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p. 5 of 7 BACK | NEXT The Importance of child development Why invest in children? Status of children in the region Especially vulnerable children Partnerships for children ADB support for children ADB's challenges and directions

Special Theme: Develop a Child

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Partnerships for children

The challenge is to give the region’s children the health, nutrition, knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to realize their full potential. Investments in children today will ensure that tomorrow’s adults are empowered and productive. The challenge cannot be met by ADB alone; fortunately, others are also rising to meet it.

UNICEF focuses exclusively on children. Many bilateral and multilateral organizations promote better understanding of, and increased attention to, the problems of child labor, street children, and poor and abandoned children.

International and local NGOs are very active. Local NGOs often have the greatest knowledge of poor children in isolated or marginalized communities. The private sector, through philanthropic work and subcontracted service delivery, can often provide cost-effective essential social services.

Most important are DMC governments and local authorities themselves. They are responsible for the major programs of education, health care, and water supply and sanitation. They must be convinced to place children high on their list of national priorities. Poverty agreements, currently being prepared between ADB and its DMCs, can help make this happen.

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