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Tokyo Global Forum on Children 2024

The second installment of the Tokyo Global Forum on Children (TGFC) will take place from February 4 to February 6, 2024, in Tokyo. This event aims to promote the concept of 'Children First' by reassessing policies from the children's perspective and fostering a comprehensive approach to child welfare.

The Tokyo Child Basic Ordinance emphasizes creating an environment for children to thrive, ensuring they grow up with hope for their present and future. To deepen child policy initiatives, it is crucial to engage with global perspectives. Thus, we invite representatives from various cities worldwide to discuss challenges and share solutions related to child policy.

The theme for this year's forum is 'Supporting Adolescents.' Discussions will revolve around significant issues such as mental health during puberty, which is a pressing concern internationally. Following the success of the first forum, which involved 13 cities, this year sees participation from 20 cities across four continents, showcasing the advanced commitment of various regions to address these issues collectively.

Event Schedule and Sessions

The conference will be held over three days, featuring multiple sessions:

• - February 4:

- Morning session: Opening remarks from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and greetings from participating cities.
- Afternoon sessions include keynote speeches on vocational experiences for adolescents and safe spaces for youth.

• - February 5:

- A full day dedicated to mental health for adolescents, including a keynote lecture from the director of the Tokyo Medical Research Institute, focusing on social health.

• - February 6:

- Visits to youth consultation centers and exchanges with local organizations committed to supporting young people in Tokyo.

The forum will stream key sessions live on YouTube to allow broader access to vital discussions. Noteworthy organizations, including UNICEF Japan and youth advocacy groups, will present their initiatives during the event.

Participating Cities

Cities expected to contribute include Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Cardiff, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Houston, Ireland, London, Malmö, Milan, Munich, New Taipei, New York, Petaling Jaya, Singapore, Surabaya, Taipei, Toronto, and Vienna. Each city will share insights into their child policies and how they address the specific needs of adolescents.

International Perspective

This gathering is not just an exchange of ideas but a unique opportunity for practical officials in child policy from around the world to come together. It underscores a pioneering approach to international collaboration, which is relatively rare on a global scale. By focusing on mental health and the overall welfare of adolescents, the TGFC aims to set a precedent for future endeavors in global child policy enhancement.

As the event draws near, we encourage those interested in attending or following the discussions to tune into the live stream sessions and engage with the insights shared from around the world. This forum marks a significant step in promoting strategic international partnerships and enhancing policies that prioritize the well-being of children and adolescents in urban environments.