Close to 150 participants joined from multiple global faith networks, regional bodies, governments, NGOs and youth leaders.
Youths nominated to attend from Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, Bangladesh and Myanmar shared their experiences living through and advocating against violence, encouraging leaders to do more.
“I feel so sad that there are many girls or children like me who are victims of child marriage and other forms of violence. It took me a lot of courage to speak up. If I had not spoken to my teacher, I wouldn’t be here today. That’s why I encourage youths to share their views and feelings,” said Meghla Akter from Bangladesh.
Faith network panellists included: Brahmachari Darshan Chaitanya from the Hindu organization, Chinmaya Mission; Ven. Galkande Dhammananda from the Buddhist Walpola Rahula Institute based in Colombo; Atallah Fitz Gibbon from the UK-headquarted humanitarian organization, Islamic Relief Worldwide, and; Moses Akash De Silva, an orphan-turned-pastor with the Sri Lankan non-profit, Voice for Voiceless Foundation.
Daniel Selvanayagam, World Vision’s Senior Director of Operations for East Asia, cited research from the US-headquartered Pew Centre of how more than four out of 10 countries have an official state or preferred religion, and more than eight out of 10 individuals globally identify with a faith. “Whatever the news headlines may have you believe, we are a people and polity driven by faith, not violence,” he said.
World Vision is rolling out the “It takes a world to end violence against children” campaign with partners across 17 Asian countries with a focus on ending child marriage, sexual abuse, child trafficking, child labour, physical violence in schools and the home, and corporal punishment. Participating countries include: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Mongolia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
Campaign background: Read more here. Sign your personal pledge here.
World Vision background: World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation committed to helping children enjoy life in all its fullness. In the Asia Pacific region, World Vision works in 17 countries in nearly 600 project areas. We serve 1.25 million children who are sponsored by donors, along with their families and communities.