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Putting Children at the Center: Building Data Governance Fit for Children

Putting Children at the Center: Building Data Governance Fit for Children


Read about this commitment “Data Governance Fit for Children” led by UNICEF and partners here. 

In an increasingly digital world, ensuring children’s rights and protection in data governance is more urgent than ever. That’s why UNICEF and its partners made a bold commitment to build Data Governance Fit for Children, as part of the Commit to Data initiative launched at the UN World Data Forum in Medellín. 

Since the launch, UNICEF and its collaborators have actively worked to turn this commitment into action—amplifying children's voices, promoting responsible data practices, and fostering a cross-sectoral movement to prioritize the rights of children and youth in digital and data ecosystems. 

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Highlights from the Past Year 

Over the past year, the commitment has taken shape through a dynamic series of events, workshops, and youth-led dialogues: 

  • The Beneficial AI for Children Coalition was launched at the Paris Peace Forum’s AI Action Summit in February 2025, uniting global actors around safe and ethical AI for children. 
  • At the Abu Dhabi Child Data Symposium, Friederike Schüür represented UNICEF in the session "The Importance of Child Data Governance & Data Quality in Driving Cross-Sectoral Insights – A Global View." 
  • UNICEF Innocenti hosted a Data Governance Workshop in Florence, Italy, in March 2025, convening experts to explore challenges and innovations in child-centered data governance. 
  • The virtual event, “The Commitment to Data Governance Fit for Children: Shaping a Child- and Youth-Centered Data & Tech Future,” drew global attention to the critical need for child- and youth-inclusive digital policy. 
  • A series of youth-led engagement sessions took place before, during, and after the UN World Data Forum, bringing young voices into key decision-making spaces. 

UNICEF also supported the publication of the Declaration of Children, Adolescents, and Youth on Responsible Handling of Data—a powerful statement of principles co-created by young people. 

Voices in Action 

As part of this commitment, UNICEF launched an interview series highlighting perspectives from across the data and child rights community. These conversations showcase how global leaders, practitioners, and youth advocates are collaborating to shape a data future that prioritizes children’s safety, dignity, and development. 

What’s Next 

The work continues. UNICEF and partners are planning additional workshops and engagement opportunities to deepen dialogue and advance solutions. The commitment remains a vibrant example of how multi-stakeholder action can help ensure that digital and data systems uphold the rights of the youngest—and most vulnerable—members of society. 

To learn more, explore these recent reflections and resources: