World Children’s Day 2024, themed “Listen to the Future,” emphasizes the critical need to amplify children’s voices as we address global challenges, with health as a pressing priority. Children are not just beneficiaries of healthcare—they are active participants with valuable insights into barriers like stigma, inadequate facilities, and financial burdens. Nelson Mandela’s words, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children,” remind us of the moral imperative to prioritize their wellbeing.
Every year on November 20th, the world observes World Children’s Day, a moment to reflect on progress in advancing children’s rights and the work that remains. This year’s theme, “Listen to the Future,” emphasizes the importance of truly hearing and valuing children’s voices as we face the global challenges ahead—health being one of the most pressing.
Children are not just passive recipients of healthcare—they are active stakeholders. Listening to their voices can highlight the barriers they face, whether it’s inadequate facilities, stigma, or financial burdens on families. As Nelson Mandela famously said, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” Their insights are essential in guiding the design of child-friendly policies, ensuring that healthcare is not only accessible but also inclusive, equitable, and effective.
The theme “Listen to the Future” also aligns with the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), where Article 24 guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health.
However, ensuring this right requires addressing broader determinants of health—like education, clean water, and safe environments. When children express concerns about issues such as exam stress or polluted air, they are revealing deep-rooted health needs—physical, mental, and environmental—that require urgent attention.
As Malala Yousafzai once said, “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” This powerful statement mirrors the One Health approach, which acknowledges that the health of people, animals, and the environment are all interconnected.
The child represents the future, the teacher symbolizes collaboration, the book is knowledge, and the pen signifies action. Together, they illustrate how children, when empowered, can drive change and foster healthier ecosystems for all.
Mental health is another critical area that requires attention. According to UNICEF, nearly 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10–19 experience mental health conditions, yet stigma and a lack of resources prevent many from seeking help. Listening to children’s struggles, anxieties, and aspirations is the first step in breaking the silence surrounding mental health and in creating safe, supportive environments for all.
As Kofi Annan once stated, “There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children.”
By truly listening to children’s voices, we do more than acknowledge their concerns—we take action to co-create a healthier, more equitable world where every child can thrive.
As we reflect on World Children’s Day 2024, we must ask ourselves: Are we ready to listen to the voices of tomorrow and act on the vital insights they offer?
Biography:
Sharif Mohammad Sadat is a medical student from Bangladesh currently serving as the Regional Director for Asia Pacific at the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA), a member of the WHO Youth Council. A passionate global health advocate, Sadat is dedicated to promoting sustainable health practices and ensuring health for all. His initiatives focus on making healthcare accessible and equitable, particularly for marginalized communities. He has a strong interest in One Health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. His efforts aim to merge social growth with medical knowledge, contributing to a healthier and more equitable society.