Hyderabad
Children from various parts of Hyderabad came together on Sunday to participate in the Hyderabad City Children Parliament, an initiative organised by the Montfort Social Institute (MSI) with a focus on ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’ (UN Sustainable Development Goal 11).
The event provided a democratic platform for children to voice concerns affecting urban life. Young participants deliberated on a wide range of issues including air pollution, waste management, cybersecurity, disaster preparedness, women’s safety, shrinking public spaces and parks, affordable housing, and overall urban sustainability. Drawing from real-life experiences in their neighbourhoods, the children proposed thoughtful, child-centred solutions to address these challenges.
According to a press note, the Children Parliament actively debated the issues and passed several resolutions aimed at improving the quality of urban life while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability.
Divya Devarajan, CEO of the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), Telangana, virtually addressed the gathering and encouraged the children to remain engaged with governance processes and community development initiatives. She emphasized the importance of nurturing civic responsibility from a young age.
Noted academic and human rights activist G. Haragopal also addressed the participants and lauded the children for their critical thinking, awareness, and strong sense of civic engagement. He highlighted the significance of such forums in shaping informed and responsible future citizens.
The Hyderabad City Children Parliament stood as a powerful example of youth participation in urban governance, reinforcing the message that children’s voices are vital in building sustainable and inclusive cities.