The first Mediterranean movement for children to lobby governments and civil society to put young people and their future at the top of the political agenda was inaugurated.

The Mediterranean Children’s Movement (MCM) is the brainchild of President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and her first working group meeting was held on Wednesday evening to coincide with International Children’s Day.

The online meeting included contributions from Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict; and Regina Jensdottir, Head of the Children’s Rights Division and Council of Europe Co-ordinator for Children’s Rights.

Composed of 12 children, aged 10 to 16, from Malta, Serbia, Tunisia, Cyprus and Slovenia, the MCM task force wants to demonstrate that a country that does not listen to 25% of its population less 18 cannot be called democratic nor can it produce responsible citizens.

Coleiro Preca, Chairman of the Maltese Foundation for the Welfare of Society and Chairman of Eurochild, said: “My dream was to bring the children of the Mediterranean together to speak with one voice, so that governments, policymakers, civil society and anyone who cares about the well-being of children, is committed to putting children and their future at the top of the political agenda.

“This is the only way to achieve lasting peace and holistic well-being in our beautiful Mediterranean region. We hope this first step will encourage children from other countries to join us in making their voices heard. more strongly.

In its mission statement, the movement stressed that if countries are serious about addressing key social challenges such as child poverty, inequality and child protection, it is essential that policies are informed by the life experiences of people. children.

The MCM hopes it can help shed light on a number of issues, including growing inequalities, child poverty in the Mediterranean, children living in conflict zones, developmental well-being, quality education and the impacts of climate change.

The MCM wants to work with other national organizations to undertake a Mediterranean child health policy initiative and advocate for justice, equality and peace.

It also plans to organize conferences that will allow Mediterranean children to delve into certain fundamental problems, contribute to country reports and listen to expert speakers to work towards finding solutions and ensuring progress.

The representative of Malta in the working group is Martina Olivia, 18 years old

“The MCM is going to make everyone realize that absolutely nothing in this world is worth more than the life and well-being of every child,” she said.

Those interested in becoming part of MCM or requesting more information can email here.