Tirana, 9 April 2025 – The Albanian Government hosted today the Regional Conference “Joint Engagement for Children – Advancing Care Reforms and Exploring the European Child Guarantee Framework”, with the participation of representatives from the authorities of more than 14 countries in Europe, academics, CSO’s and development partners. With the aim of improving childcare policies and mechanisms, this activity was developed as a space for dialogue, cooperation and sharing of experiences to strengthen the commitment to child welfare.
“The true measure of a country’s progress, democracy and well-being is measured by the way it treats its children. I believe that our countries, both in the European Union and in the region, have the opportunity to make a real difference for generations to come.” – said Mrs. Albana Koçiu, Minister of Health and Social Protection.
The conference had a strong child and youth participation involvement. More than 30 young people from various high schools and universities participated in the youth-led side-event consultation, where through an interactive and inclusive process, they identified the most sensitive problems affecting their lives and formulated concrete recommendations that require immediate action. The side-event was co-facilitated by CRCA-ECPAT Albania, Save the Children, UNICEF in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.
The children shared their ideas and recommendations on the five priorities of the Child Guarantee including: Early childhood education and care, free education, free healthcare, healthy nutrition and adequate housing. They presented their recommendations at the closing session of the conference, in the presence of decision-making leaders, institutional representatives and other European partners.
The European Child Guarantee is an initiative of the European Union that aims to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to basic services such as: quality education, healthy food, healthcare, adequate housing and social care.
“Inter-institutional cooperation and with civil society is key to advancing childcare reforms. This will enable not only the further development of national policies, but also the exchange of valuable practices and experiences with other countries in the region,” said Altin Hazizaj, Director of CRCA/ECPAT Albania, during his speech in the section dedicated to Albania.
The conference served as an exchange platform for other Balkan countries and beyond, to learn from the successful experiences of countries such as Italy, Romania, Croatia and Greece. Albania, through this conference, reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of this guarantee and to building a system that puts the child and his or her rights at the center.