President Biden Must Ensure Brighter Futures for Children Around the World

Fairfield, Conn. (January 20, 2021) – Ahead of the U.S. Presidential Inauguration today, Save the Children CEO Janti Soeripto issued the following statement:

A peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of American democracy. Over the past two weeks, however, our nation has experienced riots, violence and attempts to undermine that democracy. As the CEO of a children’s organization, I can’t underscore enough the impact that events like these have on kids.

The stakes for children have never been greater or more pressing, especially during this COVID pandemic. The Inauguration of America’s 46^th president expected later today presents tremendous opportunity for visionary leadership and significant action to ensure bright futures for children here at home and around the world.

The President of the United States can and must play a critical role in making the world a better place for every child. Save the Children and Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) look forward to working with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to build that brighter future together.

Today is a new opportunity for America’s leaders to join us in taking an oath for the world’s children, providing them the best we have to give: words and, above all, actions of integrity, humility and kindness that build the futures they deserve.

We are urgently calling on members of Congress, regardless of political affiliation, and the new Biden Administration to come together around a shared oath for kids at home and across the world, including:

• Addressing the impact of COVID-19 in the United States by supporting programs for children, including investments in education, child care, and combatting child hunger. 
• Developing and acting on plans to humanely protect families seeking help on the U.S. southern border.
• Addressing systemic racism and inequities that hold Black, Hispanic and Indigenous children back generation after generation.
• Restoring U.S. global leadership and partnership, focused on re-asserting our nation’s role in improving global health, gender equality and girls’ rights, humanitarian response and climate change.
• Showing renewed leadership for refugees and ensuring the protection of children affected by disaster and conflict.

Our elected leaders have the power to ensure children here at home and across the globe are invested in and prioritized. The time to act is now. You can read more about our vision for children today and in the future by visiting SavetheChildren.org/playbook.