The Paris Peace Forum has seen a significant commitment from over 50 countries to prioritize children's rights in public policies. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of making childhood a priority, especially in the context of conflicts, natural disasters, epidemics, and climate change. He stated that childhood is the foundation of all political projects and that it is through childhood that peace and hope for the future are built.
The Declaration "Les enfants d'abord" (Children First) focuses on the needs of children, including access to healthcare and nutritious food, as well as the risks associated with social media and artificial intelligence. Major developers of AI systems, such as OpenAI and Anthropic, have pledged to support research on the interactions between AI and child development. This initiative will receive 8 million euros in funding to better understand the effects of AI on children and provide policymakers with scientific data to inform public policies.
Philippe Étienne, president of the Paris Peace Forum, sees this commitment as a step towards creating AI that prioritizes children's safety from the outset. The research will enable scientists to study the impact of new technologies on child development and inform public decisions on a scientific basis. This move is expected to lead to the development of adapted safety standards for children.
The Child Summit, held during the Paris Peace Forum, has launched two mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of the commitments made. The first, the "Cadre prioritaire pour l'enfance" (Priority Framework for Childhood), is a toolbox that provides indicators and best practices for various stakeholders. The second, the "Pôle d'action pour l'enfance" (Action Hub for Childhood), will serve as a coordination platform between the public and private sectors.
The initiative has been welcomed by Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF, who emphasized that investing in childhood is both a moral obligation and a crucial choice for the future. The Declaration "Les enfants d'abord" has been endorsed by countries from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, as well as five international organizations, including UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The Child Summit aims to make the protection and well-being of children a sustainable priority in international cooperation, with a target date of 2045. The commitments made at the forum are expected to strengthen cooperation between national and local authorities, international organizations, and economic actors to translate these commitments into concrete actions.
The Paris Peace Forum has demonstrated a strong commitment to prioritizing children's rights, with a focus on addressing the challenges posed by new technologies and promoting a safer and more supportive environment for children. The outcome of this initiative will be closely watched as it seeks to create a better future for children worldwide.
Key points
- The Declaration "Les enfants d'abord" brings together over 50 countries and five international organizations to prioritize children's rights in public policies.
- The initiative includes a commitment to support research on the interactions between AI and child development, with 8 million euros in funding.
- The Child Summit has launched two mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of the commitments made, including a toolbox and a coordination platform.
