Τhe first Network Meeting with the coordinators of the Child Rights Centres in Greece concluded successfully

Patras, APRIL 10 2025-The first Network Meeting was attended by Coordinators of 11 Centres that have been established throughout Greece in collaboration with the University of Patras, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Democritus University of Thrace, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the University of Crete, the University of Thessaly, the International Hellenic University, the Hellenic Mediterranean University, the University of Ioannina, the University of Peloponnese and the University of Western Macedonia.

Participants were welcomed by the Rector of the University of Patras Professor Christos Bouras and the UNICEF Representative in Greece Dr. Ghassan Khalil.  In their opening remarks both leaders expressed their deep appreciation for ongoing collaboration between UNICEF and academic institutions in Greece.  They underscored the critical role that the Universities – and particularly Child Rights Centers – play in promoting and embedding  a strong child rights culture across the country.

Rector of the University of Patras Professor Christos Bouras stated that “The collaboration between UNICEF and Academia is a critical initiative to advance child rights in Greece and University of Patras has demonstrated its commitment by establishing the first Child Rights Centre in Greece”.

Dr. Ghassan Khalil stated that “The Child Rights Centres constitute a valuable opportunity for universities to strengthen their openness and extroversion to society and to spread knowledge beyond the walls of the campus.”

Coordinators of the 11 Child Rights Centers across Greece reaffirmed their collective commitment to deepening the partnership with UNICEF and academic institutions. They highlighted the critical  role of promotion of child rights,  research and teaching child rights  for advancing the rights and well-being of every child. The discussions were enriched by insights from the experience of Child Rights Centers established in Georgia between 2020 and 2022. This exchange offered valuable perspectives on the impact such centers can have, sparking dynamic dialogue around future activities and the potential to expand partnerships—including with the private sector—to further strengthen child rights initiatives in Greece.

The upcoming conference on The Role of Academia in Promoting Child Rights, scheduled to take place at the University of Patras on 6–7 June 2025, was one of the focuses of the discussions. Representatives from academic institutions expressed strong interest and enthusiasm in participating in the event, recognizing it as a significant opportunity to highlight and strengthen the role of academia in advancing child rights. Several university representatives also expressed interest in hosting similar conferences at their own institutions, underscoring a growing commitment within the academic community to champion the rights and well-being of children through promotion of Child Rights,  research and teaching Child Rights.