Placing children and young people at the heart of decision-making
Meaningful participation helps institutions make better decisions, improve outcomes for children and young people, and create lasting benefits for society.
Because better decisions begin by listening to those most affected.
The Child and Youth Friendly Governance Project
The Child and Youth Friendly Governance Project (CYFGP) is a Geneva-based global centre of expertise specialising in embedding meaningful child and youth participation into governance, policy and practice.
We equip institutions to involve children and young people safely and effectively, while supporting children and young people to develop the skills, confidence and opportunities to influence decisions affecting their lives – today and in the future.
Children and young people bring knowledge and lived experience that help institutions understand challenges and develop more relevant responses. Yet, despite their right to participate, they often have limited opportunities to influence decisions affecting their lives.
Many governments and organisations recognise the value of participation and are working to strengthen it. Making participation systematic, safe and influential requires leadership, resources, skills and practical mechanisms that connect children’s and young people’s contributions to decisions.
We help partners build these foundations and make meaningful participation a sustained part of institutional practice.
Ta voix compte (‘Your voice counts’) workshop participants. Geneva, Switzerland
Better decisions based on lived realities
How we create change
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Developing strategies, structures and working practices that embed participation into policies, programmes and institutional decisions.
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Equipping leaders and professionals to facilitate participation, and helping children and young people build the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate.
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Creating safe, inclusive spaces where children and young people share experiences, develop recommendations and engage directly with decision-makers.
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Gathering evidence on what enables meaningful participation and the difference it makes, helping partners improve policies and practices over time.
We help make participation part of how institutions govern.
Child and Youth Friendly Governance creates the conditions for children and young people to become trusted partners in decision-making. It brings together institutional leadership, organisational culture, safeguarding and practical systems, alongside support for children and young people to exercise their participation rights.
Our impact
Better decisions, better outcomes – for children and young people, institutions and society.
Since our founding in 2023, we have:
Engaged
20k+
children and young people across
100+
countries
Our work is for the good of…
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Meaningful participation strengthens confidence, agency, and skills in leadership, communication and problem-solving. It creates opportunities to exercise their rights, contribute their perspectives and see how their ideas are considered – and can influence decisions affecting their lives.
Collaborated with
50+
50+
partner organisations across
6
continents
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Children and young people’s contributions help institutions develop policies, programmes, and services that better reflect their needs and lived realities. Well-designed participation can also strengthen accountability, safeguarding and trust.
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Participation builds opportunities for intergenerational dialogue, learning and collaboration. By recognising children and young people as contributors to public life, institutions can support more inclusive decision-making, civic engagement and social trust.
What our partners and participants say
“Thank you to the Child and Youth Friendly Governance Project for your collaboration during our EU Presidency. All the children really enjoyed the preparatory work you did together. We deeply appreciate your expertise that enabled us to place children’s voices front and centre during our Presidency.”
“Thank you so much for this workshop; all the activities were really engaging and relevant. We learnt something new every time, with a team that was attentive to everyone’s needs!”
“I want to express my gratitude for your diligent coordination throughout the process, particularly in your assistance to the children. Your efforts have been invaluable, and I truly appreciate your dedication. ”
“Thank you for your outstanding contribution to our National Child Day conference. We have received such positive feedback about your time in reflection and engagement in our community of early childhood professionals.”
Our partners
Our work is made possible through collaboration with governments, international organisations, civil society, research institutions and funders. We are grateful to the partners and supporters who contribute their expertise, resources and commitment.
Institutional credentials
CYFGP holds a UN-wide service provider agreement and is included in the Non-Profit Builder roster.
Partner with us
Help make meaningful participation a lasting part of decision-making.
Whether you want to strengthen institutional practice, develop a joint initiative or fund our work, we would welcome a conversation.
Together, we can build the systems, skills, opportunities and evidence that enable children and young people to influence decisions affecting their lives.
“Thank you for your outstanding contribution to our National Child Day conference. We have received such positive feedback about your time in reflection and engagement in our community of early childhood professionals.”
Get in touch to learn more:
The Child and Youth Friendly Governance Project
Maison de la Paix
Chemin Eugène-Rigot 2
1202 Geneva, Switzerland
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