Save the Date – Child Poverty event

Children’s rights experts and policymakers from across the globe head to Leeds, one of the UK’s biggest cities, in November to examine what society can do to tackle child poverty in the west.

Child Poverty in Western Cities is the latest dedicated children’s rights seminar being organised by Child in the City Foundation, which is this time joining forces with the City of Leeds.

The aim is to focus on a problem that can often be masked by the wealthier areas and conurbations of western cities, and where child poverty is usually more prevalent in particular neighbourhoods characterised by segregation issues. The West Yorkshire city of Leeds, with its high concentration of minority ethnic communities among a population of nearly 800,000, is one such example.

‘Outstanding programme’

The Child in the City Foundation has put together another outstanding programme of child rights experts who will deliver a series of presentations and seminars, all of which are designed to share good practice and look at how lessons can be learned from experiences worldwide.

Five specific key themes that will be explored over the two days are: Child poverty and children’s agencies; child poverty and educational environments; child poverty: urban segregation and marginalisation; addressing child poverty in interdisciplinary ways; and child poverty: lessons from two cities – Dortmund and Madrid. Opening proceedings on behalf of the foundation will be Lia Karsten, President of the Child in the City Scientific Committee.

Speakers will include Marie Pařilová, from the Social Care Department of the city of Brno in the Czech Republic, who will look at child poverty in interdisciplinary way. A local perspective meanwhile will be provided by Andy Lloyd, Head of Children’s Workforce Development in Leeds Children’s Services. He is responsible for ensuring that children in Leeds have their voices heard and, more importantly, influence others.

Dynamic keynote addresses

Anyone with a working interest in children’s rights is invited to attend the event, where they can listen to dynamic keynote addresses and take part interactive parallel sessions and discussions, Local field trips will also be held, aimed at showcasing good practice.

The event takes place from 21-22 November at The Met Hotel in Leeds. A dedicated website has more information, including the full programme and speakers, and how to book your place.