Save the Children CEO Discusses Global Child Well-being on 'Face the Nation'

This is a transcript of the interview with Save the Children CEO Janti Soeripto on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,' aired on June 8, 2025.

[Begin Transcript]

**Margaret Brennan:** Welcome to 'Face the Nation.' Today, we're joined by Janti Soeripto, CEO of Save the Children, to discuss the pressing issues facing children around the world. Janti, thank you for being here.

**Janti Soeripto:** Thank you, Margaret. It's a pleasure to be here.

**Margaret Brennan:** Save the Children works in some of the most challenging environments. What are the biggest threats facing children today?

**Janti Soeripto:** Sadly, children are increasingly vulnerable. Climate change is exacerbating existing problems like food insecurity and displacement. Conflict continues to disrupt lives, forcing families to flee their homes and leaving children without access to education or healthcare. We're also seeing a rise in child poverty in many regions, which limits their opportunities and puts them at risk.

**Margaret Brennan:** The impact of climate change on children is a growing concern. Can you elaborate on that?

**Janti Soeripto:** Absolutely. Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it's a child rights issue. Extreme weather events, like droughts and floods, are destroying crops and livelihoods, leading to malnutrition and displacement. Children are also more susceptible to diseases that spread due to climate change. We need urgent action to mitigate climate change and protect children from its devastating effects.

**Margaret Brennan:** What about conflict? How is that affecting children?

**Janti Soeripto:** Conflict zones are incredibly dangerous for children. They are often caught in the crossfire, recruited as child soldiers, or separated from their families. Schools and hospitals are targeted, depriving children of essential services. We work to provide emergency aid, protection, and psychosocial support to children affected by conflict, but the need is overwhelming.

**Margaret Brennan:** What can individuals do to help?

**Janti Soeripto:** There are many ways to support Save the Children's work. You can donate to our programs, advocate for policies that protect children, and raise awareness about the issues they face. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference in a child's life.

**Margaret Brennan:** Janti Soeripto, CEO of Save the Children, thank you for your insights.

**Janti Soeripto:** Thank you, Margaret.

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