KUALA LUMPUR—The inaugural “The First Ladies Summit” on children’s education and social welfare, was held in Kuala Lumpur, from October 11–13.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib officiated the summit opening, emphasizing the importance of women’s roles in effectively educating and nurturing future leaders.

In addition, the Prime Minister said that the summit would improve diplomatic relationship and friendship and would only be enriched by the participation of more-developed countries.
First Ladies from 14 countries, and 11 ministers were among the VIPs from 31 countries which attended the conference.

The theme of the summit was “A Child Today, a Leader Tomorrow.” Perticipants shared their ideas and experiences about how to raise global awareness of what tomorrow’s leader need to day: better education, social development, and increased interest in children’s welfare. These were the keys to nurturing future leaders in society at all levels for a better future in all countries.

In her opening speech, Rosmah said, “Children are our inheritance, our investment, and in fact, they are our hope for a beautiful world. Then, they are our most valuable assets. However, until now, they are the most vulnerable group in our society. 

“The living condition, food, health and education as well as relevant policies are important factors affecting the development of our children.”
Rosmah said the summit would provide an excellent platform for everyone to share experiences and knowledge, and to explore all possibilities to permanently solve some longstanding problems.

Rosmah said she hopes similar summits will be held by other countries annually, and be would be noted in all the First Ladies’ schedules. She also believes that more First Ladies would participate in the future.
Before it ends, the summit will draft a series of conclusions and declarations to be delivered to the U.N. and UNICEF.

The summit was initiated by the Kuala Lumpur’s First lady, Datin Seri Rosmah, wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib, and sponsored by the Ministry of Women, Domestic and Social Development.

Summit speakers revealed that:

1. There are more than 114 million children deprived of basic education.
2. There are about 774 million illiterate adults.
3. There are about 200 million underprivileged children aged 5 and below.
4. Children aged below 5 are the largest victims of the annual children death toll of about 11 million. More than 6 million died of curable diseases.
5. There are about 300 million children sleeping in hunger every day. Only 8% of those are victims of starvation or other emergencies.