Director-General's remarks at the Children's Walk Ceremony 2026

Children’s Walk 2026

Tuesday, 5 May 2026, at 11.30 a.m.
Assembly Hall, Palais des Nations

Madame la Présidente du Cercle féminin des Nations Unies (Mme Ajkuna Thanati), 
Chères Membres du Cercle féminin des Nations Unies, 
Chers enseignants,
Chers enfants,

Je suis très heureuse de vous accueillir aujourd’hui au Palais des Nations pour cette nouvelle édition de la Marche des enfants. Je tiens tout d’abord à remercier le Cercle Féminin des Nations Unies pour son engagement sans faille depuis plus de vingt ans dans l’organisation de cet évènement. Grâce à votre dévouement, cette initiative est devenue une véritable tradition au sein de la Genève internationale.

A travers cette 23ème édition, les enfants de Genève se sont une fois encore mobilisés afin d’offrir à d’autres enfants, ailleurs dans le monde, la possibilité de bénéficier d’un droit fondamental: celui d’aller à l’école. Cette initiative a un impact très concret puisqu’elle permet de financer des bourses scolaires. Elle reflète également un bel esprit d’altruisme et une grande empathie. Je suis très fière de voir ces valeurs grandir chez les futurs adultes de notre monde.

Je vous remercie chaleureusement d’avoir œuvré pour qu’un autre enfant puisse poursuivre sa scolarité. Je remercie également vos enseignants qui portent et transmettent des valeurs de solidarité et d’engagement. Sans eux, cette mobilisation ne serait pas possible.

Dear Children,

Let us not forget that, around the world, children live very different realities. Today, more than 270 million children are deprived of their right to education — because of a lack of school funding, because of conflict, displacement, or poverty. Many families simply cannot afford to send their children to school and some struggle to meet even their most basic needs, such as food, clean water, sanitation, or safe shelter.

This year’s theme, “One World, Many Children” reminds us that while circumstances may differ, every child should have equal opportunity to achieve their dreams. No child should see their hopes taken away.  

At the United Nations, we strongly believe in the promise made in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: that every girl and every boy have the right to learn, to grow, and to discover the world, free from any discrimination.  

Thanks to your engagement in the Children’s Walk, you are supporting educational scholarships in places where going to school is not always easy. Your efforts will help students in Burkina Faso, many of whom are orphans or displaced by conflict, as well as students in India, who will be able to continue their studies through secondary school. Your contribution helps pay for school fees, books, uniforms, and even bicycles, so that children can travel safely to school.

But your participation goes beyond fundraising. Over the past weeks, in your schools, you have reflected on what you can do to make a difference. You are showing that even small actions can have a big impact. You are proving that solidarity is something we build together, step by step, hand in hand.

For 23 years, more than 10,000 children in Geneva have walked to help others. And thanks to you, more than 540 students around the world have been able to continue their education.

I am truly impressed and touched by your commitment. Thank you for carrying solidarity in your actions. You should be proud of yourselves.

Thank you.