Skopje, 20 November 2021 (MIA) — As we speak, on World Children's Day, thousands of children are dying of hunger, thousands are homeless and have no access to education, thousands are refugees in makeshift camps at borders waiting for help, for a better life. As we speak, children are begging in the streets of Skopje instead of going to school; some are even undocumented. We have to face these problems and find solutions quickly, President Stevo Pendarovski said in his speech delivered at an event organized by UNICEF on World Children's Day 2021. “I call on the institutions not to allow any child to be on the streets, outside the education system, marginalized, or abused,” President Pendarovski said at the event organized to give policy makers the opportunity to hear young people and their calls to action on issues important to their generation, such as the climate, mental health, education, equal opportunities, and a better quality of life. “The pandemic, unfortunately, has shown how vulnerable children are and how the new, ugly reality has jeopardized their freedoms, their dreams, their carefree childhood,” Pendarovski said, adding that this should encourage policy makers to involve young people in decision-making processes. “Let me once again call on all key institutions to work on policies related to children and young people and work together with them for a happier future. The voice of young people has to be heard and integrated in decision-making,” he said. Pendarovski said good education was impossible without investing in the education system, contemporary curricula, and teaching practical skills. “As a person who has spent part of his professional career in education, I absolutely agree that without prioritizing education and science we can’t expect faster economic development and overall social progress. Education, healthcare, a real rule of law, and environmental protection are key to a quality life,” the President said. Today's event, "Youth Call to Action: Rethink a Better Future," stems from President Pendarovski and UNICEF's Rethink the Future initiative, which aims to give children and young people space to engage in defining a vision for the future they wish for themselves and for future generations. mr/