(ANS – Paphos) – On June 16–17, 2026, Don Bosco International (DBI) participated in the Eurochild Conference 2026 in Paphos, bringing together child rights organizations, children and young people, practitioners, and policymakers. Participants included representatives from the Government of Cyprus, the European Commission, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), and the Council of Europe. Organized by Eurochild and hosted by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the conference focused on strengthening child protection systems and advancing children’s rights in a rapidly changing social environment across Europe.

A central theme of the conference was the shared understanding that effective child protection requires strong collaboration among all stakeholders. Throughout the event, representatives from civil society organizations, public institutions, and child-focused networks explored how integrated, multi-stakeholder approaches can strengthen prevention efforts, improve early identification of risks, and provide more coordinated responses to the needs of children and families.

One of the conference’s distinguishing features was its emphasis on meaningful participation by children and young people, moving beyond traditional presentation formats. Interactive workshops and the Human Library sessions gave participants the opportunity to engage directly with individuals who shared their lived experiences.

These interactive sessions encouraged deeper reflection on children’s rights and child protection systems by allowing participants to hear personal stories, ask questions, and challenge their own assumptions. The exchanges fostered a more personal and realistic understanding of the challenges faced by children and young people throughout Europe. By creating space for dialogue grounded in real-life experiences, the conference highlighted the value of inclusive approaches that build empathy, awareness, and more effective policies and practices.

Don Bosco International (DBI) took part in the conference as part of the broader engagement of European civil society, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to accompanying young people across Europe and promoting Salesian child protection systems that are preventive, community-based, and centered on the well-being of children.

The conference in Cyprus reinforced a clear message: protecting children’s rights requires not only strong institutional commitment and sound public policy, but also continuous dialogue and shared responsibility across society.