News & Events
Conference Resources Now Available: Key Messages Statement, Infographics and Original Soundtrack
Date Released: 4 November 2026.jpg)
📸 Pictured (L-R): Dr Danielle Kennan, UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre; Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton T.D. and Professor John Canavan, Director, UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre.
The UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University of Galway are delighted to share a number of key outputs that have emerged from the 12th Biennial International Conference, Shifting Power: New Frontiers in Youth Participation, held on 11-12 June 2026.
We are pleased to share the Conference Key Messages Statement. This Statement reflects the collective insights and expertise of presenters, delegates and young people who contributed to the event. Each of the four key messages set out in the Statement and accompanying priorities for action are also depicted in the following infographics:
- Tackle Adultism and Power Imbalances
- Invest in Relationships, Time and Safe Spaces
- Strive for Authentic Participation
- Build Evidence and Accountability
As part of our initial dissemination efforts, the Conference Key Messages Statement was formally presented to the Minister for Education and Youth by members of the conference organising team on Monday. This represents an important first step in ensuring that the conference messages inform ongoing discussions and priorities.
We are also delighted to share It's More Than Just Hearing Us, a soundtrack created by The Kabin Crew. This soundtrack was produced as a conference legacy resource to capture the importance and spirit of meaningful youth participation and voice. The Kabin Crew, a youth music and community space in Cork that nurtures young artists through workshops supported the project, with members of The Kabin Crew writing and recording the song on the day of the conference in response to the conference findings and key messages.
We hope this statement and the accompanying resources will serve as a useful resource for researchers, policymakers, practitioners and young people committed to advancing meaningful youth participation in policy, practice and research.
