Dear All Children,
Thank you for your strong activism and engagement in our work to end violence against children!
You continue to show the world that ending violence against children - together WITH CHILDREN - is possible.
This year, I connected directly with more than 4000 children around the world. You are the experts of your own reality, and your voices shape the way we advocate for children’s wellbeing and protection from violence.
When visiting different countries and in online interactions, you have told me about your creative actions of driving positive change. We discussed the different forms of violence children face and what causes them. In our conversations, I’ve learned so much from you about your experiences and how you are advising your governments and other decision makers to make sure every child can grow up safe and free from violence. Your voices inform and inspire my work, including many child-friendly booklets.
Pathfinding Countries around the world in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas met to talk about ending violence against children. Children joined these meetings and shared ideas with leaders and policymakers. You emphasized especially the need for governments to listen to them and to take their participation seriously.
I want to thank and commend you for your tireless commitment despite the challenges many of you are facing. You are incredibly strong drivers for positive change! You are innovating and leading the way when it comes to bridging protection challenges.
I am looking forward to connecting with more and more of you next year, ensuring your voices are more and more heard and your initiatives are more and more well-known!
Your voices are not 'too small' to be heard, and your dreams are not 'too big' to be realized. Happy 2026!
May all of you always feel safe, protected, heard, and encouraged.