Children are key victims of the warfare conflicts of today. This has been a key message behind international initiative that brought together 50,000 children from over 100 countries in Rome. The First World Children’s Day with the Pope, organized in the spirit of peace and unity, attracted young participants to the Olympic Stadium in Rome and St. Peter’s Square, where Pope Francis led the Sunday Eucharistic celebration.
International Symposium at Lumsa University
The day before the meeting with the Pope, an International Symposium was held in Rome, initiated by the 5P Global Foundation and 5P Europe. Delegates from Indonesia, Ukraine, Poland, Italy, and the Middle East discussed children’s rights and the impact of armed conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and the Middle East, on the youngest.
During the symposium, the 5P Global Foundation emphasized its commitment to promoting dialogue and peace initiatives. “I am honored to be appointed President of the 5P Global Foundation. Our priority is to protect the youngest from the effects of war and to support peace efforts worldwide” – said the organization’s president, Arsjad Rasijd. Robert Szustkowski, Ambassador of the 5P Foundation in Europe, participated in the event, highlighting the importance of protecting children from the effects of war. “I believe that in today’s world, the most important thing is to protect the youngest from the effects of war and to make every effort to bring peace to the earth” Szustkowski said.
The symposium culminated in a private audience with Pope Francis, who expressed his support for initiatives promoting intercultural dialogue and peace. The Pope blessed all efforts on behalf of children. Among the attendees were representatives of children from Ukraine, Palestine, and Indonesia, as well as 5P Global Foundation President Arsjad Rasijd, Sylwia Tubielewicz-Olejnik from 5P Europe, 5P co-founder and Secretary General Father Marcin Schmidt, and ambassadors of the 5P Foundation.
Principles and Goals of the 5P Foundation
The 5P Global Foundation bases its activities on the principles of sustainable development, known as the “5Ps”: People, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership, and Planet. These principles align with the UN Agenda 2030 guidelines. The foundation’s project, initiated during the G20 summit in Bali, promotes strategies for peace with the active involvement of young people.
Organizers have announced that the next World Children’s Day with the Pope will take place in September 2026, continuing the mission of promoting peace and protecting children’s rights worldwide. This event aims to become a regular fixture on the international initiative calendar, bringing together children of different cultures and nationalities in the spirit of peace and unity.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
