The place of children and young people in public decision-making - EESC 2025

Yesterday, at the EESC, an important presentation was given on a fundamental topic: the place of children and adolescents in public decision-making, in the spirit of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Young Ambassadors for the Environment (YAE) were invited to attend, to follow the proceedings and listen to the testimonies and analyses presented on behalf of young people.

It was a rich moment, with several young people speaking out forcefully

Although the YAE were not speakers, we would like to commend the quality and clarity of the speeches made by the young people present at this presentation. Their speeches rightly highlighted:

• the importance of the right to be heard,

• the need to involve young people more closely in public policy,

• and the urgent need to fully recognise their role in the major issues of our time, particularly environmental and climate issues.

By organising this session, the EESC has once again highlighted a fundamental principle of the Convention on the Rights of the Child:

➡️ participation is not an extra, it is a right.

Why this directly concerns the Young Ambassadors for the Environment

Environment, quality of life, health, the future of our regions: the first people affected by today's choices will be the younger generations.

For YAE, this report is an essential reminder: children's rights include the right to participate — in a real way. They must not remain theoretical or symbolic.

Being present at this moment, listening, drawing inspiration, understanding the expectations and proposals of the young speakers: this is also our responsibility.

What we take away

• This session highlighted:

• a stronger institutional willingness to involve young people in decision-making,

• very clear testimonies about what works... and what remains to be built

  
  

the importance of permanent, accessible and truly effective spaces for young people to make their voices heard.

We leave with a stronger conviction: fairer, more sustainable public policies that are more compatible with environmental issues must be developed WITH young people, not in their place.

What's next?

The JAE will continue its commitment to:

• encourage young people to participate in public debates,

• support local and national initiatives that give them a real voice,

• defend the idea that the ecological transition must incorporate the voice of young people,

• and relay messages from events such as this presentation to the CESE.

Because upholding children's rights also means recognising young people's ability to contribute to, inform and inspire the choices that will shape their future.