Mohamad Zahri (centre, with red tie), Gass (on his right) and Hayashi (yellow tie) at the launch of the Petaling Jaya Child-Friendly City Expo and World Children’s Day celebration. — KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star
Cities should be havens for children who should feel supported and empowered, says Petaling Jaya City Council’s Child Council president Alyssa Elyana Abdul Rahman.“It is our responsibility to advocate for cities that truly meet the needs of all children.
“Adults have the opportunity to build a stronger, more inclusive world by listening and acting upon children’s voices,” said Alyssa.
She was speaking at the launch of the Petaling Jaya Child-Friendly City Expo and World Children’s Day celebration held at the Petaling Jaya Civic Centre, Selangor.
“This expo is a unique platform where we, the younger generation, can come together to share ideas, experiences and solutions.
Participants visiting a booth at the expo during its launch.
“It’s a reminder that when children’s voices are heard, real change can happen,” said the 17-year-old.
She added that children should not just be regarded as the future generation, but must also be thought of as the present generation.
Some 300 students from 16 of the city’s primary and secondary schools participated in the expo.
There was a variety of activities at the expo, including a workshop on managing money organised by Yayasan Warisan Anak Selangor.
There was also a treasure hunt for the children, a recycling competition, photography competition, and book expo.
The Child Council also hosted a talk on cities for the students.
Meanwhile, Unicef Representative to Malaysia and Special Representative to Brunei Darussalam Robert Gass, who was present at the expo, said World Children’s Day commemorates the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
He said Malaysia became a signatory to the CRC in 1995.
“The CRC recognises childhood as a special, protected time.
“In this time, children grow, learn, play, develop and flourish with dignity.
“Unicef was established following World War II to advocate for the rights and welfare of children worldwide.
“Our purpose remains the same as we work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by ensuring children’s rights to good health, reduced inequalities, and sustainable cities and communities,” he said.Gass said Unicef was celebrating 70 years in Malaysia this year and had many milestones in the country.
“In October last year, we reached another milestone as PJ became the first city in Malaysia, and the region, to be recognised as a child-friendly city,” he said.
He noted that Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) had raised awareness and understanding about child rights within the city’s community.
“MBPJ has designed physical and social spaces such as The Spine at PJ Kita Community Centre that are inclusive and safe for children.
“MBPJ has also shown meaningful and inclusive child participation through the establishment of the PJ Child Council, and through the children’s involvement in the planning of the city,” he added.
Meanwhile, Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon, who was present at the launch, said MBPJ had awarded Ikano Power Station, The Curve and Restoran Meng Yang Two the status of Child-Friendly Commercial locations.
Childline Foundation chief executive Datin PH Wong was presented with the Child-Friendly Leadership award.
Martabat PJ, a non-governmental organisation that works with urban communities to eradicate poverty, received the city council’s nod as a Child-Friendly Community.
Also present at the expo was Japan’s Miyoshi mayor Hayashi Isao.
