"We, the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ... [acknowledge] that the future of our region lies in the welfare of its children and its youth. Investing in the children today is to ensure peace, stability, security, democracy and sustainable development tomorrow. The voice of the youth must be heard. Our children are the actors without whom neither the present not the future can be. They need our total support and commitment today." (Quoted from paper)