Satellite Session | Built to Hold — Protecting Children through Humanitarian and Climate Crises
Please note, this session will be held in-person, with interpretation in French, Spanish, and Arabic. Livestream available on the Alliance YouTube Channel.
More children today are growing up amid conflict, displacement, and climate-driven emergencies than at any point in recent memory. These crises not only disrupt children's lives but also weaken the systems designed to protect them, increasing their exposure to violence, exploitation, neglect, and abuse.
Yet violence is not inevitable. When child protection systems are built to withstand crises, children can remain safer before, during, and after emergencies.
Held as part of the Second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, this interactive satellite session will bring together young people with lived experience of crisis and displacement, researchers, practitioners, governments, and other stakeholders to explore how we can build stronger, more resilient child protection systems.
Through new evidence, first-hand experiences, expert discussions, and interactive technical action labs, participants will identify practical solutions and translate evidence into concrete commitments to protect children affected by humanitarian and climate crises.
Session Programme:
Part 1: Reality Check and Solutions | 13:30–15:00
The first part of the session will feature a keynote address, emerging evidence, first-hand perspectives on the realities facing children in crises, and a solutions-focused panel discussion exploring what works to protect children.
Evidence on Display | 15:00–15:30
During the break, participants are invited to explore a research showcase highlighting evidence presented during the session. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.
Part 2: From Evidence to Action | 15:30–17:00
Participants will take part in five interactive technical action labs focused on turning evidence into practical solutions and commitments:
- Crisis Proof Child Protection Systems
- Prevention amidst Humanitarian Crises
- Financing that Doesn't Wait for the Headlines
- Child and Youth-Led Solutions
- Climate-Resilient Child Protection
The session will conclude with a plenary discussion on key takeaways and commitments to carry forward into the Ministerial Conference and beyond.
Featured Speakers:
Master of Ceremonies: Cornelius Williams
Keynote: Dr Najat Maalla M’jid, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children
Reality Check: What’s Actually Happening to Children Right Now
- Moderator: Prof Lucie Cluver, University of Oxford
- Yashiba Sanil, Policy and Operations Manager, Migration Youth and Children Platform (MYCP)
- Lara van Kouterik, Interim Co-CEO & Director of Strategy, Evidence and Impact, Girls Not Brides
- Prof Ilan Cerna-Turoff, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University
- Jing Pura, Country Director, Educo Philippines, ChildFund Alliance
- Elspeth Chapman, Strategic Partnerships and Advocacy Specialist, The Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action
Panel: Solutions That Meet the Moment
- Moderator: Bill Forbes, Global Director, Child Protection & Participation, World Vision International
- Neera Abigail Carrizales Ramroop, Children on the Move Programme Assistant, UNICEF Trinidad and Tobago
- Weslie Ting Gatchalian, Mayor of Valenzuela City, Philippines
- Musa Gambo, Programme Director, Grow Strong Foundation, Nigeria
- Government representative, Somalia
Join the Conversation!
As humanitarian and climate crises intensify, protecting children has never been more urgent.
We invite conference participants to join this important discussion, exchange experiences, and help shape stronger commitments to ensure that children affected by crises are at the heart of global efforts to end violence against children.
Register to attend in person or tune in for the Livestream on the Alliance YouTube Channel.
For more information, please contact elspeth.chapman@alliancecpha.org.