Photo used for illustrative purpose.

Young people will ‘take over’ Expo 2020 today (Saturday), at the world’s biggest-ever celebration of World Children’s Day. Organised by Expo 2020 Dubai, in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Community Development and UNICEF, the packed agenda includes inspiring talks and a concert with the acclaimed Lebanese singer and UNICEF Regional Ambassador Yara.

From innovations driving progress on child-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to honing in on education, mental health, climate, and youth leadership, Expo’s World Children’s Day will welcome both young and adult thought leaders to reimagine a better future for all and mobilise collective action to make that vision a reality.

Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development emphasised that the efforts of the Ministry of Community Development and childhood relevant authorities in providing the best welfare, protection and empowerment of childhood, reveal the UAE commitment to a better future for all children in the world and UAE Children. Her Excellency noted that the World Children’s Day is exceptional as it is connected to the activities of Expo 2020 Dubai with a global vision, future aspirations and collaboration with the UNICEF. We all seek to provide a happier and better wellbeing for children worldwide, based on the fact that we are childhood ambassadors, and responsible for children.

She said: “Celebrating World Children’s Day in Expo 2020 Dubai, prompts us to think, plan and work hard to achieve the best possible reality of the world’s childhood. The UAE is characterised by giving the best welfare for children through the efforts of both federal and local government authorities to enjoy their lives easily and smoothly. These authorities include: Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood which is highly supported by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Supreme Chairwoman of Family Development Foundation (FDF). She also mentioned the federal law on Child Rights Law including (74) articles in (12) chapters, covering protection of children’s rights.

Visitors are invited to join in the action by attending the flagship event at Al Wasl Plaza from 1430 to 1625, where they will hear from Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development; Reem Abdulla Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood; and Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, as well as witness the announcement of the UNICEF 2021 Youth Advocates, by their predecessors.

The concert will also see performances and talks from children, youth, and leaders bringing about positive change through arts and innovation, including musical trio and UNICEF Ambassadors Vasquez Sounds, vocalist, instrumentalist and UNICEF Youth Advocate Abigail Chamungwana (Abby Chams), the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra, violinist Elli Choi, TIME Kid of the Year Gitanjali Rao, young Emirati poet Mazna Al Ameri; as well as members of the UAE Youth Paralympic team. Celebrated Lebanese singer and UNICEF Regional Ambassador Yara will close the flagship concert with an inspiring musical performance.

Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa said: “World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s global day of action for children, by children. It is an opportunity to elevate children and young people to global stages as advocates for their own rights.

This year, which coincides our organisation’s 75th anniversary, we are pleased to partner with Expo 2020 Dubai and the UAE Ministry of Community Development to bring children and adults leaders together and use Expo’s platform to connect minds, reimagine the future and rebuild a world we want our children to grow up in.”

A key date in the Programme for People and Planet, Expo 2020’s World Children’s Day activities will gather agents of change and unconventional voices in a Specialist Event showcasing the international community’s efforts to reimagine and build a child-friendly post-COVID-19 world, and examine ways to overcome the barriers children face.

Reinforcing a commitment to amplifying the voices of young individuals to the world to promote intergenerational understanding, a Youth Circle hosted in partnership with the UAE Federal Youth Authority, will drive interactive dialogue among Emirati and global youth representatives to discuss the future of children, including key issues of education, mental health, and technology, to inform future policy decisions.

World Children’s Day - a day for children, by children - was established to promote international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide, and to improve children’s welfare.

The international day offers an inspirational entry-point to advocate, promote and celebrate children’s rights, translating into dialogues and actions that will build a better world for children.

Firdaus Orchestra: Singer Khatija Rahman and 16-year-old pianist Lydian Nadhaswaram will strike a youthful note as part of the Firdaus Orchestra, ahead of the ensemble’s nostalgic performances that include Disney classics such as Beauty and the Beast and Little Mermaid in celebration of World Children’s Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on Saturday, 20 November.

“Children’s Day helps me to embrace my inner child. It’s nice to have a big celebration like this upcoming performance,” Khatija Rahman said ahead of the show, which starts at 1500 in Jubilee Park.

Firdaus Orchestra is an all-women ensemble led by Academy and Grammy Award-winning musical composer A.R. Rahman. It comprises musicians of 23 nationalities and ages, ranging from 16 to 51, demonstrating how music is accessible to and for everyone, with the additional stars highlighting the importance of inspiring future talent.

Khatija Rahman believes the Firdaus Orchestra celebrates diversity and breaks down gender stereotypes: “It is a ground-breaking orchestra and there need to be more initiatives like this so we can see more women bridging the gender gap in roles such as producers, sound engineers, composers, directors and in technical fields.”

Lydian Nadhaswaram is really looking forward to his first performance with the orchestra. “I think the performance will be a great inspiration for many people to see, particularly children – I’m really excited to be playing with a symphony orchestra,” he said. “Expo 2020 recognises a lot of talent and represents a lot of opportunities and exposure for youth, including me.”