On Monday, at the Victoria Palace, the event “Children's Summit – Voice of our generation” takes place, organized by the National Authority for the Protection of Children's Rights and Adoption, with the support of the Prime Minister's Chancellery (Department for Integrated Evaluation and Monitoring of Programs Funded by Public and European Funds) .
The event takes place at the Victoria Palace – photo Archive
150 children from all over the country will participate in the event, as well as ministers, parliamentarians, secretaries of state, representatives of the diplomatic corps and representatives of other key institutions, according to a press release quoted by Agerpres.
The event will be structured in five discussion panels and a plenary session, addressing essential themes such as: education, children's participation in decisions that concern them, climate change, mental health, violence, bullying, discrimination and friendly justice.
“The event is part of the series of meetings dedicated to the implementation of the European Guarantee for children in Romania and encourages the active participation and involvement of young people in the decision-making process. Ensuring the active and inclusive participation of children in making decisions that concern them is, moreover, a principle and a specific objective of the National Guarantee Action Plan. Through these discussions, children will have the opportunity to express their opinions and concerns, thus contributing to the development of public policies that truly respond to their needs and aspirations. The representatives of the authorities and the experts present will have the opportunity to listen directly to the young people's point of view, promoting an authentic and constructive dialogue“, the quoted statement states.
The conclusions of the discussions during the Summit will be included in a report, which will be presented to Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu by the children's representatives, in a later meeting.
“Every day, our children live the realities created by the decisions made by adults. That is why it is essential to listen to them and to actively involve them in the decision-making processes. Thus, not only do we recognize their rights, but we also build a fair, equitable and prosperous society”, said the Minister of Family, Youth and Equal Opportunities, Natalia Elena Intotero, quoted in the press release.
The participation of children in the decision-making process is a right recognized by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Their involvement in decision-making contributes to the development of a sense of responsibility, critical thinking skills and self-confidence. These skills are essential for their formation as active and engaged citizens.
“The “Voice of our generation” summit represents a unique opportunity for children in Romania to be actively involved in the decisions that directly concern them. Through this event, we want to emphasize the importance of listening and valuing children's opinions in the decision-making process. We have children's representatives from all the big structures in the country, being the first time that all these organizations come together”, said the president of the National Authority for the Protection of Children's Rights and Adoption, Rareş-Petru Achiriloaie, quoted in the communique sent.
The summit was organized with the support of organizations such as UNICEF Romania, Save the Children Romania, the Federation of Non-Governmental Organizations for Children, World Vision Romania, SOS Children's Villages, Hope and Homes for Children, the National Council of Students, the Union of Student Representatives and the Metropolis Philanthropic Foundation.
