UNICEF-Philippines hosts global meet on Adolescent Development and Participation

This week UNICEF Philippines hosts the Global Network Meeting on Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP). 

 

The purpose of the meeting is to develop the organization’s strategic direction with regard to adolescents’ needs and development, with particular focus on those most disadvantaged and marginalized.

 

The Philippines with a strong history of adolescent programming has also successfully pioneered innovative adolescents programming in emergencies in Typhoon Haiyan response and in Mindanao—and thus is a natural choice to host the global meeting. 

Formally opened by UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander, the Manila event sees the convergence of specialists and delegates from Nepal, Zambia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Romania, Jordan and the Philippines.

UNICEF officials from the New York headquarters and East Asia Regional Office are also in attendance. 

 

Youth leaders from Zamboanga, Eastern Samar and Manila, sharing personal experiences focused on health and empowerment programmes for adolescents, are the heart of the meeting. 

 

“While we have made great progress in saving young children across the globe by improving child survival and development, historically adolescents were not given adequate attention. This is now a critical opportunity to further accelerate progress for our youth. It is an investment in the future, with dividends of creating a generation properly equipped to become responsible citizens,” Ms. Sylwander said in her opening remarks.

 

The 2013 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey indicates that at least 25 percent of unmarried young people are sexually active and 10 percent of adolescent girls aged 15-19 are already mothers or pregnant with their first child. Meanwhile, a 2015 Department of Health report released in February revealed that more than a quarter of the 23,709 confirmed HIV cases in the country are in the 15-24 age group. At this time the Philippines has one of the world’s fastest growing HIV-AIDS epidemic. 

 

Speaking at the opening session young speakers Aljon Operario and Rey Nicart, both from Borongan, Eastern Samar, said: "We thank UNICEF, this meeting allows us to learn from global experts and advocates for adolescent development and empowerment. We feel honored to join the policy discussions and convey the issues faced by young people, especially the marginalized youth in areas affected by Haiyan. They need a lot of support in confronting issues such as early pregnancy, sexual abuse, and HIV and AIDS."  

 

Key discussion points at the Global ADAP meeting dealt with advancing the health and well-being of adolescents, providing them with formal and non-formal learning opportunities, ensuring safety and protection, increased space and opportunities for social and civic engagement for adolescents, generating evidence for effective programming for adolescents.

 

Ms. Sylwander concluded her remarks by reminding adolescents to remain active in policy dialogue and program activities, and to incite their peers across the country to do the same: “I am calling upon you and the millions of Filipino youth. It is your generation that will lead this country to the future. You can set new examples as agents of change. UNICEF is with you in every step of the way.”

Press release from UNICEF-Philippines