In the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, hundreds of decision-makers, international officials, and child rights advocates gathered at a global summit. The event aimed to make the health, education, and protection of children higher priorities for governments.
The two-day World Summit on Investing in Children's Well-being brought together over 600 participants from more than 100 countries. Attendees included high-ranking representatives from the United Nations, government delegations, first ladies, and experts in development and child rights.
The event takes place during a complex period when many states face challenges in combating child poverty, improving access to healthcare and education, and protecting millions of children from exploitation, violence, malnutrition, and social isolation.
The main message of the discussions was that investing in children is not only a social obligation but also an investment in the future. Without proper protection, education, and healthcare, children are exposed to increased risks of long-term difficulties, which can negatively affect entire communities and the national economy.
At the opening ceremony, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, spoke, whose government has implemented reforms aimed at expanding social services and providing greater support to vulnerable families. The First Lady of Uzbekistan, Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, also addressed the attendees, alongside representatives from the UN and participating countries.
Notable speakers included Bangladesh's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Halilur Rahman, who also serves as the President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. UN Secretary-General António Guterres sent his message through the organization's coordinator in Uzbekistan, and Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed delivered a video address.
UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children, Najat Maalla Majid, also spoke at the opening, emphasizing the critical importance of protecting children from neglect, exploitation, and abuse.
Several first ladies participated in the high-level discussions, including Emine Erdoğan from Turkey, Aigul Dzaparova from Kyrgyzstan, Tamara Vučić from Serbia, Nehmat Aun from Lebanon, and Oxlilia Mnangagwa from Zimbabwe. Their presence demonstrated international attention to children's issues.
However, the main challenge lies in translating political declarations into real measures that improve the lives of children and their families.
Participants also considered the needs of children with disabilities, those lacking sufficient family support, and those whose development and education suffer due to poverty, discrimination, or social isolation.
Parallel to the summit, a separate international congress on childhood cancer is being held, drawing attention to the vast gap in access to diagnosis and treatment worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 400,000 children and adolescents contract cancer annually.
Survival rates among children with cancer vary significantly depending on the country. Over 80% of children with cancer survive in high-income countries, whereas in several low- and middle-income countries, this rate remains below 30%. This contrast reflects differences in access to early diagnosis, vital medicines, specialized treatment, and long-term medical care.
For many families, a child's chance of survival depends not only on the type of illness but also on where they live and the ability to receive necessary treatment. Improving outcomes requires investment in hospitals, qualified medical personnel, reliable drug supplies, and healthcare systems that allow children to receive care without excessive financial burden on their families.
The childhood cancer congress integrates these inequalities into a broader discussion on children's well-being, stressing the need to ensure quality medical care for every child, regardless of the family's financial status or country of residence.
Issues such as mental health, childhood obesity, and preventable diseases were also discussed in Samarkand.
For millions of children facing poverty, illness, inadequate education, or lack of protection, the significance of the Sam Summit will be determined not by the number of countries represented, but by whether the commitments made here lead to real changes in their daily lives.