CSO, UNICEF hold preliminary talks on needs of children in Myanmar

THE Central Statistical Organization, under the Ministry of Planning and Finance, and UNICEF held a preliminary coordination meeting titled ‘Fulfilling the Developmental Needs of Every Child in Myanmar’ at office No. 32 yesterday in Nay Pyi Taw.

Deputy Minister for Planning and Finance, U Set Aung, delivered the opening speech at the meeting. UNICEF Representative Ms. June Kunugi also delivered remarks.

Next, Dr. Wah Wah Maung, Director-General of the Central Statistical Organization, explained considerations for setting policies based on the discussions made at the high-level conference ‘New Aims, New Results’.

The coordination meeting then began the discussion session, led by U Tun Tun Naing, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Finance. The Ministry of Health and Sports discussed ‘Ensuring every child receives the best head start in life’, the Ministry of Education discussed ‘Every child should have access to high-quality education’, the Ministry of Home Affairs discussed ‘Safeguarding children from violence, trafficking, and extortion’, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement discussed ‘Reducing risks of poverty and natural disaster for children and providing protection’, and the Ministry of Planning and Finance discussed ‘Ensuring effective strategies and dividing funds’.

Attendees then began parallel group discussions on the topics considered during the discussion session. The different groups then made a presentation on their discussions, led by UNICEF Deputy Representative Mr. Paul Edwards.

This coordination meeting aims to uncover the main development results for children in Myanmar beginning from 2016, evaluate whether there is coherence with the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP), and as a preliminary discussion ahead of the ‘Forum for Fulfilling the Developmental Needs of Every Child in Myanmar’, to be held on 28 January.

The meeting was attended by 200 participants including relevant department officials from various ministries, representatives from associate development organizations, and officials from CSO.

MNA

(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)

Photo: MNA

Ref: The Global New Light of Myanmar