Coalition launched to advance children's rights in the age of artificial intelligence
Global Dialogue on AI Governance
Geneva, 7 July 2026 – UNICEF, together with the Governments of France and Spain and a growing group of international partners, launched today the Coalition for Children's Rights and Protection in the Age of Artificial Intelligence at the UN Global Dialogue on AI, marking a major step towards ensuring that children's rights, safety and wellbeing remain at the centre of AI governance.
Jointly advanced by France, Spain, UNICEF, and international partners, the Coalition brings together countries and international partners committed to turning principles and commitments into practical action. The initiative attracted support from 17 Member States at the time of its launch, including Kenya, Brazil, Japan, Bulgaria, Italy and Sweden, as well as the European Union, reflecting growing international recognition that children's rights must be a central consideration as AI technologies continue to evolve.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF Global CIO and Director for Digital Impact Kaan Cetinturk highlighted both the urgency of the challenge and the importance of international cooperation. He noted that "a generation is growing up inside a global experiment, and they will live with the consequences the longest," adding that UNICEF will help Member States share what works, connect lessons across countries and turn isolated efforts into common standards.
The Coalition is built around a shared commitment to promote safe, secure, trustworthy and rights-respecting AI systems for children; strengthen coordination among governments, international organizations, industry and civil society; encourage the exchange of evidence and good practices; and ensure that children's own perspectives meaningfully inform the technologies and governance processes that affect their lives.
The launch event brought together senior leaders from governments, the United Nations system and international organizations, including Clara Chappaz, France's Ambassador for Digital Affairs and Artificial Intelligence; Hon. William Kabogo Gitaū, Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy of the Republic of Kenya; Óscar López Águeda, Spain's Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Service; Roberto Viola, Director-General of DG CONNECT at the European Commission; ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin; United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk; UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information Mariya Gabriel; UN Under-Secretary-General and Tech Envoy Amandeep Gill; and UNICEF's Kaan Cetinturk.
Throughout the discussion, speakers stressed that children are already living with the impacts of AI and therefore cannot remain an afterthought in governance debates. Participants reaffirmed that children's rights must be embedded across AI policy discussions, risk management approaches and future governance frameworks.
Ambassador Rein Taamsaar, President of UNICEF's Executive Board and co-chair of the UN Global Dialogue on AI, underscored this point, reminding participants that "if frameworks don't deliver for children, they will fail for everyone."
Representatives from Japan, Bulgaria, Italy and Sweden also took the floor to express their support for the Coalition and its objectives, reflecting growing international momentum behind a coordinated approach to advancing and protecting children's rights in the age of AI.
Key outcomes from the meeting included the formal launch of the Coalition, renewed commitments to place children's rights at the centre of AI governance discussions, expanded participation from Member States, and agreement to carry this work forward through future international processes, including the next UN Global Dialogue on AI in 2027.
AI does not change our promise to children, but right now, it is outrunning it. We don't have time to wait. Children need this now. Let's build it together."
Looking ahead, Coalition members committed to developing practical guidance, sharing evidence and lessons learned, and supporting governments and stakeholders as they translate commitments into action.
As discussions concluded, Cetinturk reminded participants that while AI technology is advancing rapidly, the responsibility towards children remains unchanged. "AI does not change our promise to children," he said. "But right now, it is outrunning it. We don't have time to wait. Children need this now. Let's build it together."
The Coalition for Children's Rights and Protection in the Age of Artificial Intelligence will serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and implementation, helping ensure that the interests and rights of children remain a priority as governments, international organizations and industry shape the future of AI.
