The World Council of Churches (WCC) is inviting its member churches and partners to participate in two events to celebrate World Children’s Day on Nov. 20. The first event will be an online symposium at 2:30 a.m. Eastern, which will provide a platform for participants to discuss progress in child protection, child participation, and intergenerational climate justice. The symposium will also feature testimonials from Child Helplines in Africa and meaningful participation by children and youth in churches, as well as intergenerational climate justice champions from churches in Asia. This event will be hosted by the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission.
Additionally, a hybrid conference will take place in Mumbai, India, at 9 a.m. Eastern on the same day. This online and onsite event, co-organized with Arigatou International, UNICEF and interfaith partners, will highlight the theme “Caring for our Children is Caring for our Planet.” Children engaged in the Churches’ Commitments to Children implementation will share their views on climate justice and WCC will emphasize the urgent need to address misinformation around the climate emergency, defuse carbon bombs, and pave the way for a sustainable future that puts children’s well-being at the center of decision-making.
Both events are designed to embrace global fellowship and inspire meaningful participation in promoting the well-being and rights of children around the world. The symposium and conference provide opportunities to engage with important topics such as child protection, child participation, and climate justice and will feature the insights and experiences of children themselves as well as champions from churches