In the modern world, knowledge of child’s rights and their proper and timely implementation at all levels of society is one of the most important features of a democratic state, and educating society to know and respect child’s rights is an integral part of a democratic civic tradition. Children need special protection and care due to their physical and mental immaturity. Children’s rights must be particularly protected. Children’s development, upbringing, education and living conditions must be improved all over the world. Recognizing the rights and interests of children as a special group in society and the paramount importance of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is the most comprehensive in the world, and its additional protocols and other international instruments relating to children, world leaders are committed to create child-friendly world.

Special ombudsmen institutions are set up to carry out in-depth inquiries and evaluations of the application of the law, to make recommendations for better lawmaking, to formulate and implement policies related to the protection of human rights and freedoms, and to protect human rights. Depending on the Ombudsman’s mission to protect human rights, these officials are referred to differently in different countries: human rights commissioners, representatives, defenders, etc., or the international legal term “ombudsman”.  

Together with ISPCAN. we hope to build a legacy of child protection in the region, to improve coordination of systems, better support for children and families in the early childhood development phases of growth to ensure healthy futures.  We welcome you to Vilnius to build better solutions, and for us to debut the Rise Up Policy forum day to help governments to address this growing public health crisis.  Together with innovative researchers and practitioners from around the globe, we know we can find many commonalities to harness the strengths, to learn from one another and to build a brighter future.  Our languages, cultures and landscapes may be different, but our shared dream is the same: for every child to have a right to achieve all their dreams. 

Join us in the beautiful city of Vilnius, which dating back to the 14th century, has quite the historical pedigree. The city’s UNESCO listed Old Town is primarily known for its baroque buildings, such as the meticulously restored Palace of the Grand Dukes, but a variety of styles are built into its diminutive medieval footprint, from the Gothic St Anne’s Church to the classical exterior of the gargantuan Vilnius Cathedral.  The Old Town’s jumbled cobbled streets are simply a delight to wander through; perfect for getting lost and ‘finding’ yourself in one of the many coffee bars nestled away in its alleyways or courtyards.  

Come get lost in Vilnius with us and find inspiration in ISPCAN2025. 

Warmly,