UNICEF Delegation Meets with Mirabela Grădinaru to Discuss Child Rights and Youth Engagement

Mirabela Grădinaru, partner to Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan, convened with a UNICEF delegation led by Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF's regional director for Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. The discussions centered on advancing children's rights and strengthening the involvement of young people in decisions that shape their lives.

During the meeting, Romania's advancements in integrating children and youth into public decision-making processes were presented, according to UNICEF. A key example cited was legislation enacted in 2024, which empowers young individuals to contribute to the development of policies and regulations affecting them.

"I know how important it is for every child to have access to care, protection, education, and opportunities to develop. We must never forget that they are our number one priority. The way we care for children today will shape the society of tomorrow," Grădinaru stated, as per the press release. She also underscored the necessity of ongoing cooperation between Romania and UNICEF to support children and families, ensuring that young people's voices are heard regardless of their background.

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I know how important it is for every child to have access to care, protection, education, and opportunities to develop. We must never forget that they are our number one priority. The way we care for children today will shape the society of tomorrow.

Beigbeder commended Romania's significant strides in enhancing youth participation in decision-making. He stressed that young people have the right to be heard on issues impacting their future. "Romania has taken important steps to consolidate child participation and integrate it into the decision-making process, and its experience can offer valuable lessons to countries both within and outside Europe," he remarked.

The meeting also covered Romania's experience with integrated community service models and the implementation of the European Child Guarantee. Both UNICEF representatives and Grădinaru explored opportunities to promote Romania's best practices internationally. Discussions also touched upon continued cooperation in areas such as child participation, education, climate change mitigation, online safety, and the prevention of violence against children.

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Romania has taken important steps to consolidate child participation and integrate it into the decision-making process, and its experience can offer valuable lessons to countries both within and outside Europe.