UNICEF China ambassador appeals for universal quality education for children

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador Wang Yuan addresses a high-level meeting on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), at the UN headquarters in New York, on Nov. 20, 2019. Wang Yuan on Wednesday appealed for the promotion of quality education for all children across the globe. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Envoy for the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Wang Yuan, also a Chinese teen idol, on Wednesday appealed for the promotion of quality education for all children across the globe.

Wang, also known as Roy Wang from the famed Chinese boy band TFBoys, said since the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) 30 years ago, tremendous progress has been made in promoting the children's right to education.

Globally, however, many children are left behind -- they have not enjoyed their proper right and the case was particularly grave in mid- and low-income countries, he said.

Speaking as a UNICEF China Goodwill Ambassador, Wang made the remarks at a high-level meeting held by the UN General Assembly to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the CRC.

He said the world needs a "revolution" to cope with the "crisis," calling on people of all ages to contribute to the efforts toward solutions.

In particular, he stressed the importance of quality early education, saying primary education should be ensured for children from remote rural areas and from migrant families, and that education for teenagers should consider their various needs, including the need for acquiring vocational skills.

Later on Tuesday, Wang participated in the ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building in celebration of World Children's Day, which is observed on Nov. 20 every year. The top of the New York landmark building shines blue on Wednesday evening for the occasion.

Wednesday's meeting consists of an opening plenary, an interactive segment with UNICEF goodwill ambassadors, youth advocates, high-level representatives and specialists, and a high-level plenary meeting.

Wang, born in Chongqing of China in 2000, is a Chinese singer-songwriter, actor and television host. He was appointed UNICEF China Goodwill Ambassador in November 2018. Previously, he was UNICEF Special Advocate for Education.