Children as Actors for Transforming Society
Reaching for an inclusive world
One third of the world’s seven billion people are children. Many of them face daily hardships that leave them feeling shut out and alone. Finding their place in a “grown-up” world can seem nearly impossible. CATS 2017 is here to help change that and to play its part in creating an inclusive world where every child, whatever their background or situation, has the chance to harness their talents, create a bright future that fulfills their potential and play an active role in transforming society.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child says every child has the right to participation, and that life should be inclusive for even the most marginalized. CATS 2017 gives children experiencing that exclusion a voice. It is a platform to inspire others, to share their difficulties, to tackle obstacles, to promote inclusion, and to show how children are essential to creating a better world. This year we’re welcoming a really diverse group of people, which will include street children, children with disabilities, and children from war zones, to create a unique space where adults including parents, teachers, advocates, and policymakers can meet them. Together they will take positive steps to transform society.
Since 2013, CATS has brought over 1,160 people together, doing our best to balance the numbers of children and adults. Last year, it was almost a 50/50 split. This year, we hope to do even better. So come and join these inspirational children as they influence the influencers. And play your part in securing the future they deserve.