Child participation is moving to the centre of public policy in Ireland and across Europe, with Dublin set to host a landmark event focused on how children and young people can influence the decisions that shape their lives. Announced on gov.ie by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the High-Level Conference, Listening to Children and Young People – Challenges in Challenging Settings, will take place on 30 and 31 July 2026 and marks a major moment for youth voice, rights-based policymaking and Ireland’s wider EU leadership agenda.
The conference is being presented as the first high-level event dedicated specifically to the participation of children and young people in decision-making. It also stands out as the first major event hosted by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, underlining how child participation is becoming a core issue in European policy conversations.
Child Participation Takes Centre Stage at Dublin Conference
According to gov.ie, the two-day gathering will bring together more than 200 delegates from across Europe. The audience will include:
- children and young people
- youth journalists
- Government Ministers
- European policymakers
- researchers and practitioners
- children’s rights experts
The aim is not simply to talk about youth engagement in theory, but to show child participation in action. Organisers say children and young people will be directly involved through consultations, interactive discussions and shared sessions with decision-makers.
This is especially significant as public bodies across Ireland, from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Tusla to the Department of the Taoiseach and Social Protection agencies, increasingly place consultation, inclusion and evidence-based policy at the heart of service design.
Why gov.ie Is Spotlighting Child Participation Now
The conference reflects a growing recognition that children and young people are not just future citizens but current rights-holders. The central message on gov.ie is clear: when decisions affect young lives, young people should have a meaningful role in shaping those decisions.
The programme will include keynote speeches, plenary sessions, consultation forums, exhibitions and a cultural schedule. This format is designed to encourage dialogue across sectors including Education, Health, Justice and Equality, while also connecting with wider concerns such as online safety and social media governance.
That cross-sector relevance matters. Agencies and institutions such as the Data Protection Commission (DPC), Coimisiún na Meán, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), the CSO and the Revenue Commissioners all operate in policy ecosystems where public engagement, rights, regulation and accountability are increasingly interconnected.
Key themes expected at the event
- how to involve children in decisions that affect them
- participation in challenging settings
- digital life, online safety and social media
- sharing European best practice
- turning lived experience into better policy
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Ireland’s Leadership Role on gov.ie and Across Europe
Ireland is already widely recognised for its work in child and youth participation, and this conference gives the State an opportunity to share practical learning with European partners. It also creates a platform for listening, not just presenting, which is essential if participation is to be authentic rather than symbolic.
For policymakers in Children/Disability/Equality, Further and Higher Education, Health, Local Government and Heritage, and Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the event may help shape future approaches to consultation and service delivery. It also has relevance for organisations such as HIQA, the Ombudsman Offices, the Citizens Information Board and the National Disability Authority (NDA), all of which engage with rights, standards and public outcomes.
Most importantly, child participation will not be treated as a side issue. Young delegates are expected to contribute directly to conversations on policy and practice, offering insight grounded in real experience.
What This Means for Child Participation in Ireland
The conference signals a broader shift in how institutions think about voice, inclusion and democratic participation. By placing young people at the heart of discussion, gov.ie is highlighting a model where policy is informed by those most affected by it.
The clearest takeaway is this: child participation is no longer optional language in policy documents. It is becoming a practical standard for better government, stronger rights and smarter decision-making in Ireland and across Europe.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
