Young delegates at the sixth national children's forum. Photo: Save the Children

This is an exciting week for children and youth from across Vietnam. There are 169 children from 42 provinces and cities participating in the Forum activities, including children in special circumstances from SOS Children’s Villages across the country, Thuy An Rehabilitation Center and Children’s Council from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, Quang Ninh and Binh Dinh.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha voiced her hope that participants of the forum will promote their responsibility, confidence, knowledge and creativity to reap fruitful results in child protection.

The key topics discussed during two days of group work included prevention of child violence, child abuse, and child injuries; how to be safe online; and ethical & life skills education for children.

Through presentations, art performances and paintings, the children express their hope to live in a safer environment, have better care, receive life skill education, and particularly have their opinions respected. Once again, the voices of children are being listened to and respected, and tomorrow they will meet to discuss their suggestions and key messages to the National Assembly, the Government, Ministries and organizations working for children across the country.

Notably, participants will join a dialogue with representatives from different State agencies and organisations on August 17, the last day of the forum.

The first biennial forum took place in Hanoi in 2009./.