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SIBU, Aug 14: Sibu is now part of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Child-Friendly Cities initiative following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sibu Municipal Council today.
SMC is the fifth local council in Sarawak to enter into similar agreements with UNICEF. The others are Miri, Kuching South, Kuching North and Padawan.
According to the 2020 Census, 20.9 per cent of Sibu’s population are children below the age of 14.
As part of the initiative, Sibu would implement measurea to improve children’s lives by having safer neighbourhoods, efficient school and health systems and enhanced infrastructure for the community.
“Through this journey to become a Child Friendly City, Sibu will transform into a city where every child enjoys every right, and no one is left behind. It is our sincere hope that this initiative will play a catalytic role in Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.” said UNICEF Malaysia Chief of Social Policy Dr Juanita Vasquez Escallon at the MoU signing.
SMC chairman Clarence Ting said the council would implement various measures, including urban planning, infrastructure, and community engagement for the initiative.
“By embarking on this journey, we want to build a Sibu where children have a good start in life, grow up feeling safe and cared for, and have opportunities to express their opinions and influence decisions on issues that affect them. As a city, we are still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and movement control order. This initiative will ensure we build back better”,he added.
Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Michael Tiang said the concept of Child-Friendly Cities Initiatives is not just an idealistic vision, but a practical necessity.
“By fostering environments that put children’s needs at the forefront, we are not only shaping the future of our cities but also the future of our society. Let us work together to build Sibu town that is truly worthy of our children’s dreams. Let us envision Sibu to become a town where every child has the opportunity to flourish, regardless of their background or circumstances,” he added. — DayakDaily
