Three Indian children to attend J8 summit in Rome

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has picked three children to represent India at the J8 summit, a confluence of young people from countries participating in the G8 summit.

Sanjukta Pangi, a 16-year-old girl from Orissa, Samuel Venkatesen, 17-year-old boy from Tamil Nadu and Narendra Kumar, 15-year-old boy from Rae Bareli have been selected for the youth summit called Junior8 (J8) to be held in Rome from July 5-12.

"I'm very excited and feel wonderful that I'm going to Rome. I always dreamt of such an opportunity. This gives me a chance to look into the problems I have gone through," said, Pangi, who is a tribal girl from Orissa.

"What I have achieved today is all because of the help of UNICEF and my school teacher. There are many children like me who need attention," said Venkatesen.

These young Indian representatives will get a chance to share their experiences with other young people from 14 country teams. They will also get a chance to exchange their views amongst themselves and with the 'extended summit' leaders on issues like climate change, global meltdown and poverty reduction.

"It's a really fantastic opportunity to have the voices of the Indian young people heard. And not only among their peers but also by the world leaders who will be at the J8 summit as well," said Angela Walker, UNICEF India's spokesperson.

The J8, now in its fifth year, brings together 56 young people, aged 14 to 17, from each of the G8 countries and four from the extra-G8 countries from July 4-10 to discuss contemporary issues.

The G8 comprises the developed countries, - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, UK and the US, while the extended summit includes leaders of developing economies, - Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Mexico and South Africa.

One representative each from the 14 country delegations at the J8 summit will have an opportunity to engage their respective leaders on the concerns identified by the entire group. (ANI)

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