ADOLESCENT & CHILD PARTICIPATION
“If we are to reach real peace in this world… we shall have to begin with children.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Mandela Meet and Greet
Former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela greets adolescent participants at the Children's Form in May 2002.
©UNICEF/2002/Susan Markisz
Indigenous Wayuu adolescent prepares for dance.
Olimpia Palmar, 20, paints the face of Annieli Belen Finol, 15, in preparation for a traditional dance performance, at the home of a friend in the town of Paraguaipoa in the north-western state of Zulia. Both girls are members of the indigenous Wayuu group, and Olimpia works as a youth producer for a UNICEF-supported Radio Fe y Alegria ('Faith and Happiness'), a UNICEF-supported radio station that broadcasts programmes about Wayuu language and culture. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2006-2429/Markisz
Kenyan child delegate in indigenous dress.
A child delegate from Kenya participates in the Special Session on Children at the United Nations in May 2002. ©UNICEF/2002/Susan Markisz
An image of youth activist Minahil Sarfraz, wearing a head scarf, reflected in a window, at UNHQ.
On 19 September 2016, Irish Youth Ambassador Minahil Sarfraz, a 15-year-old refugee youth activist from Pakistan, participates in a panel discussion inside the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Media Zone at United Nations Headquarters. ©UNICEF/Susan Markisz
A girl places her painted handprint on a large painting.
A girl delegate places her hand print on a mural in the afternoon plenary session of the Children's Forum as part of the United Nations Special Session on Children, 5 May 2002. ©UNICEF/2002/Susan Markisz
Malala Yousafzai
An attendee at the Global Education First Initiative Anniversary celebration event "Delivering on the Global Education Promise" takes a photograph of education activist Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan with a mobile phone at United Nations Headquarters. Malala is the courageous education activist who, along with friends, was shot by the Taliban in October 2012 for advocating for girls' education in her country. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2013-0779/Susan Markisz
Vietnamese Advocate Phuong Anh
Vietnamese advocate and performer Nguyen Thi Phuong Anh, 16, sings at a reception following the 2nd Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities Forum, at UNICEF House in September 2013. Phuong Anh, who is called Crystal, was born with osteogenis imperfecta, a genetic disorder that causes fragile bones. A role model in Viet Nam, she has broadcast radio messages to rural villagers at Voice of Vietnam since the age of 8 and continues to deliver her message to help children with disabilities. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2013-0730/Susan Markisz
Brazil Indigenous Advocate Urapinã Pataxó
Urapinã Pataxó (also called Danilo de Jesus Lacerda), 15, from the indigenous village of Pataxó de Coroa Vermelha in Brazil’s north-eastern Bahia State, attends the ‘Listen & Act’ gathering at UNICEF House. Urapinã, a featured speaker at the gathering, is among indigenous delegates attending the UN Forum meeting. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2010-0680/Susan Markisz
Millicent Otieno Orondo, Kenyan Child Delegate
Children's Forum delegate Millicent Atieno Orondo, 15, of Kenya addresses participants at the closing session of the World Fit for Children +5 plenary meeting at UNHQ on 13 December 2007. Millicent is one of two delegates to the Children's Forum chosen by their peers to present the recommendations of the Forum to the UN General Assembly. "This is our final chance to ask you to keep your promises and your final warning that action needs to be taken. Teach the child of today so as not to punish the adult of tomorrow. If adults commit to act for a better present, we commit to them a better future," she said. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2007-2011/Susan Markisz
Hong Kong Delegate Harrison Chung
Youth delegate Harrison Chung, from the UNICEF Hong Kong National Committee, speaks at the Malala Day celebration and UN Youth Assembly at UNHQ. A youth delegate from the NGO Plan Norway is taking his photograph with her mobile phone. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2013-0399/Susan Markisz
A girl wearing a floral headpiece speaks at an indigenous forum.
A girl delegate speaks at the ‘Indigenous Youth Initiatives’ event at UNICEF House on 19 May 2011. The gathering, featuring indigenous youths from Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Kenya and the United States of America, focused on youth-led projects on issues including climate change, empowerment among indigenous youth, human rights advocacy, and the right to education. ©UNICEF/2011/Susan Markisz
“SaveKidsLives” Flashmob in New York City
On 5 May 2015 in New York, City USA, 200 school children gathered in New York City’s Flatiron District in a “SaveKidsLives” flashmob, to raise awareness of school safety. Accompanying them was author, global advocate and South African campaigner on road safety and cancer, and granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, Zokela Mandela who is leading the ‘#SaveKidsLives’ official campaign for UN Global Road Safety Week, among others. ©UNICEF/2015/Susan Markisz
A group of girls take a selfie in New York City.
An adolescent girl takes a 'selfie' with other friends, following a gathering in New York City’s Flatiron District in a “SaveKidsLives” flashmob, to raise awareness of school safety, which took place on 5 May 2015 in New York, City USA. ©UNICEF/2015/Susan Markisz
Adolescents participate in a Wayuu traditional dance in a community center in Paraguaipoa, Venezuela.
Adolescent girls and boys from the indigenous Wayuu group perform a traditional dance at a community centre in the town of Paraguaipoa in the north-western state of Zulia, Venezuela in 2006. UNICEF supports the community through peer networks, as well as youth-produced radio programming featuring Wayuu language and culture. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2006-2431/Susan Markisz
Schoolmates, New York City
On 5 May 2015 in New York, City USA, 200 school children gathered in New York City’s Flatiron District in a “SaveKidsLives” flashmob, to raise awareness of school safety. ©UNICEF/2015/Susan Markisz
A child delegate addresses a disabilities conference
14-year-old delegate Rabjyot Singh Kohli of India, who has a disability, is interviewed by World of Inclusion Ltd. Managing Director (and UK Disabled Peopleís Council International Committee member) Richard Rieser, at the Forum on the Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities, at UNICEF House on 14 September 2012. Rabjyot has participated in mainstream schooling at St. Maryís School in New Delhi for the past eight years. The Forum's aim was to increase awareness of the situation and the rights of children with disabilities, who are among the world's most stigmatized and excluded children. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2012-1130/Susan Markisz
An adolescent girl plays the cello at the UN.
Nasim Saad, a musician with The World Youth Orchestra, a UNICEF National Ambassador for Italy, performs at UNHQ on 8 June 2005 at UN Headquarters. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2005-0770/Susan Markisz
Wilmot, a child delegate from Liberia, addresses the United Nations Security Council.
Wilmot, 16, a child delegate from Liberia, testifies on the impact of war on children, at a special meeting of the Security Council on this subject on 7 May 2002 at United Nations Headquarters. Children from three war-affected countries testified at a United Nations Security Council meeting on 'Children and Armed Conflict', at UNHQ.
©UNICEF/NYHQ2002-0105/Susan Markisz
A girls sings during a choral performance.
A girl from the UNICEF World Chorus, comprised of singers from several New York City school choral groups and a youth theatre, applauds during the 'Celebration of Leadership' concert at UNHQ in May 2002. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2002-0190/Susan Markisz
Cambodian and Chinese Child Delegates at a meeting in New York City.
Child delegates Rattana Lay of Cambodia and Jiayang Ma of China, both 17, attend the first day of the Children's Forum at UNICEF House on 9 December, 2007. Rattana also participated in the 2002 Special Session. The Children's Forum, a substantive supporting event of the World Fit for Children +5 plenary meeting at UNHQ. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2007-1919/Susan Markisz
A woman speaks in sign language to a friend on FaceTime.
New Yorker Maleni Chaitoo uses FaceTime, a mobile application for iPhones, to speak with a friend in Moscow, Russian Federation, during the 7th Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) at UN Headquarters on 11 June 2014. Both are deaf and are using sign language to communicate. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0769/Susan Markisz
A woman speaks in sign language to a friend on her cell phone on FaceTime.
New Yorker Maleni Chaitoo uses FaceTime, a mobile application for iPhones, to speak with a friend in Moscow, Russian Federation, during the 7th Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) at UN Headquarters on 11 June 2014. Both are deaf and are using sign language to communicate. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0768/Susan Markisz
Child delegates at the UN.
Children from all over the world represented their countries at the United Nations Special Session on Children in May 2002. ©UNICEF/2002/Susan Markisz
Qatari child delegate wearing a head covering at the UN.
Mariam Turki Al-Sabaie, a child delegate from Qatar, participated in discussions in the afternoon plenary session of the Children's Forum as part of the United Nations Special Session on Children, on 5 May 2002. ©UNICEF/2002/Susan Markisz
Gabriela Azurduy Arrieta, Bolivian Child Delegate addresses the UN General Assembly.
Children's Forum delegate Gabriela Azurduy Arrieta, 13, from Bolivia addresses the United Nations Special Session on Children at United Nations Headquarters on 8 May 2002. She is one of two delegates to the Children's Forum who have been chosen by their peers to present the recommendations of the Forum to the UN General Assembly. This is the first time in UN history that children are addressing the General Assembly. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2002-0148/Susan Markisz
Bolivia and Monaco Child Delegates at the UN.
Audrey Cheynut, 17, from Monaco, addresses the United Nations Special Session on Children at UN Headquarters. Gabriela Azurduy Arrieta, 13, from Bolivia stands nearby, waiting her turn to speak on 8 May 2002. The girls are delegates to the Children's Forum who have been chosen by their peers to present the recommendations of the Forum to the UN General Assembly. This is the first time in UN history that children are addressing the General Assembly. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2002-0146/Susan Markisz
A group of adolescents participate in a meeting at the UN.
Delegates to the Children's Forum gather for a group portrait at the close of their first day of meetings at United Nations Headquarters in May 2002. From 5 to 7 May 2002, more than 400 children met for a three-day Children's Forum at UNHQ.
Child delegate at the UN.
Children from all over the world represented their countries at the United Nations Special Session on Children in May 2002. ©UNICEF/2002/Susan Markisz
Indigenous youth advocate Indianara Ramires Machado speaks at UNICEF House.
Indianara Ramires Machado, representing the GuanarÌ-Kaiow ethnic group in Brazil, speaks at the "Indigenous Youth Initiatives" event at UNICEF House on 19 May 2011. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2011-0637/Susan Markisz
A girl helps an indigenous Masai activist during a meeting.
A child delegate from Kenya gets an assist from a fellow child representative during the Special Session on Children at the United Nations in May 2002. ©UNICEF/2002/Susan Markisz
Malala Day at the UN.
(L-R) President of the UN General Assembly Vuk Jeremic and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon greet education activist Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan following her address to youth delegates, at the Malala Day celebration and UN Youth Assembly at United Nations Headquarters on 12 July 2013. Malala is the courageous education activist who, along with friends, was shot by the Taliban in October 2012 for advocating for girls' education in her country. ©UNICEF/2013/Susan Markisz
Youth delegates during Malala Day at the UN.
(Foreground, left-right) youth delegates Jamira Burley, 23, from the United States of America, and Dejan Bojanic, 22, from Serbia, raise their hands with other delegates, to show their support for global education, during the Malala Day celebration and UN Youth Assembly at United Nations Headquarters on 12 July 2013. Ms. Burley and Mr. Bojanic are members of the GEFI Youth Advocacy Group, comprised of 15 outstanding youth leaders from around the world who are leading efforts to build momentum and galvanize action for global education.
©UNICEF/NYHQ2013-0400/Susan Markisz
Education activist Malala addresses the UN.
Education activist Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan receives a standing ovation during her address to youth delegates, at the Malala Day celebration and UN Youth Assembly at UNHQ. “So here I stand. So here I stand, one girl, among many. I speak, not for myself, but so those without [a] voice can be heard,” Ms. Yousafzai continued. Malala is the courageous education activist who, along with friends, was shot by the Taliban in October 2012 for advocating for girls' education in her country. Behind her on the dais (front row, left-right), UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and President of the UN General Assembly Vuk Jeremic join in the applause. ©UNICEF/2013/Susan Markisz
Education activists at the UN on Malala Day.
A youth delegate speaks at the Malala Day celebration and UN Youth Assembly at United Nations Headquarters on 12 July 2013. ©UNICEF/2013/Susan Markisz
Youth delegate at the UN on Malala Day.
Jamaican student and youth representative Charles Young speaks at the Malala Day celebration and UN Youth Assembly at United Nations Headquarters on 12 July 2013. ©UNICEF/2013/Susan Markisz
Colombian Actors participate in a theater production on political violence.
A young woman and young man, actors, laugh while gesturing with a gun during a performance of "Birds in Flight" at the Villa del Sol Educational Institute Secondary School in the municipality of Bello, near MedellÌn, Colombia. The play is about predatory birds who prey on their young; and a metaphor for the social and political violence in the 1980s and 1990s. Dressed in black, the actors are both perpetrators and victims. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2009-1741/Susan Markisz
Colombian Actors participate in a theater production on political violence.
A woman actor threatens a young man actor with a gun during a performance of "Birds Flight" at the Villa del Sol Educational Institute Secondary School in the municipality of Bello, near MedellÌn, capital of Antioquia Department, Colombia. The play is about predatory birds who prey on their young; and a metaphor for the social and political violence in the 1980s and 1990s. Dressed in black, the actors are both perpetrators and victims. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2009-1739/Susan Markisz
Studio portrait of disability activist Special Olympics Athlete Jared Niemeyer, 22, and Special Olympics International Global Youth Activation Program Specialist Jenny Zhong
Special Olympics Athlete Jared Niemeyer, 22, and Special Olympics International Global Youth Activation Program Specialist Jenny Zhong shared their feelings on inclusion for persons with and without disabilties in preparation for the Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities learning and advocacy event on 11 June 2014. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0815/Susan Markisz
Vietnamese activist Crystal addresses delegates at the Vietnamese Mission to the United Nations.
(Left-right) Deputy Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations Nguyen Trac Ba and Permanent Mission of Viet Nam to the United Nations Third Secretary Nguyen Duy Thanh meet with Nguyen Phuong Anh (Crystal), 16, at the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam to the United Nations, in New York City on 13 June 2014. Crystal is advocating for inclusion for youth with and without disabilities during the Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0787/Susan Markisz
Three people sitting in a meeting.
Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations Ambassador Macharia Kamau (left) meets with Leonard Cheshire Disability Campaigner Njelekela Ashura Michael, who is deaf, and Leonard Cheshire Disability Sign Language Interpreter Okeya Douglas Ondimu at the Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations, in New York City on 13 June 2014. Ms. Michael and Mr. Ondimuare advocating for inclusion for youth with and without disabilities during the Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities. Ashura is speaking in sign language. Ashura, 21, recently received a Diploma in Law from Inoorero University in Nairobi, Kenya, the only deaf law student at the university.
©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0786/Susan Markisz
Three men in an office setting.
Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations Ambassador Macharia Kamau (left) meets with Leonard Cheshire Disability Campaigner Njelekela Ashura Michael, (right), who is deaf, and Leonard Cheshire Disability Sign Language Interpreter Okeya Douglas Ondimu at the Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations, in New York City on 13 June 2014. Ms. Michael and Mr. Ondimuare advocating for inclusion for youth with and without disabilities during the Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities. Ashura is speaking in sign language. Ashura, 21, recently received a Diploma in Law from Inoorero University in Nairobi, Kenya, the only deaf law student at the university.
©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0786/Susan Markisz
Two men smiling in a city street.
United Nations Global Education First Initiative and Youth Advocacy Group advocate Rolando Villamero, Jr. and Leonard Cheshire Disability Campaigner Marcus Mathew Operiano walk along Fifth Avenue in New York City to attend a meeting with Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations Ambassador Libran N. Cabactulan. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0782/Susan Markisz
Three men sitting, discussing in a room.
Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations Ambassador Libran N. Cabactulan (left) meets with United Nations Global Education First Initiative and Youth Advocacy Group advocate Rolando Villamero, Jr. and Leonard Cheshire Disability Campaigner Marcus Mathew Operiano in New York City. Mr. Villamero and Mr. Operiano are advocating for inclusion for youth with and without disabilities during the Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0783/Susan Markisz
Two young women hold hands at a disabilities conference.
(Left-right) U. S. Fund for UNICEF Spokesperson for Children with Disabilities and Special Olympics Global Messenger Lucy Meyer, 15, and Leonard Cheshire Disability Campaigner Njelekela Ashura Michael hold hands to show each other moral support, during a preparatory session for an Activate Talk, on 11 June 2014. Activate Talks bring together innovators, experts and thought-leaders for panel discussions showcasing the latest innovations that can deliver progress on the major issues confronting the most vulnerable and marginalized children. Lucy was born with Cerebral Palsy and Ashura Michael is deaf. Both are advocating for inclusion for people with and without disabilities. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0776/Susan Markisz
An adolescent girl addresses a meeting in sign language at the UN.
Leonard Cheshire Disability Campaigner Njelekela Ashura Michael, who is deaf, addresses participants at the 7th Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD). She is speaking in sign language. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0766/Susan Markisz
Disability activists at the UN sign their applause in sign language at a conference.
(Left-right) Leonard Cheshire Disability Campaigner Njelekela Ashura Michael and World Federation of Deaf advocate Johannes Abram Jordaan (Braam Jordaan) applaud in sign language during the 7th Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) at United Nations Headquarters on 11 June 2014. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0773/Susan Markisz
Young girls participate in a meeting at the UN.
(Left-right) Kate Boyle and Alana Joseph, 10-year-old girls from a New York City primary school, read a 'Go Girls!' pledge medallion that they can sign, supporting education for all, during the 'Girls' Education: The Biggest Lesson Ever' event at United Nations Headquarters on 9 April 2003. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2003-0127/Susan Markisz
A woman uses an assistive listening device at a meeting at the UN.
UNICEF Media Specialist Najwa Mekki speaks into a digital wireless assistive listening device, which amplifies speech and transmits the sounds to a hearing aid or receiver, for people with hearing impairment, during the Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities learning and advocacy event, on 9 June 2014 at UNICEF House. Quality hearing aids, assistive listening technologies (FM-systems, induction loops, digital wireless assistive listening devices) and real-time captioning are necessary for participation of hard-of-hearing people in society. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-076/Susan Markisz
Vietnamese activist Crystal holds up her arms in a gesture.
Nguyen Phuong Anh (Crystal), 16, of Viet Nam participates in a social media training session during the Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities learning and advocacy event on 9 June 2014. Phuong Anh was born with Osteogenesis imperfecta [also known as brittle bone disease] and is an advocate for children with disabilities. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0759/Susan Markisz
A woman participates in a disabilities conference at the UN.
Disabled Peoples International Global Network of Emerging Women Leader Abia Akhram speaks at the 7th Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) on 11 June 2014. Abia, 27, is the first ever Pakistani woman with disability to be nominated as the Coordinator for Commonwealth Young Disabled Peoples Forum and Global Coordinator at Global Network of Emerging Women Leader, Disabled Peoples International. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Gender Policy at the University of Warwick on scholarship.©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0771/Susan Markisz
Disabilities activists confer.
(Left-right) Special Olympics International Global Youth Activation Program Specialist Jenny Zhong and Special Olympics Athlete Jared Niemeyer participate in a social media training session during the Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities learning and advocacy event in June 2014. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0757/Susan Markisz
Disabilities activists confer.
(Left-right) Disability rights activist Samalie Lukabwe and UNICEF Uganda Child Protection Officer Christian Van den Kerckhoff participate in a social media training during the Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities learning and advocacy event on 9 June 2014. Samalie is a founder of the Uganda Albino Association, an organization that promotes and protects the rights of persons with Albinism. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0752/Susan Markisz
Disabilities activist Phuong Anh (Crystal) participates in a meeting at UNICEF Headquarters.
Vietnamese advocate and performer Nguyen Thi Phuong Anh, 16, moderates the Breakfast Meeting on Disability in the Lifecycle: Investing in Children, at UNICEF House on 23 September 2013. The meeting brought together civil society, government and United Nations leaders, and other participants to discuss the importance of increased investment to promote greater commitment to inclusion of children with disabilities across all sectors. Phuong Anh, who is called Crystal, was born with osteogenis imperfecta, a genetic disorder that causes fragile bones. A role model in Viet Nam, she has broadcast radio messages to rural villagers at Voice of Vietnam since the age of 8 and continues to deliver her message to help children with disabilities, including through her work as a Friend of UNICEF Viet Nam. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2013-0625/Susan Markisz
A woman and a man participate in a meeting on disabilities.
CBM International Coordinator of International Advocacy and Alliances Diane Mulligan chats with Pineda Foundation Director and founder Victor Pineda, at the Forum on the Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities, at UNICEF House on 14 September 2012. The Forum's aim was to increase awareness of the situation and the rights of children with disabilities, who are among the world's most stigmatized and excluded children. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2012-1138/Susan Markisz
Two young women embrace at a disabilities conference.
(Left-right) U. S. Fund for UNICEF Spokesperson for Children with Disabilities and Special Olympics Global Messenger Lucy Meyer, 15, and Leonard Cheshire Disability Campaigner Njelekela Ashura Michael embrace during a preparatory session for an Activate Talk. Activate Talks bring together innovators, experts and thought-leaders for panel discussions showcasing the latest innovations that can deliver progress on the major issues confronting the most vulnerable and marginalized children. Lucy was born with Cerebral Palsy and Ashura Michael is deaf. Both are advocating for inclusion for people with and without disabilities. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0776/Susan Markisz
Nigerian youth activist Salamatou AghaliIssoufa, 22, wearing a black head scarf, addresses the UN on ending child marriage.
Nigerian youth activist Salamatou Aghali Issoufa, 22, speaks at the discussion "Ending Child Marriage" at UN Headquarters on 11 October 2012. Ms. Issoufa avoided child marriage and now works as a midwife.
©UNICEF/NYHQ2012-1276/Susan Markisz