Children and youth gathered in Manila today to envision their futures in 2050. The H.E.Y. Fest! (Heed the Empowered Youth) is UNICEF Philippines’ theme for this year’s World Children’s Day. The mini music festival encourages adults to “listen to the future” and considers three megatrends affecting children’s lives: demographic change; climate and environmental crises; and frontier technologies.
The celebration featured dance, theater, and musical performances; workshops with influencers from UNICEF’s Creators for Every Child; a special art collaboration between children with disabilities and painter Manuel Baldemor; and an intergenerational dialogue between adults and young advocates.
A celebration in Mindanao was held on 13 November, where hundreds of children in Cotabato City participated in an “Art of the Future” painting exhibit, a video time capsule, and a panel discussion with leaders from UNICEF and the Bangsamoro Government about protecting the future of children in the Bangsamoro.
This year, UNICEF appointed Bacolod City-based Joshua Villalobos and Cotabato City-based Fatima Darwissa Mansul as UNICEF young advocates.
On 20 November, the actual World Children’s Day, children in the Philippines took over the pages of Manila Bulletin to share their visions for the future, pledges, and calls for action from today’s generations.
“Children in the Philippines face many threats to their survival and development. We can choose a hopeful future or continue with business as usual and leave our children behind. As we commemorate 35 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and approach the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, we must equip children with the skills and resources to navigate a rapidly changing world,” said UNICEF Philippines Acting Representative Behzad Noubary.
UNICEF Flagship Report
According to the 2024 State of World Children’s report The future of childhood in a changing world, urgent action is needed to safeguard children’s rights in the face of three megatrends. Climate hazards will continue to impact children, child populations will shrink globally, and the digital divide will affect children’s ability to use digital tools in education and future workplaces.
The report contains some good news. Globally, life expectancy at birth is projected to increase, and access to education will continue to improve. With increased investment in education and public health and more stringent environmental protection, outcomes for children can improve significantly.
The gender gap in educational attainment can narrow, and exposure to environmental hazards can be reduced
Megatrend: Demographic Shift In the Philippines, demographic shifts offer both promise and peril. Urbanization is increasing, with over half the population living in cities and projected to rise to two-thirds by 2050. Fewer births can mean more resources per child, less competition for jobs, and reduced poverty. By 2040 or 2050, the Philippines can be the 14th largest economy in the world. Investment in health, education, and skills building is crucial to harness this demographic dividend.
Megatrend: Climate Change Children in the Philippines face severe climate change impacts like typhoons, floods, and heatwaves, leading to shortages and health risks. Rising temperatures can displace millions by 2050. Despite youth involvement in climate action, children lack representation in policy discussions such as the updating of the Nationally Determined Contributions plan. They need to be included in developing and implementing climate policies.
Megatrend: Frontier Technology The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the digital divide, with many children lacking internet access, leading to lost learning. UNICEF calls for digitalization of education through the 3Cs: Content (innovative, inclusive digital learning solutions), Capacity (enhancing digital skills), and Connectivity (affordable internet and devices) to close the digital divide.
The Philippines is a major center for child sex abuse material production, with AI-generated child sexual abuse materials emerging as a threat. While the government prioritizes ending online child abuse, more can be done to strengthen all sectors to work together on child protection, educate families on how online abuse impacts children, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Children must also be involved in shaping green, frontier technologies. As the government increases renewable energy production, equipping children with new skills is essential. With advancements in AI, neurotechnology, vaccines, and next-generation solar and wind innovations, UNICEF invites all sectors to design with children in mind to leverage frontier technology and mitigate risks for children.
The report underscores the importance of centering child rights in all strategies, policies, and actions. It calls for investing in education, services, and sustainable and resilient cities for children; expanding climate resilience in infrastructure, technology, essential services, and social support systems; and delivering connectivity and safe technology design for all children.
