The Pathfinding Global Alliance on ending violence against children concluded in Turin, Italy, with renewed commitments from member-states to end violence against children. The GNRC Secretary General and Director of Arigatou International Nairobi, Dr Mustafa Y Ali, co-moderated a session focusing on community mobilization and integrated services at the local level on day two of the meeting. Ms Brikena Zogaj from World Vision International co-moderated the session with Dr Mustafa Y Ali.
Convened by the office of the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General on Ending Violence Against Children in Turin from 4-5 June 2026, over 150 representatives, consisting of high-level government representatives, faith-based and civil society organizations, the meeting provided a critical platform for peer learning among countries to address violence against children. The meeting raised key issues that required urgent attention, including the safety of children online, care reform as an integral part of protecting children, alternatives to institutional care, child-friendly justice, community mobilization, and investing in children. Additional pathfinding countries formally joined the alliance.
In 2024, Arigatou International convened the Sixth Forum of the Global Network of Religions for Children, in which significant new commitments were made by faith actors around the world to build a hopeful world for children. Through the GNRC Sixth Forum Abu Dhabi Declaration and Plan of Action, over 1300 participants committed to building a safe, secure, and sustainable world for children.
Dr Mustafa Y Ali shared examples of how Arigatou International initiatives and the GNRC members around the world are working to address violence against children. He shared how the Buddhist communities, through a publication titled “Little Buddha: Exploring Child Protection in Buddhist Communities across Southeast Asia,” were providing guidance on addressing violence against children in monastic schools, temples, and Dhamma schools across Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Lao PDR (the Lao People’s Democratic Republic), and Thailand. He also shared how, in Latin America and the Caribbean, GNRC members partnered with the Inter-American Institute for Children and Adolescents (IIN-OAS) to strengthen child protection systems by bringing together governments, faith actors, and civil society organizations. Through joint training and policy dialogue, the partnership has strengthened coordinated responses to violence, abuse, and exploitation of children.
Citing many other examples, Dr. Ali shared the work of members in addressing child marriage in Pakistan, radicalization in schools in Kenya, and peacebuilding in Tanzania.
Arigatou International, through its programs and members of the Global Network of Religions for Children, has been active in all regions of the world.
Photo credit: United Nations Office on Violence against Children
