The forum aims to raise global awareness of child survival challenges, celebrate the 70% reduction in child mortality over the past half-century and establish a global roadmap to end preventable child deaths in a generation.
As part of the Government Pledge, the heads of State and Government and representatives of States reaffirmed their commitment to children, and consistent with the Secretary-General’s ‘Every Woman Every Child’ initiative pledged their support for the global movement to end preventable child deaths.
The pledge stated that “The world had made tremendous strides in reducing child mortality. Over the past 50 years, new vaccines, improved health care practices, investments in education, and the dedication of governments, civil society and other partners have contributed to a 70 per cent global decline in child deaths. The momentum generated by this unprecedented progress, and the scientific and social advances that underpin it, present an historic opportunity for dramatic declines in preventable child deaths – in high, middle and low-income countries alike”.
The heads of States pledged that through national action and international cooperation they will take action to accelerate progress on newborn, child and maternal survival. They will hold themselves accountable for their collective progress towards this goal, and on behalf of all children everywhere, recommit their efforts to give every child the best possible start in life.