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strategic plan
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On Wednesday 31 October, more than 100 secondary school children
in Barbados converged at the UN House for a national youth consultation
to discuss the Barbados National Strategic Plan. This consultation
is being organized by the Office of the Advisor on Poverty Eradication
and the Millennium Development Goals, in collaboration with the
UNICEF Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
It is expected that the youth will examine the Strategic Plan in
relation to the MDGs and then pose questions to the panel comprising
of Representatives from the Economic Affairs Division, Social Policy
and Planning Division and a representative from the Emerging
Global Leaders group.
This activity is one of several activities being supported by the
UNICEF Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean to encourage
meaningful youth participation on issues that affect their lives.
UNICEF Representative Mr. Tom Olsen is expected to be one of the
panelists to offer some insight on the role of UNICEF in supporting
the Plan as it relates to achieving outcomes for children. He noted
that input from the youth is key to the success of any Strategic
Plan of the Government.
According to him, “national governments need to recognize
the importance of the opinion and voices of youth if they intend
to move forward with their development agendas, as does the UN.”
He further commended the Office of the Advisor on Poverty Eradication
and the Millennium Development Goals and the Government of Barbados
for such initiatives in ensuring that children and adolescents’
right to participation is fulfilled and hoped that the experience
in Barbados will set the lead for other countries to follow in the
region.
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