El Paso Joins UNICEF USA’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative : Shared by Kul Gautam

Although the US remains the only country in the world that has not ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, it is good to know that UNICEF USA is successfully advocating for the Child-Friendly Cities initiative. So far, nearly a dozen cities in several states have joined this initiative, the latest being El Paso, Texas.

I had the pleasure of addressing UNICEF USA's staff and volunteers on this subject five years ago in September 2020. I am sharing herewith my remarks, which I believe are even more relevant today.

Congratulations to UNICEF USA for continuing to press ahead with this noble initiative. I hope many other US cities and like-minded organizations will emulate and replicate CFCI.

Kul

https://www.unicefusa.org/press/city-el-paso-joins-unicef-usas-child-friendly-cities-initiative

http://kulgautam.org/making-usa-more-child-rights-friendly/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmvAaCjL_tk

Press Release

The City of El Paso, in partnership with the El Paso Community Foundation (EPCF) and UNICEF USA, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to officially begin its multi-year journey toward recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly City — a global designation that reflects a community’s deep commitment to placing children’s rights and well-being at the heart of local decision-making.

Through this initiative, El Paso is positioned to become the first border city in the United States to earn recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly City, joining a global movement of more than 3,500 municipalities in over 40 countries as well as a growing cohort of U.S. communities, including Houston, TX; Minneapolis, MN; and Decatur, GA, dedicated to creating safer, more equitable environments where every child can thrive.

“El Paso has always been defined by its spirit of care, a community that looks after one another across generations and across borders,” said Mayor Renard Johnson. “This partnership reinforces our commitment to building a city that listens to and values the voices of our youth.”

Through the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), El Paso will collaborate with UNICEF USA to gather insights from children, families, and community members to better understand local strengths and challenges affecting young people. The information will help shape a Local Action Plan for Youth, which will serve as a roadmap to ensure City programs, investments, and policies reflect the needs and aspirations of El Paso’s children.

“UNICEF USA is thrilled to partner with the City of El Paso — a community celebrated for its vibrant Hispanic heritage and cultural richness — on its journey toward becoming a UNICEF Child Friendly City,” said Cristina Shapiro, Chief Strategy Officer and President of the Impact Fund for Children at UNICEF USA. “As a proud Mexican American, I am honored to welcome El Paso to UNICEF USA’s growing cohort of U.S. cities dedicated to prioritizing youth in local governance and decision making, and ensuring that every child can thrive.”

The initiative builds upon the City’s long-standing commitment to families and youth, strengthening collaboration across departments and with community partners. The El Paso Community Foundation will serve as the City’s nonprofit partner, supporting community engagement, data collection, and program development.

“El Paso has always been very family-centered. Building our community around children makes perfect sense for our well-being, our welfare, and our economic development,” said Eric Pearson, President and CEO of the El Paso Community Foundation.

A steering committee of local leaders, known as Para Niños, will help convene civic, educational, and philanthropic partners to align efforts toward a shared vision to make El Paso the best place in the borderland to grow up.

The City of El Paso and Para Niños, in collaboration with UNICEF USA, is hosting a two-day launch event on November 12 and 13 to celebrate the start of this effort, with local and national partners in attendance.