Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali, Secretary General of the GNRC

On 26 June 2024, Arigatou International, the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities, and GNRC Tanzania hosted the first pre-forum meeting in Dar es Salaam in preparation for the GNRC Sixth Forum in Abu Dhabi this November. The pre-forum meeting brought together 70 participants from across fifteen countries, both virtually and in person.

Guided by the theme, Looking Back, Forging Ahead, participants reviewed the progress made in eradicating child poverty in  Tanzania and the region since Dar es Salaam hosted the GNRC Fourth Forum in 2012. The Fourth Forum, attended by the then Tanzanian president, His Excellency Jakaya Kikwete, saw the introduction and strengthening of the Children Solution Lab (CSL) project by Arigatou International’s Interfaith Initiative to End Child Poverty in partnership with GNRC Tanzania.  

According to Ms. Joyce Mdachi, the GNRC Tanzania Coordinator, the project has not only educated children on poverty but also empowered them to identify the root causes in their communities and find lasting solutions. Ms. Mdachi also noted that the Tanzanian government’s implementation of the strategy to allocate 10 percent of district income for free grants to women, youths, and persons with disabilities has been a beacon of hope.

During group discussions, participants at the pre-Forum meeting unanimously agreed that the theme and sub-themes of the GNRC Sixth Forum were timely and pertinent to the challenges faced by the children of Africa. Major challenges affecting African children highlighted by panellists included: the spread of violent conflict across Africa, the effects of climate change on safety and livelihoods, and  the impacts of the internet and digital technology.

“The call of the child is very important and cannot be ignored. It is one we must listen to,” Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali, Secretary General of the GNRC. “This call is a reminder of the urgency and necessity of our participation in the GNRC Sixth Forum, and why we need to work collectively to make a better world for our children.”

In preparation for the GNRC Sixth Forum, the GNRC is revisiting the regions where the last two GNRC forums were held and the region where the Sixth Forum will take place to take stock of past achievements and mobilize participation and collect input for the upcoming Forum. The Dar es Salaam pre-forum meeting also featured insightful testimonials from faith leaders, GNRC members, and youths who participated in the Fourth and Fifth Forums as children. 

Ms. Joyce Mdachi, Coordinator, GNRC Tanzania

Mr. Mohamed Vella, Youth, GNRC Tanzania