“We must instil in our younger generations, the importance to our nation of childhood development, and strengthen their understanding of the value of peace, security and stability,” said Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah during her sabda at the opening ceremony for the ISB Borneo Global Issues Conference (ISB BGIC) VIIII held at the International Convention Centre yesterday.
This year’s conference carries the theme ‘The rights of Children’ in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child. On that note, Her Royal Highness said that the theme is particular significant to youths, as it entreats upon them to focus on the rights of children all over the world, at a time when this crucial issue is becoming an increasing cause for international concern.

“All children should have access to at the very least, a basic healthcare and nutrition, as well as a safe and secure environment in which to grow up.

“Our Brunei cultural and family values also centre very much around the integrity of the family unit and the creation of a nurturing environment for the development of children.

“It is for this reason that the youth in Brunei Darussalam may find it difficult to fully appreciate the enormity of the predicament, that faces millions of children around the world everyday,” added Her Royal Highness.

Her Royal Highness said that the topics during the conference reflect the current concerns of the world and hoped that the discussion of these topics will provide all participants with an invaluable learning experience and awareness of a global community that must learn to work together and respect each other.

“The importance of mutual respect for one another and respect for the culture, traditions and customs of all races and indigenous groups, is all the more relevant at this point in time, where world leaders face the stern challenge of achieving peaceful resolutions to variety of conflicts in the midst of a severe global economic downturn.”

Topics are based on the UN Millennium Development Goals, with delegates representing individual country positions in terms of Politics, the Environment, Human rights and Socio-economic issues.

Her Royal Highness urged all participants to make the most of the extensive knowledge and experience of the guest speakers, by being forthcoming with their thoughts and more vocally articulate as they seek to express and debate their own views and ideas. Over 300 secondary students from overseas and within Brunei will debate various topics in a simulation of United Nations on human rights, political, environmental and economic-social issues.

The conference is organised by International School Berakas in collaboration with HSBC and supported by the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) and BLNG.

Children’s rights activist and researcher Kate McAlpine was the keynote speaker at the conference. She is the founder of an NGO Mkombozi, which works with over 1,000 street children and youths.She is coordinating a new initiative, the Caucus for Children’ Rights, which is a network of organisations and individuals who are committed to advancing rights, welfare, protection, and empowerment of children and youth in Tanzania.

The conference aims to encourage international cooperation, awareness of global concerns as well as developing students’ public speaking skills. This dynamic student-managed conference encourages young people to be responsible and tolerant world citizens.

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