Welcoming Kasper Ottosson Kanstrup as the new Chair of our Board

We are thrilled to announce the election of Kasper Ottosson Kanstrup as the new Chair of our Board of Directors. 

In his new role, Kasper will steer the Child and Youth Friendly Governance Project towards ensuring that children worldwide have an even more influential voice in decision-making processes. 

"It is fantastic to be entrusted with the chairpersonship of the Child and Youth Friendly Governance Project, an organisation that ensures children's rights are safeguarded in decision-making processes from the outset. After all, more than 4 out of 10 citizens in the world are children and young people. Therefore, their voices are ones we should not ignore. I find it challenging to envision a more meaningful role," says Kasper, who has been a member of the organisation's board for the past year. 

Kasper has over 15 years of leadership experience, including roles in leading children's organisations such as SOS Children's Villages and as The LEGO Foundation’s Global Program Director. Today, he runs the social change agency, UNLEASH GLOBAL, which assists foundations, UN organisations, and civil society organisations in pursuing their goals in a manner that is focused, effective, and generates meaningful change. He further holds the position of Chairperson for the Velux Foundation's expert group on the development of European vocational education. 

"I have worked in the children's sector for many years and seen how many work to create a better childhood but forget to ask children what support they need, despite the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child clearly stating that children have the right to influence and participate. As adults, we must stop thinking that we know better. We need to acknowledge children as experts in their own lives. Through my chairpersonship, I will work towards creating a community of organisations willing to contribute to the democratic education of children and young people." 

"I look forward to working closely with our esteemed board members, including Vice-chair Bruce Adamson, Professor in Practice at Glasgow University and former Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, to further our mission and drive positive change for children worldwide."

The Child and Youth Friendly Governance Project extends its heartfelt gratitude to its outgoing chair, Anne-Mette Friis, for her leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing children's rights. We are deeply grateful for her invaluable contributions. 

Join us in welcoming Kasper as we work together to drive positive change for children worldwide!