Change the World
By Steph Smith

	Many of the panel discussions during the UN Special Session on Children started with some friend-making fun. These two are giving each other an American "Hi-ya."

How Children Can Promote Change

"We don't just sit and wait and hope—we act."
—Manuel Acosta, 15, Peru

Samir Sandberg, an 18-year-old from Sweden, got his message across at the United Nations Special Session on Children by simply taking his seat. It was the one with the word CHAIRMAN in front of it.

"For some of you, it may seem a little strange and may even be a little uncomfortable to see a younger person lead a panel discussion," Sandberg said to a room full of kids and adults. Sandberg was chairing one of dozens of panels headed by young people during the five-day special session. This panel was focused on promoting children's participation in public lives.

Chairing a panel before hundreds of people was not unusual for Sandberg. In Sweden, it is common for adults to listen to and work with kids, he said.

Sandberg thinks it should be this way everywhere. His co-panelists agreed. The teen leaders from across the globe shared their own experiences to drive home their point—kids can and should work with adults to lead their communities. It helps the kids and the communities to grow.

	Members of a panel on child labor listen as a young man from Malaysia speaks. One delegate holds an earpiece to her ear to hear the statement in her own language. Earpieces are available at every chair in the UN hearing rooms. By setting it on the right channel, you can hear the speakers in any of six or more languages.

Panelist Manuel Acosta, 15, of Peru serves in a school government. School governments in Peru look and work like local governments. Kids run for office by campaigning on topics in certain categories, such as children's rights or education. If elected, they get to work with local officials on those issues. The program was created by Save the Children.

"We don't just sit and wait and hope-we act," Acosta said. "[Kids] can be protagonists for change. We can organize."

Nawaz Ali, 15, of India, has seen his entire community change through young leadership. Ali and his peers use drama classes to teach kids about children's rights. They also take on community projects. As a result, adults now invite kids—including girls, who had been excluded from community rule—to come to community meetings.

"Kids can talk about problems and look for solutions," Ali said.

Photos: Suzanne Freeman