By Jacob Achoi
KUCHING, April 12: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) is now partnering with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to further protect and look after the welfare of children at the local level.
With its partnership with UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), MPP is the fourth council to do so in the region, aside from Kuching City North Commission (DBKU), Kuching City South Council (MBKS) and Miri City Council (MCC), and the fifth in the country.
To mark the partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today at the MPP office between MPP chairman Tan Kai and UNICEF Deputy Representative Programme Sanja Saranovic.
Tan Kai said with the partnership, it is hoped that children would be better protected from violence and abuse, have equal access to essential services and able to develop to their full potential.
“As leaders, public figure, parents and as human beings, we must all do more to protect children’s dreams regardless of their ethnic origin, religion and income, gender and ability,” he said.
Saranovic said the MoU marks the beginning of the journey for MPP as part of a local and global network of more than 3,000 cities around the world.
She said the CFCI will complement the smart city proof of concept and sustainable development goals initiatives already undertaken by MPP.
“With this strategic partnership, I look forward to a more sustainable results for all children in Sarawak and the strength of a broad network of partners and global experience can play a catalytic role in Sarawak’s Post Covid Development Strategy,” she pointed out.
She thanked the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government which have demonstrated their commitment to enhance the wellbeing and rights of children. — DayakDaily
