Celebrating That Hafnarfjörður is a Child Friendly Municipality

Hafnarfjörður is a Child Friendly Municipality

“I’m so happy about this; that Hafnarfjörður has finally become a Child Friendly Municipality after many years of planning, meetings, and so much work from everyone involved,” said Nína Sólveig Svavarsdóttir, who will soon finish her three-year term on the Hafnarfjörður Youth Council.

“I was raised in Hafnarfjörður, and everyone who knows me knows how much I talk about this town. That’s not going to change now because we can all finally be proud of being a Child Friendly Municipality!”

Considering the Best Interests of Children

There was a very good atmosphere today as members of the Hafnarfjörður Youth Council, representatives from UNICEF and the municipality, and other guests celebrated the official certification of Hafnarfjörður as a child-friendly community. UNICEF has certified the municipality’s working methods, meaning children in Hafnarfjörður can now expect their best interests to be a priority. “A big moment,” said Mayor Valdimar Víðisson at the ceremony.

“We are proud of our children here in Hafnarfjörður. They remind us of what’s important: to listen, to ask questions, to be creative, to have courage, and to see life through eyes that are always looking for opportunities. They are the heart of our town,” he said.

“What I find so beautiful about this journey is that now we don’t make decisions about children without children. This isn’t just a slogan; it’s a real change in how we think and work. The voice of children matters, and it is heard here in Hafnarfjörður.”

The Diligence and Perseverance of Hafnarfjörður

Birna Þórarinsdóttir, Executive Director of UNICEF, said in her address that Hafnarfjörður had shown exceptional determination, diligence, and perseverance in becoming a Child Friendly Municipality, and there was much to celebrate. “Becoming a Child Friendly Municipality is not a project about putting an ‘X’ in a box on a form, not at all. Instead, it’s a project about changing a mindset,” she said. This day of celebration was especially sweet.

“It’s important to remember that this is a milestone, not a destination. You have achieved a great deal of success in ensuring the participation of children in the municipality’s work and ensuring that the municipality’s activities are better tailored to the rights and needs of children, but there is still a lot to do,” she said, adding that UNICEF looks forward to continuing to work with the municipality.

“This is not an easily won recognition, but I can tell you from my own experience that the progress made here in Iceland is noticed in municipal projects all over the world,” she said. The success resonates widely.

A Municipality That Listens to Children

Valdimar agreed that the recognition was a victory along the way. “A child Friendly Municipality is a community that is constantly listening, constantly learning, and constantly doing better. We are not building a town just for children; we are building a town with children. And that makes all of us richer.”

Nína Sólveig then reminded everyone that the work of being a Child Friendly Municipality never stops. “And I hope that future generations, those who join the next steering committee, the new town council next year, and those who will take over from me on the Youth Council, will do everything to keep this title and thank everyone who came before to make this happen.”

Valdimar also thanked everyone who took part in the journey, but most of all the children. “You have taught us so much and deserve all the credit for us standing here today,” he said.

“Congratulations, Hafnarfjörður! Congratulations, dear children and young people, this is your day, your recognition, and your future.”