Children’s Meeting Place
UN Kenya 2001

The first Children’s Meeting Place was inaugurated September 19 – 20, 2001 on the grounds of the United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya – Headquarters for the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and United Nations Habitat Program. Dr. Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director, officially presented the acacia tree (named Fever Tree in English and Mgunga in Swahili) to the children of the world. United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan sent a letter welcoming the young ambassadors of the world. He also reminded a tree has a “great spiritual meaning, and serve as a place where people gather to discuss issues of common concern. This tree on the grounds of the United Nations is now a place where you and your contemporaries can voice your dreams, concerns and suggestions for the future”.
The Swedish Ambassador Inga Klevby-Björk had a special role in the inauguration. All gates of UN all over the world were closed after the terror attack of the Twin Towers in New York ten days before the inauguration. Ambassador Klevby-Björk convinced UN in Nairobi to open the gates for the children and she also presented the letter from the Queen of Sweden. The children and adults from six nations of the world who participated in the inauguration of the Children’s Meeting Place shared a strong determination to unite over all boundaries and celebrate Life and Light. The children’s concern was formulated in The Children’s Declaration.

The Tree will be a place to meet in respect, love and care and to learn from one another. The space under The Tree is a sacred place, where children shall feel secure and be free to express themselves without fear. Here the children will find a new extended family that cares for them. Under The Tree we are all mums, dads and kids – and we are all equal. The Tree will give space for traditional ways of sharing wisdom and knowledge, which has been ignored or forgotten in modern society.
Children will remind decision-makers that the decisions they are to make will affect the children and their future.
The Children’s Tree at the United Nations will be an inspiration for leaders in Cities, Municipalities and Villages all over the world to dedicate a strong and old tree to children at a central place where children, adults and decision-makers at all levels can meet and dialogue as a sign of unity.