The conference on child poverty aims to commit each Member State to take into account the problems of children living in poverty and to find solutions to reduce this level of child poverty. This conference will be organised in accordance with a concept of active participation, known as « Town Hall », where the voice of each participant will be heard. The conclusions that will be drawn from this conference will contribute to the political process in preparation for the adoption of a Recommendation by the European Commission.

The conference will take place in Marche-en-Famenne (Belgium), and will involve approximately 300 participants. The event aims to bring new dimensions to the European debate on the adoption of a Recommendation on child poverty. The participants will take into consideration all the studies and initiatives that have been carried out to date, with the intention of reaching a consensus on the objectives and criteria to adopt in combating child poverty.

This conference will be organised in accordance with a concept of active participation, known as « Town Hall ». The participants will be divided into groups of ten people around tables managed by professional facilitators. Each participant will be invited to speak and this will considerably enrich the debate held. The general conclusions of the event will reflect genuine shared work. This formula has the advantage of providing real added value compared with a traditional conference.

The three principal themes that will be dealt with refer to

• the guarantee of adequate resources in order for the essential requirements of all children to be met;
• access to quality services to ensure the current and future well-being of children and
• the fostering of the participation of children in decision-making processes which concern them.

The conclusions, recommendations and definitions of the quantified objectives and criteria with regard to combating child poverty which will result from this conference will contribute to the political process in preparation for the adoption of a Recommendation by the European Commission.

Contacts:
Pierre-Jean Burrion, Press Attache, Belgian Ministry
Björn Becker, Information and Communication Officer, Eurochild
 
Click here to go to the EU Trio official website of the conference. 

Click here for the programme.

Click here for the concept paper on the "marketplace".