Ghana’s First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Mahama, took the global stage at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to deliver a keynote address during the 7th Annual Prayer Service for Children on Monday.
The event was at the Church Center for the United Nations, Tillman Chapel, 777 United Nations Plaza, New York.
The Prayer Service, convened on the margins of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, was organised by World Vision International in collaboration with leading global faith-based and humanitarian partners.
This year’s theme, “A Moment of Hope,” explored six dimensions of hope, compassion, resilience, purpose, joy, wisdom, and spiritual life, at a time when the world is grappling with unprecedented challenges.
VIDEO: What First Lady Lordina Mahama said at 7th UN General Assembly prayer service for children https://t.co/wZC6cZGG5v pic.twitter.com/9aEa5QcRPj
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Mrs. Lordina Mahama’s participation highlighted her longstanding commitment to championing children’s welfare, protection, and empowerment in Ghana and beyond. Her leadership and dedication to advancing access to education, healthcare, and social support for vulnerable children brought an inspiring perspective to the global platform.
Other distinguished speakers included: Rev. Andrew J. Morley, President and CEO, World Vision International and Mrs. Cindy McCain, Executive Director, United Nations World Food Programme.
The Annual Prayer Service for Children brought together world leaders, global partners, and faith leaders from diverse traditions to unite in prayer and reflection, calling for urgent action to improve the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children.
Mrs Lordina Mahama appealed for concerted global action to safeguard children's future, calling for a peaceful world with opportunities for growth and well-being.
Her impassioned plea was at a special annual prayer session for children at the Tillman Chapel Church Centre in New York, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Mrs Mahama highlighted the uncertainties children faced today, exacerbated by scaled-back funding for essential services, growing mistrust in institutions and an erosion of hope.
She noted that while the challenges, especially for the vulnerable, were immense, they could be overcome through collective prayer and an unwavering commitment to confront the rapidly changing global order.
“We gather here from different nations and cultures, but we are united by our shared faith,” she stated, adding that, through prayer and decisive leadership, “we can create a world where every child is protected and empowered to achieve their full potential.”
Mrs Mahama painted a stark picture of the thousands of children caught in armed conflicts and humanitarian crises, particularly in Africa, where their childhoods were brutally stolen.
“These are precious lives destroyed by circumstances beyond their control,” she lamented.
“When nations fail to focus on policies that safeguard the home, strengthen communities and nurture the youth, it is our children who suffer the most.
They are the ones who lose parents, siblings, homes, dreams and carry emotional scars that can last forever.”
The First Lady mentioned her personal commitment to these ideals through the work of the Lordina Foundation, her non-governmental organisation dedicated to the welfare of underprivileged children and orphans in Ghana.
Mrs Mahama expressed the hope that with broader support, such philanthropic efforts across the globe could profoundly impact the lives of countless children.
In her prayer for the world’s children, the First Lady said, “Heavenly Father, I lift the needy and orphaned children in Ghana and across the world into your loving care.
I ask that you surround them with protection, comfort and hope for a brighter future.
Provide for their daily needs, including food, shelter, clothing and education.
Bless those who dedicate their time and resources to care for them.
May these children grow in wisdom, strength and joy, knowing that you love them.
Guide their paths with opportunities, surround them with kindness and let their lives shine as testimonies of your unfailing grace and provision. Amen.”
The annual prayer service, a crucial platform for advocacy, was facilitated by World Vision International in partnership with the World Council of Churches, Caritas Internationalis, the Episcopal Church and other leading faith-based organisations.
