As we celebrate 25 years of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child globally and here in Namibia, we are reminded that health, education, water, sanitation, security and shelter are all necessary to nurture and support the development of our children. It is our collective duty to ensure the rights of children are realised, and enable all children to develop and thrive to reach their full potential as citizens of Namibia. In short, respect for the rights of children is at the core of national development.