As we mark #EarthDay today, we turn towards one of the most urgent issues the Earth is facing today and this year’s Earth Day theme - Planet vs Plastic! Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic waste suffocate our ecosystems, causing dire consequences, especially for our children, who are the most vulnerable among us. The production of plastic on a global scale has been increasing rapidly over the past few decades. According to Statista, the amount of plastic waste produced has increased by 7.11% since 2021. Currently, more than 380 million tonnes of plastic are manufactured, with half of them being intended for single-use purposes. These actions have a direct impact on our health and well-being, especially for children. Infectious diseases, air pollution, rising temperatures, and malnutrition are some of the factors that affect them the most. According to the World Health Organization's analysis of the impact of climate change on human health, children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable, regardless of the country's level of development. This age group bears 88% of the total burden of disease caused by climate change, while an additional 5% of the burden affects children between the ages of five and 14. While it is important to understand that each one of us can contribute towards addressing the plastic epidemic, the role of business and the private sector in creating a healthier future for our planet cannot be ignored. The private sector is at a turning point, with a unique chance to shift toward sustainability and safeguard the rights and health of future generations. During #COP28, UN Environmental Executive Director Inger Andersen cautioned that plastics cannot be relied upon as an alternative to energy systems as they decarbonise. The emissions produced by plastics are too costly for the world to bear. Furthermore, even if we did rely on plastics as a "lifeboat," we would be aimlessly bobbing around while the world changes around us. By embracing a child rights perspective and prioritising children's well-being, corporate efforts can contribute to both environmental sustainability and the welfare of children. Discover how businesses can work together towards a sustainable future that prioritises our planet and our children: https://globalchildforum.org/blog/four-ways-that-business-can-ensure-a-greener-future-for-children/ Earth Day is an annual event held on April 22nd to show support for environmental protection. It was first observed on April 22, 1970, and now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by https://EARTHDAY.ORG .
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🚨 “Over a quarter of all disease burden among children under 5 years of age are attributed to adverse environmental conditions,” - Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, at the World Health Organization. The environment has a significant impact on the health and development of children. Every aspect, including the air they breathe, the water they drink, and the food they consume, can either positively contribute to their growth or pose health risks. Unfortunately, the current environmental crisis, marked by pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss, is a severe threat to the well-being of children. Amidst the challenges of environmental impacts on youth health, the corporate sector must take up the responsibility of mitigating these impacts. Regardless of their size or industry, companies should adopt sustainable practices that prioritise environmental stewardship and health promotion. In anticipation of World Health Day on April 7th, this year's theme, "My health, my right," highlights our interdependence and the importance of safeguarding children's rights: https://globalchildforum.org/blog/the-environment-and-health-nexus-a-critical-call-to-safeguard-our-youths-future/
Environment & Health: Safeguarding our Youth’s Future
For World Health Day 2024, Global Child Forum examines how corporates can protect the health of children by prioritising the environment.
https://globalchildforum.org/blog/the-environment-and-health-nexus-a-critical-call-to-safeguard-our-youths-future/
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This is a reminder of the interconnectedness between our environment and human health.
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That's a frightening number...The link between climate change and health needs to be highlighted
🌊 🚰 💙 Globally, more than 3 billion people rely on cross-border water supplies, yet only 24 out of 153 countries that share water resources have cooperation agreements in place. This World Water Day 2024, is themed ‘Leveraging water for Peace,’ because, in the face of increasing climate impacts and worldwide conflicts, cooperation is urgently needed. Water is more than just a resource, it is a human right. Access to clean water is vital, especially for children, as it not only promotes health but also saves lives. Diseases like malaria, cholera, and diarrhoea—leading causes of death among children under 5—can be significantly reduced with access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation. As we mark World Water Day on March 22nd, it is also important to recognise the crucial role companies can play in addressing water-related challenges. Their investments, innovations, and partnerships are instrumental in ensuring sustainable water management, fostering cooperation, and securing access to this fundamental human need. #WorldWaterDay
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Are you a fan of games that need to use brains? You are a person who likes games that are difficult, Not easy to overcome, Then octordle is born for you. It belongs to the top of the most difficult puzzle games https://octordlegame.io
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The need for water across the world keeps on escalating daily. We need to ensure these needs are taken seriously especially on #WorldWaterDay. Provision of clean water is a basic right, let us ensure everyone has enough access to it.
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Access to water is indeed a fundamental human right, and it's essential that we work together to ensure it for everyone.
🔔 “We firmly believe that businesses can be powerful change agents to create a sustainable future on a liveable planet for children and their communities. The IKEA Foundation, in collaboration with Global Child Forum, is dedicated to supporting businesses in putting children’s rights at the forefront of their operations and actively working to protect and promote these rights. This has never been more important than today in the context of the current climate emergency,” - Jessica Anderen, CEO at IKEA Foundation. It is with great pleasure that we announce that we have extended our partnership with the IKEA Foundation into the next four years to continue our work of influencing global corporations to increase their positive impact on children's rights. https://globalchildforum.org/press-release-global-child-forum-and-ikea-foundation-extend-partnership-amplifying-efforts-to-prioritise-childrens-rights-in-business/
PRESS RELEASE: Global Child Forum and IKEA Foundation Extend Partnership, Amplifying Efforts to Prioritise Children’s Rights in Business - Global Child Forum
Global Child Forum announces a 4.5 million Euro grant over four years from IKEA Foundation, to influence businesses to positively impact children’s rights.
https://globalchildforum.org/press-release-global-child-forum-and-ikea-foundation-extend-partnership-amplifying-efforts-to-prioritise-childrens-rights-in-business/
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With 2023 registered as the warmest year on the planet, the effect of climate change is accelerating and poses a direct threat to the well-being of children. To mitigate climate change, adapt to its effects, and advocate for the rights of children in the context of environmental issues, companies must be actively involved. This represents one of the many challenges affecting children in 2024. Read more on our website! https://globalchildforum.org/2024-action-agenda-confronting-the-10-challenges-affecting-children-worldwide/
10 Challenges Affecting Children in 2024 - Global Child Forum
Global Child Forum underlines the key children’s rights issues which will shape the organisation's agenda for 2024.
https://globalchildforum.org/2024-action-agenda-confronting-the-10-challenges-affecting-children-worldwide/
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The time to act is now!
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A big problem of climate change is that not only does it affect the grown ups, it does the children as well and future generations
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Companies should take caution on this matters and also we should take care of our environment to prevent climate changes caused by the activities we do on daily basis
❗ From today until 19 January, world leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, journalists, and activists will attend Davos 2024. Focusing on the World Economic Forum’s legacy of global cooperation and under the theme "Rebuilding Trust," this year's meeting aims to cultivate collaboration between the public and private sectors to address current global challenges. ❗Changing global economic conditions, conflicts, unprecedented heatwaves, and the rapid development of technology have a devastating effect on humanity and the future we leave for future generations. Children face a myriad of challenges, from limited access to quality education to the harsh realities of violence and exploitation. ❗As 25% of the world's population consists of children under 14 years old, it is important to keep in mind that these young people are most vulnerable to today's challenges. Their future is significantly influenced by decisions made at global forums, decisions for which they bear no responsibility. Therefore, we urge everyone involved in the conversation at Davos 2024 to take into consideration the unique challenges faced by children globally.
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"Rebuilding Trust".... Thanks for realizing that trust of these meetings is slowly fading away.
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Hoping for fruitful engagements
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Let's hope the discussions prioritize the well-being and future of the younger generation in addressing global issues.
Anastasia Crooks
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‼️ Act now – the time for change is here, for our children’s tomorrow. As COP28 UAE begins, we are encouraged by the progress being made toward establishing a climate loss and damage fund to aid vulnerable regions around the world. However, at the Global Child Forum, we stress the urgency of integrating children’s rights into the heart of climate discussions. Children’s rights must be a priority in sustainability strategies, especially as we face escalating climate challenges. The impact on children, particularly in vulnerable areas, is profound. #COP28 presents a unique opportunity for corporate leaders to commit to policies and practices that protect and empower our youngest citizens.
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I completely agree with this post.
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With COP28, I hope to see the vulnerable persons taken into account and shielded from effects of climate change
"Providing a living wage is a crucial step towards addressing child labour, particularly in sectors like agriculture that are vulnerable to climate change impacts. A living wage helps to break the cycle of poverty by contributing to community development because they foster economic stability, empower local economies, and, of course, support the overall well-being of the community. Stronger communities are more equipped to address the root causes of child labour." - Katarina Mellstrom, Secretary General Global Child Forum. The latest episode of The SDG Insider podcast initiated by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) looks at the importance of agriculture and fishing when it comes to ending hunger and poverty. The conversation also touches upon how children are often affected, as the agriculture, aquaculture and fishing sectors continue to have the highest share of child labour compared to all other sectors, and how companies should do better. Listen to the entire episode! https://www.globalreporting.org/news/podcasts/
GRI - Podcasts
https://www.globalreporting.org/news/podcasts/
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I agree with Katarina Mellstrom that providing a living wage to agricultural workers is a crucial step towards addressing child labor.
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I agree that by provision of a fair wage, we can stop child labour even because the children will not be forced to lend a hand to providence if the parents can handle the responsibility
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By drawing attention to the prevalence of child labor in agriculture, aquaculture, and fishing sectors, the quote underscores the need for companies to prioritize responsible practices and contribute to broader global goals of ending hunger, poverty, and promoting sustainable development. The podcast episode serves as a platform for further discussion and education on these crucial issues.
https://globalchildforum.org/forum/digital-discussion-the-state-of-childrens-rights-and-business-in-2023/ 📣Earlier this week, we hosted three engaging digital discussions on insights from the State of Children's Rights and Business Benchmark report for 2023. We were honoured to be joined by experts from the corporate and financial worlds, who shared their experience, knowledge and expertise when it comes to putting children's rights at the forefront of their strategic decisions. Thank you to Michele Buck from The Hershey Company, Hans Vestberg from Verizon, Daphne Hameeteman from Wilmar International, Yoly Crisanto from Globe Group, Sara Nordbrand from Telia and Sjoerd Rozing from Triodos Investment Management. If you missed the digital discussions, find them online on our website!
Digital Discussion: Examining the State of Children’s Rights & Business in 2023 - Global Child Forum
Join Global Child Forum for a digital discussion on the findings of its Children's Rights and Business Benchmark Report 2023.
https://globalchildforum.org/forum/digital-discussion-the-state-of-childrens-rights-and-business-in-2023/
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Thanks for sharing
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Thanks for sharing! I'm doing a talk about this subject with Stop Ecocide this week as well! https://www.stopecocide.earth/events/ecocide-law-and-the-rights-of-the-child
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This is great. Thanks for sharing.
🚨"This year, we are sounding an alarm. In the face of war, climate breakdown, and rising living costs, we see an aggregate decline in companies’ impact on children. The collective decline in commitment to children's well-being comes at a time when companies should be surging ahead to meet the Sustainable Development Goals." As we launch the 2023 Global Benchmark, find out more about the state of Children's Rights and Business from Katarina Mellström, Global Child Forum Secretary General. Read the full report: https://globalchildforum.org/global-benchmark-report-2023-the-state-of-childrens-rights-and-business/ https://youtu.be/tsD4QXDElqU?si=QgfIOOw7biL4FYNe
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Children's rights have to be protected by having eco-friendly business practices.
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It's every child's right to have a good place to live in, we have to look out for our children's wellbeing
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Children have a role to play in climate action
https://globalchildforum.org/forum/digital-discussion-the-state-of-childrens-rights-and-business-in-2023/ 🔊Join us for a series of thought-provoking digital discussions on the State of Children’s Rights & Business in 2023! A collaborative effort by Global Child Forum and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the 2023 report covers an unprecedented 1,108 companies, giving us the most detailed and in-depth answer to how the private sector views children’s rights. Its insights will help you make more informed decisions and enhance your social impact, whether you are working in the financial or private sector. Depending on your time zone, we have prepared three events this year, where we are honoured to host a range of experts from the corporate world, all of whom represent leading companies in their respective benchmark sectors, who will share their reflections on upholding children’s rights. ✅ The Americas November 6, 15:00-16:00 (CET) | 09:00-10:00 (EST). Discussion leaders: Michele Buck – The Hershey Company and Hans Vestberg – Verizon ✅ Asia Pacific November 7, 08:00-09:00 (CET) | 15:00-16:00 (SGT). Discussion leaders: Daphne Hameeteman – Wilmar International and Yoly Crisanto – Globe Group ✅ Europe November 7, 14:00-15:00 (CET). Discussion leaders: Sjoerd Rozing, CFA – Triodos Investment Management and Sara Nordbrand – Telia Company Together we can drive positive change for the future of children! Find out more and register: https://globalchildforum.org/forum/digital-discussion-the-state-of-childrens-rights-and-business-in-2023/ #GCFBenchmark2023 #GlobalChildForum #CorporateResponsibility #SustainableInvestment
Digital Discussion: Examining the State of Children’s Rights & Business in 2023 - Global Child Forum
Join Global Child Forum for a digital discussion on the findings of its Children's Rights and Business Benchmark Report 2023.
https://globalchildforum.org/forum/digital-discussion-the-state-of-childrens-rights-and-business-in-2023/
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Great! Get ready for great games on https://tiny-fishing.co/
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Looking forward to joining
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I can't wait to join
❗Over the past six years, a staggering 43 million children have been displaced, each day witnessing the heartbreaking equivalent of 20,000 young lives disrupted by extreme weather events. A groundbreaking analysis by UNICEF and the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) reveals that floods and storms accounted for a staggering 95% of recorded child displacements between 2016 and 2021. In 2021, the International Energy Agency (IEA) sounded a dire warning that the world must cease further expansion of oil, gas, and coal production to avert catastrophic climate breakdown. However, recent United Nations assessments reveal alarmingly off-track reductions in emissions, further intensifying the climate crisis. The consequences of displacement are universally traumatic, yet for children, the toll is especially devastating, with their education disrupted, life-saving vaccines missed, and social networks shattered. Recognising this crisis, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child announced at the end of August that nations must take decisive action in safeguarding children’s environmental rights. With authoritative guidance on the fundamental right of children to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, the Committee is urging governments to regulate business activities. Our mission and commitment to encouraging companies to integrate children's rights into their environmental strategies and supply chain operations resonate deeply with this call to action. As part of our annual Benchmark report, one of the indicators we focus on is Community & Environment, looking at the impact through operations and supply chains, where companies significantly affect children’s lives through their environmental impact, with intensive land use, chemical and water usage, energy consumption, and packaging. The social impact is equally profound, affecting children's access to healthcare, education, and social protection. While these issues are primarily the responsibility of the public sector, businesses play an essential role, especially in areas with weak state protection or when companies seek to contribute to society. Find out more about our work with assessing companies: https://globalchildforum.org/benchmarks/ https://globalchildforum.org/benchmarks/ #ChildrensRights #ClimateAction #GlobalChildForum
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When you deep it, these are mad numbers and so many livelihoods destroyed by extreme weather events. Hopefully we can do better for our children
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Children rights need to be protected by enhancing a livable planet.
As New York, London, Milan and Paris are overflowing with stylish people this month, it's crucial to keep in mind the impacts of fashion on society and the environment. 🌍❗ With a value of 1.3 trillion USD and employing more than 300 million people in its value chain, the fashion industry also has a responsibility towards children. Fashion brands must do all they can to eliminate child labour, market responsibly, and last but not least, take into account their impact on the environment. Find out more about what fashion brands can do to implement a child rights approach: https://globalchildforum.org/blog/small-hands-big-brandswhat-can-be-done-to-ensure-child-rights-are-respected-in-the-fashion-industry/
Small Hands, Big Brands:What Can Be Done to Ensure Child Rights are Respected in the Fashion Industry? - Global Child Forum
Small Hands, Big Brands:<br/>What Can Be Done to Ensure Child Rights are Respected in the Fashion Industry?
https://globalchildforum.org/blog/small-hands-big-brandswhat-can-be-done-to-ensure-child-rights-are-respected-in-the-fashion-industry/
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Your hard work and dedication are truly admirable. https://run3online.pro
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A very important perspective, thank you for sharing!
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The need for fashion brands to be considerate of their actions in all aspects.
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plastics are the greatest enemy of our lands