GNRC Fourth Forum

About 470 participants consisting of representatives from the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, Shinto, Sikh faiths and traditional religious groups; together with representatives from the United Nations and its agencies; the African Union and other multi-lateral institutions; civil society organizations; government officials; and children from around the world, convened for the GNRC Fourth Forum from 16th to 18th June 2012 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Forty-nine children from Africa, Arab States, Asia, Europe, Israel, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America representing diverse religions and cultures preceded their participation in the forum with a pre-meeting event from 14th to 15th June. They prepared themselves for active participation in the GNRC Fourth Forum, interacted among themselves and made significant contributions to the forum. They challenged adult participants to, among other things, change their attitude from ‘working for children’ to ‘working with children’.

The forum, whose theme was “Ending Poverty. Enriching Children: Inspire. Act Change”, was officially opened by then President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, on Saturday 16th June 2012, coinciding with the Day of the African Child.

Through plenary, panel and group discussions, roundtable meetings, and regional consultation sessions, the forum participants addressed the theme of the forum— poverty, and its devastating consequences on children. It focused on three concrete areas— corruption and poor governance, war and violence and unequal distribution of resources.

Presentations highlighted the need and challenges of building enduring partnerships to address poverty and fight corruption; ensure children and the marginalized are included in the development agenda, apply religious teachings about child poverty; and understand the place of governance in addressing public good.