The event at Croke Park will act as a unique opportunity for youth delegates, civil society professionals and governmental stakeholders to come together to shape the future of children’s rights in Ireland.

Concluding observations published by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) earlier this year on Ireland’s progress implementing children’s rights will assist in driving the discussion on key issues impacting children and young people including mental health and disability.

The first Child Summit was held back in 2016 after the last UN Committee on the Rights of the Child examination. This piece of work was the first of its kind in bringing together the main policy and decision-makers across government to help forge positive change for children in Ireland.

This year, the Child Summit will include addresses from children and young people alongside prominent national and international voices including minister Roderic O’Gorman (DCEDIY), UNCRC country task force member, Professor Philip Jaffé and ombudsman for children, Dr Niall Muldoon.

Chief executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance, Tanya Ward, said: “It is critical that young people are supported and empowered to participate in these debates that look to shape the future of children’s rights in Ireland.

“We have made a lot of progress when it comes to delivering for children and young people, but we have more work to do to ensure that every child has every opportunity to access and exercise their rights. Today, youth voices are placed centre stage with national and international stakeholders to discuss the key issues facing children in Ireland and inform how government can address these moving forward.”