Cardiff Youth Council Vice Chair David Abadir (16) was selected to represent Wales at a European youth symposium in Brussels, 16-19 November.
The aim of the symposium was to build on the good practice examples of child participation showcased at the 2015 International Children’s Day events in the European Parliament and to contribute to the development of Eurochild’s Child Participation Strategy.
David joined other young people from across Europe to turn commitments made by Members of the European Parliament into real action.
The symposium ‘With Children – For Children: From ideas to action’ was organised by Eurochild, in partnership with the European Parliament Intergroup on Children’s Rights.
Eurochild worked hard to create an opportunity for direct engagement between members of the European Parliament and children and young people who have participated in local, national or international child participation projects.
During the symposium Young people demonstrated how Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and officials from the European Commission (EC) can engage with children around Europe in a meaningful way.
David said ‘It was hard work but a great experience and I met some really friendly people from all over Europe and I look forward to being part of the next phase’
Participants will continue the work on Eurochild’s Child Participation Strategy after the event, which includes contributing to drafts of the Child Participation Strategy in writing, by Skype, on Facebook and through Google hangouts, leading up to the Eurochild’s General Assembly and Member’s Day in Brussels on 5-6 April.