At its 29th session, in January 2002, the Committee decided to devote the day of discussion in 2002 to the theme “The private sector as service provider and its role in implementing Child Rights”, which included child participation as part of its discussion.

The meeting was opened by the High Commissioner, who, inter alia, suggested that participants may wish to particularly reflect on the role that public-private partnerships could play in societies emerging from war such as East Timor or Kosovo as well as in poverty alleviation. The important question was not whether the provision of services by public or private actors was better, but rather how we can ensure that the appropriate services are delivered to all children. Emphasizing that this day of discussion must lead to concrete results regarding the welfare of children, he also noted the shockingly low level of awareness of the majority of the public about human rights treaties such as the Committee on the Rights of the Child.