Official Government delegations from 140 countries representing all regions of the world gathered together in Brazil from 25 to 28 November 2008 for the World Congress III against Sexual Exploitation of Children (WCIII). In total, more than 3000 people took part in the three-day gathering, including representatives from government, the private sector and civil society. 300 children and adolescents also joined and played an integral part in the WCIII.  The Congress opened on a high note with the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, giving the keynote speech at the opening ceremony. As an organizing partner, ECPAT International took a leading role both at the Congress itself and in its lead-up by mobilizing input from across our worldwide Network and working behind the scenes to ensure that the progress made at the Congress is translated into action. more…