A joint RIS-UNICEF panel on ‘Investing in children: Investing in future’, on Tuesday, put forward policy recommendations for G20 with focus on investing in child-centric policies that prioritise progressive universal child benefits, especially around the early years, maternity benefits and childcare.
The panel also spoke about shift in the approach to development transformation that recognises the role of women in development
The panel that includes several national and international experts, put forward the 'Bhopal recommendations' at the conclusion of the special Think 20 event on Global Governance with 'LiFE, Values, and Well-being – Fostering cooperation in Framework, Finance and Technology’ under G-20 convention.
“Evidence shows that investing in the early years can boost cognitive capital to yield the highest and more inclusive economic growth,” the recommendations said.
The recommendations include investing in universal social protection benefits for children, including family friendly policies, particularly in the early years of childhood, need to build adolescence skills, including digital literacy to transition into the 21st century, job market, including technology-driven and green-led growth, and ensuring participation and action of youth in generating innovative solutions for climate change through LiFE.
The recommendations were shared with media by George Laryea-Adjei, UNICEF regional director for South Asia, and Sachin Chaturvedi, director general, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), and vice chairman, Madhya Pradesh Rajya Niti Aayog. Elizbeth Sidiropoulis, Head, South African Institute of International Affairs; André de Mello e Souza, Coordinator, International Exchange and Cooperation, Institute of Applied Economic research, Brazil; and Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue, Bangladesh were also present.
Sharing the outcome of the two-day conference, Chaturvedi said, “There is a need for a shift in the approach to development transformation that recognises the role of women in development. Women entrepreneurship should be promoted, encouraged and revitalised. Investing in children has not received the priority and focus that it deserves and for this, we have prioritised children specific issues like nutrition and quality education in the T20 process to inform the wider G20 deliberations. Let us invest in children today for humanity’s tomorrow.”
Laryea-Adjei said, “The G20 vision of One Earth, One Family and One Future, should prioritise brain power or cognitive capacities of individuals and of nations. We know that investments in early childhood and adolescence can be a powerful driver of inclusive economic growth. The world needs to advance cognitive development, which necessitates a new model for development. We know with India in the lead of G20, this new model will emerge.”
Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), a core T20 member of the G20 process, is a New Delhi–based autonomous policy research institute that specialises in issues related to international economic development, trade, investment and technology.
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, across more than 190 countries and territories to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. UNICEF India relies on the support and donations from businesses and individuals to sustain and expand health, nutrition, water and sanitation, education, social policy and social protection and child protection programmes for all children in India.
