By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 21: Kota Samarahan is hoped to be the next municipality in Sarawak to implement the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), a UNICEF-led programme that supports municipal governments in upholding and promoting children’s rights.
Sarawak Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah noted that a Sarawak delegation comprising representatives from her ministry as well as Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Miri City Council (MCC) and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) have attended the UNICEF East Asia-Europe Child Friendly Cities Interregional Exchange in Madrid, Spain and Helsinki, Finland from Sept 4 to 9, 2023.
Prior to that, DBKU has signed a memorandum of understanding with UNICEF to implement the CFCI on Feb 2, 2023. It is the third local council in Sarawak to sign the CFCI initiative after MBKS on Oct 27, 2022, and MCC on Oct 31, 2022.
“And then this will be followed by SMC. So next, we hope Samarahan (Kota Samarahan Municipal Council or MPKS) will follow suit.
“This is our effort in order to see that as we develop and as we become more urbanised, we would also like to see CFCI (to be implemented) in all our main cities,” she said when officiating at the Sarawak Urban Forum 1.0 opening ceremony on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) here today.
She further mentioned that UNICEF is currently sponsoring a comprehensive research project aimed at transforming municipalities in Sarawak into Child-Friendly Cities under the CFCI.
The research, which will be conducted in key areas including DBKU, MBKS, MCC, SMC, and potentially MPKS, will involve a situational analysis of each municipality’s current status.
“Based on the findings, proposals will be presented to the respective city councils, outlining the necessary programmes, initiatives, and transformations required to meet the CFCI standards.
“The initiative aims to make urban areas more inclusive and supportive environments for children, ensuring their needs and rights are prioritised in urban planning and governance,” she added. — DayakDaily
