World Vision, Harvard host Vatican forum on fostering children's hope

An international forum focused on enhancing children's hope and well-being concluded successfully in Vatican City. Co-hosted by international relief and development NGO World Vision and Harvard University, the 'Global Summit 2026: Fostering Hope for Children' took place from May 3 to 5.

The summit brought together global leaders from international organizations like the World Bank and WHO, as well as experts in healthcare, education, religion, and civil society. Participants aimed to shed light on the multifaceted global challenges children face, including poverty, educational disparities, conflict, climate change, and socio-emotional crises. The discussions centered on finding collaborative international strategies to promote children's hope and overall well-being.

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Fostering children's hope cannot be achieved by the efforts of a single organization alone; the international community must cooperate closely based on data and field experience.

Discussions on the first day, May 3, focused on the 'Current State of Child Flourishing & Understanding Child Hope.' Andrew Morley, President of World Vision International, delivered a welcome address emphasizing the critical importance of holistic child development and fostering hope. The second day, May 4, delved into 'Pathways to Flourishing,' with Edgar Sandoval Sr., President and CEO of World Vision USA, delivering a keynote speech on the necessity of international cooperation and solidarity to maintain children's hope and resilience amidst complex crises.

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Korea World Vision will actively participate in building sustainable child support models with global partners.

Sessions on the final day, May 5, centered on 'A Call to Action,' concentrating on practical strategies for child well-being. Jo Myung-hwan, President of Korea World Vision, delivered a commentary stressing that fostering children's hope requires close collaboration based on data and field experience, not just the efforts of a single organization. He affirmed Korea World Vision's commitment to participating in building sustainable child support models with global partners.

The forum also introduced findings from the 'Hope & Love Measure' global research project, a collaboration between World Vision and Harvard University. The study highlighted 'Human Connectivity', relationships with family, friends, teachers, and the community, as a crucial factor in shaping children's hope. President Jo stated, "Through this research, we have confirmed that children's hope is formed within healthy relationships and significantly impacts individual growth and the sustainability of future society." World Vision plans to integrate these research findings into its field projects to better support children's emotional and relational development.

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Through this research, we have confirmed that children's hope is formed within healthy relationships and significantly impacts individual growth and the sustainability of future society.