As part of the Irish EU Presidency, Ireland will host a High-Level Conference, “Listening to Children and Young People – Challenges in Challenging Settings” in July 2026.
Participation means that children and young people have a voice in decision-making, and that their views are considered in all matters affecting them.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality helps to realise the right of children and young people to feed into policies and strategies at the local and national level.
This work is guided by the belief that children and young people are citizens of today, not just adults of tomorrow.
Ireland’s EU Presidency is committed to strengthening the participation of children and young people in decision-making across Europe.
At this High-Level Conference, adult attendees will share their experiences of engaging with children and young people in challenging situations, and young people will be consulted on the digital world.
