September 23, 2014 - New York City, United States
Check Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr. Brown.
I am pleased to have the chance today to speak to this incredibly important issue.
Securing a better future for children and youth is a Canadian priority.
We need to ensure that children do more than simply survive.
We need to provide them with the opportunity to thrive.
This starts in their first years of life.
And it continues right into adulthood.
That is one of the reasons Canada has led global efforts on maternal, newborn and child health.
The foundation of any prosperous future is health.
To which we need to add fundamental tools, such as access to education.
Research shows education is key to:
- reducing poverty;
- improving health;
- addressing child, early and forced marriage; and
- fostering economic development.
We have a lot to teach.
But we also have a lot to learn.
As much from each other as nations, as from our partners on the ground.
We need to focus on what works.
And how to accelerate progress.
Canada builds all its development programming around accountability and results.
And our approach to education is no different.
Canada remains focused on three areas.
First: building the foundation for lifelong learning.
This means ensuring every child—particularly girls and the marginalized—has access to quality education in safe schools.
We do so by:
- strengthening education systems;
- enhancing the quality of learning; and
- ensuring fair access for all children.
Second: ensuring that children in crisis situations can continue to learn.
Canada believes that when adults fight, it should not cost children their future.
All children have the right to education.
And crisis cannot prevent learning.
That is why we support education efforts in conflict-affected states such as Afghanistan, Jordan and South Sudan.
As well as the “No Lost Generation” initiative, which provides education to children affected by the crisis in Syria.
Third: Canada is focused on investing in skills for the workforce.
Youth, particularly young women, must have the skills needed to find meaningful and sustainable employment.
To this end, we work closely with the private sector, training institutions and governments.
To date we have been successful in helping private sector companies IAMGOLD and Rio Tinto Alcan partner with Canadian NGOs.
They are working together to advance skills training in developing communities.
Going forward, Canada will continue its efforts to ensure that every girl and boy receives a quality education.
We will help children caught in crisis situations to access schooling.
And we will continue to support training for 21st century skills.
Because we know that, done right, education can make all the difference to children.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Healthy and educated children can make all the difference to their families.
To their communities.
And to entire economies.
Fundamentally, educated children are our best chance to move countries from poverty to prosperity.
To build a better future.
And to reach our ultimate goal of eradicating global poverty.
Thank you.
