On Thursday, October 24th, 2024, Professor Marit Skivenes, Director of the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism (DIPA), was a part of the seminar titled “Children’s Right to Be Heard in Decisions at the Societal Level” (Barns rett til å bli hørt i beslutninger på samfunnsnivå) in Oslo, Norway. The seminar was organised by the NGO Change Factory (Forandringsfabrikken), a key advocate for the rights of children and young people in Norway.
The event gathered researchers, youth, and policymakers to discuss the importance of ensuring that children’s voices are actively considered in decision-making processes at both the national and local levels. The discussions emphasized the pivotal role children play in shaping societal outcomes, highlighting their right to influence decisions that impact their lives.
A Platform for Change
During the seminar, Professor Skivenes participated in a panel discussion titled “Why Listen to Children at the Societal Level,” where she was joined by young people from Forandringsfabrikken.
A key part of the discussions at the seminar centered on children’s right to participate in decision-making processes, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), particularly within schools, local communities, and at the national level. The program will also assess the national frameworks of other countries, such as Ireland, offering a comparative perspective on the challenges and opportunities in advancing children’s participation in decision-making between Norway and other nations.
Supported by experts and advocates from diverse sectors, the seminar underscored the need for continuous dialogue and reflection on how to enhance children’s involvement in societal matters. Change Factory emphasized the ongoing need for legislative and practical measures to ensure that children’s rights to be heard are fully realized across all levels of decision-making in Norway.