Council of Europe Conference on the European Strategy for Children's Rights
From April 2 to 4, 2025, the International Conference organized by the Council of Europe (CoE) took place in Strasbourg, focusing on the European Strategy for Children’s Rights. The event brought together the TEDDY KIDS, experts, activists and young delegates from across Europe to discuss key topics such as children’s right to make decisions about their health, sexual education, and the protection of Ukrainian children’s rights.
Leonardo Fiore, as a representative of KIDS Bari, actively contributed to the discussion on these important issues, participating in crucial sessions. In the session on sexual education, Dion Kraja, representative of KIDS Albania, served as co-moderator. Leonardo, Dion, and other young delegates had the opportunity to exchange ideas and proposals with sector experts in a reciprocal learning exchange aimed at collaboration to protect and expand children’s rights. The event proved to be a unique opportunity to deepen the discussion on children’s rights, with a particular focus on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and ways to ensure the protection of minors affected by the war.
Leonardo greatly appreciated the chance to engage with influential figures and expressed his enthusiasm for discussing such vital topics for the future of children at the European level.
The Council of Europe Conference reinforced the importance of strengthening the European Strategy for Children’s Rights, emphasizing the urgency of a more decisive and coordinated effort to ensure a safe and protected environment for all children in Europe.
As suggested by Dion, there is an urgent need to involve young people in defending and promoting children’s rights: “youth participation can inspire young minds around the world to become more engaged in this vital cause.” Dion’s call to youth action acknowledges that the future of children’s rights will heavily depend on the energy and commitment of future generations.
Events like the Strasbourg Conference serve as valuable opportunities for young people to meet, collaborate, and grow both personally and professionally. They provide essential moments for development, helping to shape a better present and future for the younger generations and those to come.
