1st Edition of the Child Forum
An event to promote the commitment, participation and voice of children and young people, and to strengthen UNICEF's position as the leading organization defending children's rights in France and around the world.
Organized in November 2024, to celebrate the Centenary of the very first text relating to a declaration of the rights of the child (1924), the 35th anniversary of the proclamation by the UN of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the 60th anniversary of the French Committee of UNICEF.
UNICEF: The world's largest organization for children
1946 : "The hope of the world lies in future generations"
It was with these words that, at the end of the Second World War, the United Nations General Assembly announced the creation of UNICEF, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund . An initiative dedicated to the future of future generations, which, from the first months of its existence, would devote itself to ensuring the survival of the 20 million children abandoned to their fate, without distinction, all victims of the conflict. These first relief actions were carried out in Europe, then gradually, over the years in all regions of the world. They then determined the DNA of UNICEF, the very essence of what has mobilized our organization for 78 years and contributed to making it today the leading organization in favor of children and respect for their rights in the world.
On 20 November 1989, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This international treaty is the foundation of UNICEF's actions around the world. Ratified by 197 States, the CRC sets out the fundamental rights of children, as they must be respected.
About UNICEF
To support its work for children, UNICEF accredits National Committees in high-income countries to represent UNICEF in dealings with institutions and civil society. Cooperation agreements govern the relationship between UNICEF and these Committees.
UNICEF's representations worldwide are divided between the 33 National Committees and the field offices, mainly where the organization deploys its programmes, whether in development support or in emergencies.
Thus, the French Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF France), whose headquarters is in Paris, is one of these national committees. It is an association under the 1901 law, founded in 1964. It was recognized as being of public utility by decree of December 2, 1970.
UNICEF France is one of the most important committees for financing UNICEF programs throughout the world.
UNICEF France's mission is to:
- Represent UNICEF and promote the CRC and actions in favor of children in France with public authorities, political, economic, union, professional and cultural actors, non-governmental organizations, associations and foundations, local authorities, the media and, in general, public opinion.
- Collect to contribute, through fundraising from individuals, the private sector and other sources in their territory, to UNICEF resources for the financing of its actions in the field.
- Advocate to ensure, on the one hand, respect for and fulfilment of the rights of the child (CRC), particularly of the most vulnerable; on the other hand, to influence and participate in the development of favourable public policies at the international, national and territorial levels, for concrete results in favour of children.
- Raise awareness to make children's rights known to the public, to all local and national stakeholders and to children themselves, through information, education and training actions.
- Mobilize to encourage and support the civic and solidarity commitment of adults, children and young people as agents of change in the service of international solidarity and the application of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
Edito
Adeline Hazan, President of UNICEF France
2024: a major year for UNICEF France
2024 is a major year for UNICEF France with the celebration of both the 35th anniversary of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the 60th anniversary of the creation of our organization, and finally the centenary of the Geneva Declaration, the first international text specifically relating to the rights of the child.
In this context, it seemed important to UNICEF France to celebrate these anniversaries by organizing a major event in Paris around the date of November 20, International Children's Rights Day.
This is how HOPE by UNICEF, the 1st edition of the International Children's Forum, will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at the Maison de la Radio et de la Musique (Paris).
2024 will mark the first edition of this Forum, which we want to be the starting point for a lasting discussion on progress in children's rights in France and around the world.
On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, UNICEF France invites all stakeholders in favor of children's rights to debate and discuss issues related to the fight against poverty and inequalities with regard to UNICEF strategies and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Among these questions, the following will be addressed: the impact of climate change and multiple crises on poverty, the role of social protection in the fight against poverty, multidimensional poverty in France and in developing countries, the involvement of cities and territories, etc.
In the presence of French and international experts, UNICEF France will present the results of its National Consultation of 6-18 year-olds conducted among 20,000 children and young people on the exercise of their rights on a daily basis and their perception of poverty and social inequalities.
The day will be punctuated by round tables combining analyses from UNICEF France and discussions with young people, researchers, public decision-makers and field actors in France and internationally on the initiatives deployed to combat poverty and exclusion and to ensure respect for children's rights.
See you on November 19, 2024!
REGISTRATION OPENS ON OCTOBER 1, 2024
Useful information:
Access to the Forum : guests and accredited persons only (registration required)
How to get there?
House of Radio and Music
116 President Kennedy Avenue
75016 Paris
75016 Paris
Metro:
Line 6 Passy station - Line 9 Ranelagh station - Line 10 Javel-André Citroën station
Bus :
Lines 22, 52, 62, 70 and 72.
Contact for the event: contact@hope-forum.unicef.fr
