On 30–31 July 2026, children and young people from across Europe met in Dublin to share their views with government ministers, EU representatives and other adults involved in decisions that affect children.
The Irish government organised the conference as part of its role to lead work between EU countries, known as the EU Presidency. Around 200 adults and 80 kids and young people were there!
A big thank you to Gabrielius, Mirabela, Nadine, Rayan and Sara who presented children's views in different parts of the meeting. And to Loukia and Matthias who helped organise the event as part of the Irish Youth Advisory Group.
Special thanks to everyone from the Irish side for a wonderfully organised event and a great welcome!
To the young people here today, I want you to know that your participation matters.
High Level Conference
- Gabrielius spoke with European Commissioner Michael McGrath about why it is important to listen to children. He said children should be involved from the start, when new rules and plans are first discussed.
- Rayan joined Professor Laura Lundy to share ideas on how adults can listen to children and make sure their voices are heard. That they should work with children, not for them but treat them as partners.
- Sara and Rosalba Striani from the Commission talked about how children and adults can work together to make children’s ideas happen. This can give children hope that their ideas will make a real difference.
- Mirabela, Nadine and Gabrielius, with Marta Kuljon from the Commission, ran a workshop for adults. They explained how children are having a say in European decision-making and how our Platform works.
See the photos!
Commissioner McGrath and Irish Minister Foley, High-Level-Conference, Dublin 2026Commissioner McGrath and Irish Minister Foley, High-Level-Conference, Dublin 2026 
Young people in networking mode, Dublin 2026Young people in networking mode, Dublin 2026 
A full room of dedication to child participation - Dublin 2026A full room of dedication to child participation - Dublin 2026 
Sharing perspectives and insights - Dublin 2026Sharing perspectives and insights - Dublin 2026 
A quick class in Irish step dancing A quick class in Irish step dancing 
Friends and memories from DublinFriends and memories from Dublin
There was a kids-only workshop to discuss their experiences in the digital world and share their views on banning social media for kids under 16.
- Important feedback: children and young people want to be involved when decisions are made about the digital world because this affects their everyday lives.
In parallel, the adults had workshops on how children can have a say in decisions while in different or difficult situations, like: alternative care, homelessness, emergency care or in justice and legal settings.
- Important feedback: children said that it is not enough for adults to listen to what they say, but must also let them know how and where their opinions are being used.
The Irish government will publish results from all of these discussions, known as Council Conclusions.
Read more about the conference from Gabrielius
Our special Platform meeting
On the afternoon of day two, there was a workshop for the 20 young members of our Platform.
The children discussed topics that the Platform could possible focus on during our next 2027-2028 Work Plan. Some topics overlapped, especially when it comes to children's lives at school. Here's a few of them:
- Mental health and wellbeing: make it easier to get mental health support and access to psychologists, more to be done against cyberbullying, and to reduce the stress at school.
- Learning: more practical and life skills to be taught and better sex education, including information on sexual health and sexual abuse, and where to get help.
- Social life: the need for safe and affordable places where children and young people can meet outside the school and home, and good affordable public transport to get them there.
A more detailed report about the conference is coming soon!
