Excellencies –
ladies and gentlemen, fellow children and young people.
I was born the same year as the Convention of the rights of the Child. I belong to the first generation that has grown up with the convention.
The past two days I have had the pleasure of sharing experiences with young people from all around the world. The challenges in our lives differ a lot. Nevertheless we share the need to be protected against violence and we share the need to be heard in matters that concern us.
Ladies and gentlemen. Adults.
Children are the only true experts on what it is like to be a child. I call on you always to consult us before you make decisions that affect us.
Remember that the times are changing. We are young in another way than you were. We live in a different world than you did. For that reason, you shall never assume that the challenges today are the same as you faced when you were a child. We have the competence that you need. Our participation will benefit society, not only today, but also our common future.
I hope that our contributions over the past few days will lead to an actual and genuine culture for always consulting children in matters that concern us. We, the young people of the world, insist on being both seen and heard, not only observed. You need our experience, our passion and our honesty.
Thank you.