Samarkand:Trkiye's first lady, Emine Erdogan, has made a compelling call for international action to protect children, especially those in conflict zones, during the World Summit on Investing in the Well-being of Children in Samarkand. She emphasized that children's needs should remain a priority on the global agenda.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Erdogan highlighted the plight of children in war zones, noting that 700,000 students in Gaza have been deprived of their right to education. She stated that more than 21,000 children have been killed in Gaza over the past three years, with over 10,000 suffering permanent disabilities or losing limbs.

Erdogan addressed the need for investment in child well-being, linking it to sustainable development and future societal growth. She urged for a reassessment of traditional indicators to reflect challenges faced by children today, including access to basic necessities and the impact of climate change, armed conflicts, and digital threats.

The summit, attended by representatives from over 100 countries, also highlighted Trkiye's initiatives to protect children from digital risks. Erdogan mentioned the country's Digital Children's Rights Convention and efforts to restrict social media access for children under 15. She also discussed Trkiye's Foster Family Project, which supports over 11,000 children, including those displaced by war.

Erdogan expressed gratitude to Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, the wife of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for hosting the summit, and expressed hope that the event would benefit children and humanity worldwide.