World leaders are gathering in New York from May 8 to 10 for the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children. The Special Session will critically review what has been achieved for the children in light of the goals set by the 1990 World Summit for Children. It will give a new thrust to make the world a better place for children.

The Session is an essential part of the Global Movement for Children that has attracted political and popular support from across the world. Prominent leaders such as Nelson Mandela came forward to lead the Movement, to call everyone to join in to ensure that every child lives and grows in peace, progress and dignity. In a clarion call that has given a fresh impetus to efforts for improving the situation of children, Mandela said, "We cannot waste our precious children. Not another one, not another day. It is long past time for us to act on their behalf."

Along with the "Say Yes for Children" campaign, the Special Session brings together over 70 heads of states who will make a renewed commitment on the part of the world to measure up to the challenges thrown up by the new millennium. An important feature will be the active participation of children in the Special Session.

As part of the preparation for the Special Session, the United Nations Secretary General call for the preparation of an End of the Decade Report to assess how the world has met its obligations towards children, and what more needs to be done to ameliorate their condition. The National Reports, like the one from Bangladesh are a key input in reviewing progress in the follow-up of the World Summit for Children – both the achievements as well as areas that need more work. Tailored to stimulate debate and dialogue, the three day Session is likely to come up with a document — A world Fit for Children— to guide action for children in the coming years.

The Bangladesh delegation to the Special Session is being led by the Prime Minister, Begum Khalida Zia and comprises a strong contingent of eminent persons from government, non-government organizations, civil society, and children themselves.