2 May 2012

1000 days to get it right for every child: shared responsibility on the agenda at discussion series

The first in the Every Child Counts and BusinessNZ discussion series takes place at Te Papa next week, with both organisations anticipating robust discussion about support for better outcomes for children.

“BusinessNZ is well aware of public expectations that businesses will contribute to their communities and demonstrate corporate social responsibility. When it comes to the specific needs of families with children, the availability of jobs and flexible work conditions are also important, but there’s a long way to go before everyone understands the links between a child’s early years experiences and future employability,” says Phil O’Reilly, Chief Executive of BusinessNZ.

“This discussion comes at a time when the global financial crisis is demanding that governments and communities find new ways to work together, including sharing responsibility for achieving better outcomes for children. There’s no doubt that children represent the very best return on effective public investment. All stakeholders have an important role to play in supporting community development and alleviating poverty. This is good for everyone and for the future success of New Zealand,” says Liz Gibbs, Chair of Every Child Counts.

The Every Child Counts-BusinessNZ discussion series will bring together some the nation’s leading businesspeople, child advocates and thought-leaders to explore why children’s issues are important to businesses and what can be done to achieve better outcomes for children. The media and the public are invited to join in the discussion as follows:

Every Child Counts is a coalition of organisations and individuals working to improve the status and wellbeing of NZ children, driven by Barnardos, Plunket, UNICEF, Save the Children, and Ririki. www.everychildcounts.org.nz

ENDS

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