEF and the Kyrgyz Republic

Excellency, Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva, Minister of Education and Science,
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests, colleagues and friends, 

Dear Samman and colleagues from UNICEF, 

Today, we gather to mark not one, but three extraordinary milestones that are deeply intertwined in purpose and spirit – a triple celebration of: 

• 35 years since the world enshrined its commitment to children through the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child;
• Thirty years since Kyrgyzstan proudly became a signatory to this groundbreaking treaty; 
• And thirty years of UNICEF’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children in this beautiful country. 

I would like to begin by celebrating the children of Kyrgyzstan, who can enjoy protection under the Convention on the Rights of the Child since 30 years. 

I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Kyrgyz Government for its steadfast commitment to the Convention, which was once again underlined by President Japarov’s inspiring words earlier today. Your dedication ensures that the children of Kyrgyzstan have the chance to grow, thrive, and contribute to building a brighter future for this nation.

And, of course, a special congratulations goes to UNICEF Kyrgyzstan, to Samman and his wonderful team. For three decades, UNICEF has stood as a tireless advocate and trusted partner, bringing together communities, governments, and organizations to improve the lives of children and their families.

UNICEF’s work in Kyrgyzstan is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration. From the impactful Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, which provides data to guide evidence-based policies, to their support of the ambitious education reforms and the recent launch of the Joint Digital Health Program with other UN agencies, UNICEF has consistently pushed boundaries and broken new ground. These efforts remind us that solutions are possible when we come together and collaborate across institutions and sectors—government, civil society, development partners, and the UN system.

This multi-partner and cross-sectorial approach is also the foundation for the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child—the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. Thirty-five years after its adoption, it remains a beacon of hope and a symbol of the world’s commitment to justice, equality, non-discrimination and dignity for every child.

The Kyrgyz government's recent commitment to eliminating corporal punishment further underscores the Convention’s ongoing significance and transformative impact.

Dear guests,

The Declaration on Future Generations adopted at this year’s Summit of the Future calls on all of us to ensure that future generations inherit a world founded on justice, equality, and sustainability. It reminds us of our duty to the young people of today and tomorrow and challenges us to ensure that the rights, hopes, and dreams of children remain at the forefront of every decision we make.

Therefore, on today’s World Children’s Day, let us embrace the global Go Blue campaign—not just as a symbolic gesture, but as a call to action. Let us commit to keeping children’s rights alive in our hearts, policies, and daily lives, every single day of the year.

In closing, I echo the words of the Secretary-General: “We must listen to children as they fight for their rights—and for humanity’s future.” Let us listen. Let us act. And let us always put children first.

Thank you—and Go Blue!