Side Event on the Theme of "Shaping a Better Future for Out Next Generation" was held in Nairobi, Kenya.

On May 9th, the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference was held in Nairobi, Kenya. Civil society groups in China at the conference held a forum on the UN Civil Society Conference with the theme of "Shaping a Better Future for Out Next Generation". The conference was convened by a coalition of Chinese civil society groups including China NGO Network for International Exchanges, the Chinese Association for International Understanding, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the China Association for NGO Cooperation. The forum was attended by civil society representatives from multiple countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America. Chinese and international attendees at the conference shared insights on safeguarding the rights of children and adolescents and the significant role of the civil societies in this cause, offering valuable input for the UN’s upcoming “Summit of the Future”.

During her speech, Kristin Bodiford, member of the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference's Professional Committee, emphasized the significance of Chinese civil society groups hosting this forum. She highlighted that the conventional family and social frameworks are shifting in global transformations, exerting a deep-rooted influence on future global governance. Encouraging intergenerational dialogue and shared knowledge transfer spanning from traditional handicrafts to innovative technologies can foster social integration and progress, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow for upcoming generations.

Xiao Ningning, Deputy Secretary General of the Chinese Association for International Understanding, pointed out that China actively fulfills its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and takes various measures to effectively protect the rights and interests of children and adolescents. The civil society groups in China not only strive to promote the protection of children's rights in their own country, but also actively participate in international cooperation to jointly promote greater progress in the cause of global children’ s right protection. She called on civil societies from all countries to fully mobilize social forces, integrate resources from all parties, provide more professional services, enhance the exchange of ideas and practices, and work together to promote the high-quality development of children's rights protection.

Ji Wei, Deputy Director General of the Department of American & Oceanian Affairs in the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said that the youth are the future of the world, bearing the mission of the times. The more challenging the world is, the more it is necessary for young people from all countries to unite and work together to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, contributing to world peace and development. We look forward yo the upcoming UN "Summit of the Future” to address present challenges with a long term perspective, foster collaborative efforts among nations while championing the unity and cooperation of our global youth.

Wang Songtao, Deputy Director General of National Association of Vocational Education of China, stated the core role of vocational education in global youth development, especially digital vocational education, which is expected to become a vital global public product reflecting inclusiveness and sustainability. It will become an effective path for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of a community with a shared future for mankind. The national Association of Vocational Education of China calls on the UN to increase its attention to vocational education and provide strong platform support for international cooperation in vocational education.

Joy Katunge, Legal & Policy Advocacy Officer from the Kenya Alliance for Advancement of Children, believes that the cause of protecting children's rights requires not only the efforts of a few people, but everyone’s. There is a saying in Africa that goes, “Raising a child needs the help and support from the entire village”, emphasizing that everyone has a responsibility and obligation to care for and protect the healthy growth of children, and not to let any child fall behind. NGOs play a crucial role in safeguarding children's rights, supervising implementation, and promoting development, and are important defenders of children's rights.

Hideki Wakabayashi, board of Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation pointed out that when safeguarding children's rights and fostering youth development, an approach for heightened transparency and accountability should be adopted. Wakabayashi called for a collective effort towards nurturing a generation growing up in a safe, stable, clean, and pleasing environment, which is an important foundation of sustainable development. It is imperative that governments, society and families should join their efforts in paving the way for a brighter future for the future generations.

Wang Xiangyi, Secretary General of the China Association for NGO Cooperation, stated that climate change and AI pose serious challenges to the development of the youth. Civil societies will play an increasingly important role in education and training innovation, concept promotion, and capacity building. We call on more and more countries to pay attention to issues such as climate change and digital empowerment, promoting the healthy growth of the next generation in a constantly changing world.

Lyu Xiaoning, founder of Viva la Vida, showcased the children’s right protection projects under the cooperation between Viva la Vida and other civil societies from various countries. She shared stories of children using participatory art forms such as painting to interpret the childlike world and truly express themselves through various cases.

Representatives from the Economic, Social and Cultural Commission of the African Union, the UN Association of Cuba, and the Sikh Human Rights Group in the UK gave speeches on promoting youth development in the "Global South" and respecting cultural diversity. During the conference, Chinese civil societies held a photo exhibition with the theme of "Youth for Climate: Empowering Global Exchange and Education".