President Mary McAleese has called on Northern Ireland to set an example for leaders battling child poverty and abuse around the world.
President Mary McAleese
Mrs McAleese told 500 delegates at a world conference discussing protection of children in Belfast that the country's experience in emerging from conflict should be an inspiration for all.
"You could not have come to a more inspirational place for here, even as we speak, children are being born in Belfast's maternity hospitals," she said.
"This generation wants, with an urgency, peace, good neighbourliness, respect for difference, tolerance, a city that is a happy and safe home for everyone.
"It is a city in transition, and the change of mood, of language and of practice, has been brought about by people who have wrought the changes in themselves."
Mrs McAleese said leaders from both sides of the community had compromised, attempted to forgive awful wounds and sought an honourable way forward so today's children can be friends and neighbours living in peace and prosperity.
She was speaking in the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, which is hosting the World Congress of the International Association of Youth and Family Judges and Magistrates.
A total of 500 delegates from 50 countries will be discussing the protection of children's rights. They include experts in dealing with children, families and youth justice.
The conference, whose theme is "The Right Justice," will draw up recommendations - the Belfast Recommendations - that will be presented to the United Nations and the Council of Europe before the end of the year.