On June 26-27, history was made at the European Commission. A first General Assembly co-created and co-chaired with children and teenagers to discuss and work on child participation at EU-level.
Bravo to our Children’s Panel, who worked so hard to make the meeting a success!
Having a voice, being heard!
Around 70 children were there to share their ideas and opinions on how to make the European Union (EU) better for all children and teenagers.
"Not only are we the future, but we are also the present. We bring a new perspective and new ideas."
Tala, 17 years old, Sweden, Member of the Children's Panel
During the two-day event, children had serious and interesting conversations about things that matter to them, like children's rights, climate change, safety, poverty, and participation. They also talked with national and EU decision-makers on some of the issues that were important to them.
The work done by the children over the two days will feed into the Platform's 2023-2024 Work Plan.
Children’s recommendations
The children made lots of recommendations for the Platform to consider:
- Lower voting age: 16 and 17-year-olds should be able to vote, to strengthen democracy. It is important for young people to have a say in decisions that impact their lives.
- Mental health: More open communication and awareness about mental health is needed.
- Climate change: Child-friendly talks and materials related to climate change can involve children in decision-making processes.
- Child protection: Raise awareness about various forms of violence against children, including bullying and abuse.
- Child poverty: All children need to be able to go to good schools, have healthy food, proper homes to live in and should not be discriminated against.
- Integration: Promote integration among children from different backgrounds. Create events to bring people together.
- Peer networking: The Platform could be used to make connections, share experiences and best practices between children, experts, and national children and youth advisory boards.
- Consultations and chat rooms: Online and offline discussions to gather children's views and involve them in developing solutions.
Read the short report (in English)
Read the full report (in English)
What's next?
- Advisory Board approval: The Advisory Board meet twice a year to give advice and share their knowledge. During the October 2023 meeting, they will review and approve the Platform's work plan for 2023-2024.
- Child safety: As part of the 2023 activities, the Platform asked children what they think and feel about being safe through an online survey and discussions. What children said about feeling safe