From Rights on Paper to Change in Practice: Using GlobalChild Indicators for System‑Strengthening and Data‑Driven Child Protection

Presented By:

University of New Brunswick

GlobalChild

This Mastermind session explores how GlobalChild (GCh), the first comprehensive CRC-based monitoring system, can support governments to strengthen child protection systems through data-informed policy and accountability.

By linking the structural commitment of the governments (laws, policies) and implementation processes to outcomes in children’s lives, GlobalChild moves CRC monitoring beyond compliance toward system performance assessment.

The session brings together GlobalChild leadership, a former Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, and a senior government representative from the first pilot country to share practical experience in implementation. Through interactive discussion and extended Q&A, participants will examine how rights-based data can strengthen governance, improve policy coherence, and inform better investment decisions across diverse national contexts

Rise Up Session Date and Time:

August 27, 2026 1:30 pm

Country or Region Focus:

North America

Type of Session:

Interactive presentation with extended Q&A

Public Health Pillar Focus:

Effective Governance and Multi-Sectoral Coordination, Data Driven and Evidence Based Solutions

Speakers

Presenter:

Dr. Ziba Vaghri, Director, GlobalChild Program of Research, University of New Brunswick

Contributors to Q/Q:

Justice Winter, Former President of the United Nations Committee of the Rights of the Child; and

a representative from the government of New Brunswick, Canada

Session Aims

Demonstrate how comprehensive CRC-based indicators can strengthen national child protection systems
Share practical government experience in implementing GlobalChild at the country level
Foster dialogue on using data to improve accountability, coordination, and outcomes for children

Session Format

Interactive presentation with extended Q&A (60 minutes)
Brief framing presentation on GlobalChild and its system strengthening logic; what was learned from the first pilot (in Canada); and reflections linking CRC accountability and systems strengthening (20 minutes)
Extended interactive Q&A and audience engagement, and facilitated dialogue so that attendees could participate in discussions and ask any questions, focusing on real-world application, policy relevance, and cross-country learning.