Key facts
- The Samarkand Declaration was adopted at a global summit in Uzbekistan.
- The declaration calls for stronger social protection systems and nationally determined targets for children's services.
- Two-thirds of child-related UN Sustainable Development Goal indicators are off track, according to UNICEF.
- Childhood cancer survival rates are significantly lower in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income nations.
- The Imkon rehabilitation center in Samarkand integrates preschool education with medical, psychological, and educational support for children with disabilities.
A global summit in Uzbekistan concluded with the adoption of the Samarkand Declaration, a call for enhanced investment and coordinated efforts across children's healthcare, education, and protection services. The declaration, adopted by representatives from over 100 countries, emphasizes a shift from sector-by-sector investments to a more integrated approach where services complement each other for better child outcomes.
Participants, including UNICEF Regional Director Édouard Beigbeder, stressed that simply expanding access to essential services is not enough. Uzbekistan's First Lady, Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, who received a WHO award for her work in childhood cancer care, advocated for integrating medical, social, and psychological support to streamline assistance for families. Turkey's First Lady, Emine Erdoğan, questioned the adequacy of conventional indicators, suggesting that attending school or not being hungry does not automatically equate to quality education or proper nourishment.
The summit also highlighted the stark global inequalities in childhood cancer care, with survival rates significantly lower in low- and middle-income countries. A new Global Network was announced to support children with serious illnesses, and Uzbekistan presented its integrated care model, exemplified by the new Imkon rehabilitation center in Samarkand.