Celebrating Children’s Rights and Environmental Justice: The Launch of the Voices of Future Generations Children's Initiative

In 2014, to mark the 25th Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)—the most widely ratified international human rights treaty in the world—an extraordinary event unfolded at the Science Museum in London, UK: the official launch of the Voices of Future Generations (VoFG) Children’s Initiative. This global program empowers children to share their visions for a better, more just, and sustainable world through storytelling, dialogue, and international collaboration.

The launch was co-hosted by several United Nations divisions, the World Future Council, and a consortium of leading educational and legal organizations, including the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL), the Trust for Sustainable Living, and the Office of the Commissioner for Future Generations of Hungary. Together, these organizations laid the foundation for a long-term initiative that would elevate the voices of children around the world, helping them advocate for their rights and the future of our planet.

A Celebration of Storytelling, Rights, and Intergenerational Dialogue

The event’s programme featured two major highlights:

• The launch of the first VoFG CI storybook, Epic Eco-Inventions, authored by 9-year-old Jona David of King’s College School, Cambridge.

• A powerful intergenerational learning circle held in honour of His Excellency, Justice C.G. Weeramantry, UNESCO Peace Education Prize Laureate and a lifelong advocate for intergenerational justice.

In attendance were children from local and international schools, youth leaders, human rights and environmental experts, and distinguished global dignitaries. They participated in open dialogue, discussing global barriers to children’s rights, especially the rights to education, a clean environment, and meaningful participation in decision-making. Through story-sharing, roundtable discussions, and presentations, the event brought generations together to identify creative, child-centred solutions for global challenges such as climate change, pollution, and access to education.

Young Authors, Powerful Messages

Child Author Jona David (9) presented his book The Epic Eco-Inventions, which explores the power of eco-technology and innovation in solving climate challenges. He proposed actionable ideas, such as solar- and wind-powered schools, “extreme recycling,” and replacing cars with hybrid buses and bicycles. Jona made an impassioned appeal to world leaders to promote green jobs and sustainable development that benefits, rather than harms, future generations. He also emphasized the need for quality education, reminding the audience that teaching children should not be an afterthought or a box to check—it must prepare young people to shape a sustainable and fairer world. 

The Child Author, Miss Kehkashan Basu (14), joined remotely from Dubai, UAE. A passionate environmental advocate, Kehkashan introduced her book The Tree of Hope, which follows a girl’s journey to restore desert ecosystems and access clean water, highlighting the rights of children to environmental protection and basic resources.

Gathering of Global Thought Leaders

Keynote remarks by Professor Kirsten Sandberg, then-Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, opened the event, framing the initiative within the broader global movement to uphold and advance children’s rights.

Two lively roundtable discussions were moderated by Justice Weeramantry, who guided young participants and adult experts through intergenerational reflections on climate justice, peace, and legal responsibility toward future generations.

One particularly moving presentation came from Master Diwa Boateng (10), who described how issues such as war, disease (like Ebola), and corruption obstruct access to education. He stated:

Among the many distinguished international speakers were:

• Mr Jakob von Uexkull, Founder of the World Future Council

• Ms Julia Marton-Lefevre, Director-General of IUCN

• Dr Marcel Szabo, Ombudsman for Future Generations of Hungary

• Dr Ashfaq Khalfan, Advisor to Amnesty International and CISDL Chair

• Dr Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, CISDL Director

• Ms Anna R. Oposa, Founder of Save Philippine Seas and World Economic Forum Global Shaper

• Dr Simon Stuart, Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission

• Dr Nick Lush, Vice-Principal of United World Colleges – Atlantic College

• Mr Karl Hansen, Director of the Trust for Sustainable Living

These speakers acknowledged both progress and persistent gaps in realizing children’s rights, particularly in the realms of economic, environmental, and social justice. They showcased international programs and grassroots initiatives that are giving young people tools and platforms to create real change in their communities and across borders.

A Toast to the Future

The launch concluded with a celebratory reception and special toasts to Child Author Jona David and illustrator Carol Adlam, whose artwork brought The Epic Eco-Inventions to life. Toasts were made by:

• Baroness Dr Julie Smith of Newnham

• Dr Marcel Szabo, Commissioner for Future Generations

• Ms Belinda Rasmussen, Director at Macmillan Children’s Books

Together, these leaders honoured the potential and creativity of young people, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a generation that will not only imagine but also build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future.

The Beginning of a Movement

The Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative continues to grow, empowering children from all regions of the world to raise their voices through storytelling, education, and international engagement. Its foundation, laid in 2014, rests on the belief that children are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but the changemakers of today.

As the event at the Science Museum made clear, when children are given the chance to speak, and adults take the time to listen, real transformation is possible.