ISLAMABAD, October 21. /Dunyo IA/.  Pakistan’s newspaper “The Nation” has published an article on the opening in Samarkand of the World Summit on Investing in Children’s Well-being: A Path to Sustainable and Equitable Development for Future Generations, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the publication, the forum has brought together more than 600 policymakers, representatives of international organisations and child protection experts from over 100 countries. Messages from President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres were delivered at the summit.

Article notes that the forum’s agenda covers reducing child poverty, improving preschool and school education, expanding access to healthcare, strengthening social protection systems and protecting children from violence and exploitation. Particular attention is being paid to childhood cancer. The author emphasizes that insufficient investment in children today could exacerbate economic and social challenges in the future.

Pakistan is represented at the summit by Ayesha Haroon, founder and chief executive of the “Oasis Trust”, an organization working in the field of autism. As part of the event, foreign delegations will visit Uzbek healthcare, educational and social protection institutions to learn about their work.

According to “The Nation”, summit offers Uzbekistan an opportunity to showcase its ongoing social reforms to the international community and strengthen the country’s standing on the global stage. The forum is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Samarkand Declaration on Investing in Children’s Well-being. Document is expected to provide a framework for international efforts to improve child protection systems, expand access to essential social services and increase resources allocated to children’s development.