UN photo exhibit offers glimpses into children's lives worldwide

A photo exhibition, entitled "Our Children, Our World," was launched on Thursday at the UN headquarters in New York on the eve of the Universal Children's Day and the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, both of which fall on Friday.

Consisting of some 100 selected images depicting the lives of children from 26 countries and regions, the exhibition seeks to bring the world's attention to the well-being of children around the globe.

In a written message delivered by Zeng Hu, head of Xinhua's North American bureau, Xinhua President Li Congjun said that Xinhua and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have jointly initiated a campaign to promote better understanding of the situation of children worldwide, as well as a 24-hour global live coverage on the Universal Children's Day.

Nearly 100 Xinhua photojournalists and contracted photographers were involved in a two-month photo coverage of the topics and events of the Universal Children's Day, Li said. More than 180 children from over 40 countries and regions were also invited to "take pictures of their world from their unique perspectives."

The photos on display were only a small portion of nearly 7,000pieces that have been received from around the world, he said.

"These photos, on the one hand, display the colorful life of children and bring up memories in adults of their happy childhoods. On the other hand, they also remind us that there are still many children in less fortunate situations and mankind faces a long way ahead in protecting the welfare of the children," Li said.

The exhibition was co-organized by Xinhua, China's leading media organization, and the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations.

"Protection, welfare and education of children are extremely meaningful undertakings," China's UN ambassador Zhang Yesui told UN officials, diplomats and journalists at the ceremony.

"Much of our efforts today, including our effort for economic and social development, environmental and ecological protection and public health endeavors, are to a great extent aimed at our future generations, so that they can grow in a peaceful, secure and healthy environment," Zhang said.

Zhang spoke highly of Xinhua and UNICEF for their joint efforts to "draw international attention to the importance of the welfare, protection and education of children, and to boost international exchanges and cooperation for children."

UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Saad Houry noted that the Convention on the Rights of the Child represents "a major milestone" in global efforts to achieve the rights of children.

"It codifies principles that member states of the UN agreed to be universal for all children in all countries, and cultures," Houry said.

The anniversary of the convention "provides an opportunity to recognize the progress made, but also to renew our collective commitment to realizing the rights of all children," Houry added.

The exhibition will remain open at the UN Headquarters until Nov. 30.

Source: Xinhua