Governments have a lot on their plate, yet one of the biggest priorities is to secure a child's future, particularly in those areas where conditions are poor. To address the issue, governments from Asia-Pacific region called a summit, dignitaries from 28 countries joined the cause. Malaysian government hosted the event called, " A Billion Brains: Smarter Children, Healthier Economics."
According to Global Nation, in the light of the experts' reports, the solution was to ensure social protection, end of violence against children and provision of standard healthcare. Suggestions were made to invest in these areas in the future to achieve better results.
In the address made by the Malaysian minister for women, family and community development, the 11th Malaysian plan was highlighted. The plan emphasized on the better development of the children cognition and how it is interlinked to basic necessities, nutrition, security and care.
Violence against children is a destructive evil. According to UNICEF, child maltreatment costs Asian and Pacific region countries $209 billion every year, which is equivalent to two percent of the region's combined GDP. In the convention, all the leaders agreed that child abuse, violence and maltreatment should be eradicated, by making larger investments in social services.
A healthy mind can only survive with a healthy body, although healthcare in areas with poor and critical conditions depends entirely upon the political leadership. According to the Himalayan Times, the meeting members concluded that not only healthcare is imperative but also trained staff is crucial. An overall healthy childhood can provide economic benefits in the future.
The event held is the third high-level meeting (HLM) on South-South Cooperation for Child Rights in Asia and Pacific. UNICEF is a partner in the process. One of the most distinctive features of the HLM is that young people are invited to contribute their ideas and suggestions.
