The Ivoirian government and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have jointly appealed for increased investment in the welfare of children in Côte d'Ivoire. This appeal was made on November 13, 2026, during the launch ceremony of World Children's Day in Port-Bouët, attended by approximately 2,500 children. The event's theme was "My Day. My Right. My Future."
The UNICEF Resident Representative in Côte d'Ivoire, Jean-François Basse, emphasized that investing in children is crucial for the country's future. He noted that many children still face significant challenges, including poverty, inequality, malnutrition, limited access to quality education, and violence. According to Basse, children's rights should not be viewed solely as a social issue but also as an investment in human capital necessary for building a more productive, inclusive, and resilient society.
Basse also stressed the need for greater involvement from the private sector in supporting children's welfare. He suggested that companies can contribute to children's well-being beyond philanthropic efforts through their investments, innovations, technologies, and responsible practices. This, he believes, can help ensure a better future for the children of Côte d'Ivoire.
Philippe Lasmel, Director General of Cooperation at the Ministry of Planning and Development, speaking on behalf of the government, echoed the call for collective responsibility in realizing children's rights. He emphasized that this involves not just the government but also local authorities, development partners, the United Nations, civil society, families, and businesses. Lasmel noted that the issue of children's welfare is central to the country's development priorities, particularly through the National Development Program (PND) 2026-2030.
The National Development Program (PND) 2026-2030 aims to continue the country's economic and social transformation. Lasmel encouraged the private sector to contribute to creating an environment favorable to children and young people through investments, innovation capacities, job creation, and responsible practices. This, he believes, is essential for ensuring that children can grow and develop in a supportive and nurturing environment.
World Children's Day, celebrated annually on November 20, is dedicated to promoting and defending the rights of all children. It serves as an opportunity to remind states, families, institutions, and civil society of their responsibilities in protecting, educating, and ensuring the well-being of children. The day underscores the importance of collective action in safeguarding children's rights and promoting their development.
The celebration in Côte d'Ivoire highlights the government's and UNICEF's commitment to improving the lives of children. By calling for increased investment in health, education, and protection, they aim to address the challenges faced by many children and ensure a brighter future for the country's younger generation. Key to this effort is the involvement of all stakeholders, including the private sector, in supporting children's welfare.
Key points
- The Ivoirian government and UNICEF are calling for increased investment in children's health, education, and protection to address challenges such as poverty, inequality, and malnutrition.
