A group of young people from across Cardiff came together at the SPARK Building, Cardiff University, to reflect on the city’s progress towards becoming more child friendly. Known as the Committee of Experts – because, as they put it, “we are the experts at being children and young people” – the group reviewed the achievements and future priorities set out in Cardiff’s UNICEF Child Friendly Sustainability Plan.
The discussions covered key areas of Child Friendly Cardiff’s work, including workforce development, rights-respecting schools, participation, place-making, and equality and inclusion.
Highlights:
- Young people complimented the city’s investment in training that helps adults understand and uphold children’s rights.
- Progress in schools was highlighted as a major success, with the number of schools engaged in the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) rising from 9% in 2023 to 81.3% in 2025.
- Members of the Cardiff Youth Council (CYC) described the opportunities to influence decisions as “brilliant,” praising the transparency of Cardiff Council and the recognition offered through volunteer certificates.
- Children and young people also acknowledged improvements in play facilities for older children, but highlighted safety concerns in some public spaces.
- Leadership programs and gender-based support groups were also reflected on, with young people wanting to see more of this work going forward.