Information Sheet/FAQ on the Regional Youth-Led Summit on Ending Violence Against Children
- Singapore Children's Forum
- 5 days ago
- 10 min read
“Violence Ends With Us”: A Regional Youth-Led Summit on Ending Violence Against Children in the Asia-Pacific
April 2026 | Rizal, Philippines
Overview
Date: 14-16 April, 2026 (13 and 17 April will be reserved for travel)
Location: Loreland Farm Resort, Antipolo City, Rizal, 1870 Philippines
Format: Hybrid— in-person participation with livestreaming available for plenary sessions
Participants: 100-150 young people aged 15-25 from the Asia-Pacific (in-person)
Core Thematic Focus Areas:
(Online) Child Sexual Exploitation & Abuse
Corporal Punishment
Child Labour
Child Marriage
Background & Rationale
In November 2024, governments across the Asia-Pacific joined global leaders at the 1st Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogotá, Colombia. Countries reaffirmed their commitments to strengthening child protection systems and expanding meaningful child and youth participation in shaping policies and services. The simultaneous launch of the Global Youth-Led Movement on Ending Violence Against Children also signalled the growing momentum for youth-led governance and reinforced that sustainable progress requires young people as core partners in designing and driving solutions.
Despite these commitments, violence against children remains pervasive across the region. Young people face high and intersecting risks — including (O)CSEA, corporal punishment, child labour, child marriage, peer-to-peer violence, and limited or unsafe reporting pathways for survivors. These challenges are only exacerbated by rapid digitalisation, harmful norms, socioeconomic pressures, and humanitarian and climate-related crises that disproportionately affect children and adolescents across the Asia-Pacific.
Young advocates and youth organisations are already driving initiatives to address childhood violence — strengthening community protection systems, educating peers, and advocating for safer physical and digital environments. However, despite this leadership, there is currently no regional youth-led platform in the Asia-Pacific that brings these efforts together, enables structured collaboration, or consolidates shared priorities. This gap limits the region’s ability to harness youth lived experience, expertise, and innovation to accelerate progress in ending violence against children.
“Violence Ends With Us”: A Regional Youth-Led Summit on Ending Violence Against Children in the Asia-Pacific responds directly to this need. As a pioneering, youth-designed regional convening, the summit will convene 100-150 young leaders aged 15-25 to strengthen youth leadership, co-create solutions to prevent violence against children, and develop a unified youth agenda in the lead-up to the 2nd Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children.
Both the timing and location of this convening make it uniquely strategic. In 2026, the Philippines will serve as the ASEAN Chair and Host of the 2nd Global Ministerial Conference — offering a rare opportunity for youth-led insights and innovations to have a meaningful influence on regional and global child protection processes. Convening the summit in April 2026 also provides youth-led teams with a six-month runway to refine and pilot their proposed solutions before presenting their outcomes at the 2nd Ministerial Conference in November 2026.
Purpose & Objectives
The summit aims to mobilise and equip youth leaders across the Asia-Pacific to collectively shape regional action on ending violence against children. It will provide a dedicated space for young people to connect, strengthen leadership and advocacy skills, articulate shared priorities, and co-create solutions. Through this process, young people will not only be heard but also positioned as influential partners shaping the future of child protection across the region.
a. Establish a Regional Platform for Youth Leadership & Collaboration
Convene 100-150 youth advocates and youth-focused organisations from across the Asia-Pacific, ensuring diverse regional representation — including indigenous youth, LGBTQ+ youth, youth with disabilities, and those from underserved communities
Build a sustainable, youth-led regional network that aligns priorities, strengthens solidarity, and connects ongoing initiatives on ending violence against children
b. Build Youth Capacity for Effective Advocacy & Child Protection Leadership
Strengthen participants’ understanding of child protection systems and the regional and global policy landscape around ending violence against children — including ASEAN mechanisms and the Global Ministerial Conference
Deliver practical advocacy training on leadership, campaigning, digital literacy and online safety, political participation, safeguarding, and peer support (mental health)
Facilitate panel discussions, interactive workshops, and peer-led learning sessions designed and delivered by youth, with support from technical experts
c. Generate Youth-Led Insights and Solutions to Inform Regional & Global Agendas
Provide structured processes for young people to articulate shared priorities and calls to action on ending violence against children across the Asia-Pacific region
Enable cross-country teams to design innovative solutions addressing the key issues of (O)CSEA, corporal punishment, child labour, and child marriage
Position these youth-led insights and solutions as substantive contributions to the 2nd Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children
Programme Components
Pre-Event Preparation (March 2026): Participants will join virtual preparation sessions — including thematic briefings, hackathon orientations, and guided pre-event team formation. Each team will identify a specific problem statement and develop an initial concept outline prior to the summit. Toolkits, templates, and guidance materials will be provided to ensure that teams arrive prepared for technical sessions and accelerated solution development during the one-day hackathon.
1 & 2 - Summit Proper (April 14-15, 2026): Two full-day programmes dedicated to cross-country collaboration, capacity-building, and regional agenda-setting.
Opening plenary
Panel discussions and technical sessions
Breakout workshops
Drafting of the Regional Youth Agenda
Cultural dinner and networking event
Day 3 - Hackathon (April 16, 2026): A full-day innovation sprint focused on designing youth-led solutions aligned with the summit’s thematic priorities.
Thematic recap
Design sprint and expert consultations
Prototype strengthening and development
Pitch preparation and coaching
Presentation to a judging panel
Selection and awarding of winning teams
Note: With problem-framing and team formation completed during the pre-event phase, the in-person hackathon will focus on refinement and execution.
Post-Event Support & Implementation (May to October 2026): Winning teams will receive seed funding and ongoing support to refine, pilot, and document their youth-led solutions ahead of the 2nd Global Ministerial Conference. Support may include virtual mentorship sessions, technical guidance from partner organisations, and opportunities to collaborate with government and civil society stakeholders. The structure and schedule of this support will be finalised in coordination with convening partners.
Youth Engagement at the 2nd Global Ministerial Conference (November 2026): Youth delegates and winning teams will present the Regional Youth Agenda on Ending Violence Against Children and the results of their hackathon projects directly to Ministers and global leaders. Youth leadership and visibility will be integrated into official sessions, side events, and advocacy engagements — ensuring their contributions meaningfully shape regional and global child protection commitments.
Key Outputs
ASEAN Youth Survey Report on Ending Violence Against Children: The summit will serve as the regional venue to officially launch and present the statement to the ASEAN Secretariat and other regional stakeholders. Developed through region-wide consultations in 2025 with 1,100 young people aged 18-24, the statement results directly informed the 2nd ASEAN Regional Plan of Action for the Elimination of Violence Against Children (2026-2035) and reflects substantive youth contributions to ASEAN’s policy direction.
Regional Youth Agenda on Ending Violence Against Children: During the summit, young leaders will co-create a concise, action-oriented regional agenda outlining shared priorities and calls to action (1-2 pages). The agenda will complement the ASEAN Youth Statement by expanding its scope to the wider Asia-Pacific region. It will be finalised with signatories and will inform youth advocacy preparations for the 2nd Global Ministerial Conference.
Youth-Led Solutions (Hackathon): The summit will host a regional hackathon to enable cross-country teams to design youth-led solutions addressing (O)CSEA, corporal punishment, child labour, and child marriage. The winning teams will receive seed funding and technical support from partners to implement their action projects during a six-month incubation period (May-October 2026). Their results will be showcased at the 2nd Global Ministerial Conference in November 2026.
Expected Outcomes
Short-Term Outcomes (April-November 2026)
Increased youth capacity to engage in child protection advocacy and regional policy processes — demonstrated through enhanced skills in leadership, campaigning, peer education, safeguarding, and solution design
Strengthened cross-country youth networks, enabling ongoing collaboration among youth advocates and youth-led/focused organisations across the Asia-Pacific
A shared regional youth agenda reflecting concrete youth priorities and calls to action — providing a unified reference point for advocacy leading into the 2nd Global Ministerial Conference
Four implementable youth-led solutions, developed and refined through the event hackathon and supported with seed funding and technical guidance
Greater visibility and integration of youth perspectives in regional child protection discussions, including ASEAN mechanisms and Ministerial Conference preparations
Long-Term Outcomes (Post-2026)
Sustained youth participation in national, regional, and global efforts to end violence against children — supported by partnerships with governments, CSOs, and multilateral agencies
Youth-informed policy and programme development, with insights from the Regional Youth Agenda and ASEAN Youth Statement influencing child protection priorities across the Asia-Pacific
Scalable youth-led innovations, providing models that governments, CSOs, donors, and other regional partners can adopt or replicate to address (O)CSEA, corporal punishment, child labour, and child marriage
A continuing regional youth platform, enabling coordinated action, peer learning, and shared accountability beyond the summit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Eligibility & Application
Q: Who can apply to participate?
We welcome any young person aged 15 to 25 in Singapore to participate in the youth-led summit.
We especially encourage applications from LGBTQ+ youth, youth with disabilities, and young people from underserved or marginalised communities.
Q: Do I need to already be an activist or have prior experience in child protection?
No prior advocacy experience is required. The summit is designed to build capacity and connect young people at all stages of their journey. Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience, there is a place for you at this summit.
Q: What is the age requirement?
Participants must be between 15 and 25 years old. The age requirement applies at the time of the summit (April 14–16, 2026).
Q: What language will the summit be conducted in?
The summit will primarily be conducted in English.
2. Logistics & Costs
Q: Will travel, accommodation, and meals be covered?
Successful applicants will be fully sponsored by Singapore Children’s Society during the trip. This includes your travel (flights and land transfers), accommodation, meals and insurance.
Those interested in self-funding are also welcome to participate. The organisers will be sponsoring accommodation, meals as well as land transfers in the Philippines. Self-funding applicants will only have to pay for flight tickets (round-trip), insurance and land transfers in Singapore (transport from home to Changi Airport, and back home from Changi).
Q: Will I need a visa to travel to the Philippines?
Singapore passport holders do not require a visa to travel.
Q: Where will participants be staying?
The summit will be held at Loreland Farm Resort, Antipolo City, Rizal, Philippines.
3. The Programme
Q: What will I actually be doing during the three days?
The summit spans three days of immersive programming:
Days 1 & 2 (April 14–15): Full-day summit sessions including an opening plenary, panel discussions, technical sessions, and breakout workshops on the four thematic areas (online child sexual exploitation and abuse, corporal punishment, child labour, and child marriage). You will also participate in co-creating the Regional Youth Agenda on Ending Violence Against Children, and join a cultural dinner and networking event.
Day 3 (April 16): A full-day hackathon — an innovation sprint where cross-country teams design youth-led solutions to address the summit's thematic priorities. Teams will refine prototypes, receive expert feedback, and pitch their solutions to a judging panel.
Q: What is the hackathon, and do I need technical or design skills?
The hackathon is a structured, one-day innovation challenge where you will work in cross-country teams to design practical solutions to child protection issues. You do not need technical or design skills— the hackathon is designed for young people with a wide range of backgrounds and strengths. What you need is creativity, teamwork, and a commitment to the issues at hand. Expert facilitators and mentors will support teams throughout the day.
Q: Can I choose which thematic area I work on?
Yes, during registration you will be asked to select one of the following themes: (1) Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, (2) Corporal Punishment, (3) Child Labour, and (4) Child Marriage. You will be grouped with other youth delegates from neighbouring countries to work on the selected topic.
Q: What happens during the pre-event preparation in March 2026?
In March 2026, accepted participants will take part in four virtual preparation sessions (likely held on Saturdays) ahead of the in-person summit. These sessions will include thematic briefings on the four focus areas, hackathon orientation, and guided team formation. Each team will identify a specific problem statement and develop an initial concept outline so that teams arrive ready to hit the ground running on hackathon day. Toolkits, templates, and guidance materials will be provided to support your preparation.
4. After the Summit
Q: How are hackathon winners selected?
Teams will present their solutions to a judging panel on Day 3 (April 16).
Q: What does the six-month incubation period involve?
From May to October 2026, winning teams will receive structured support to implement their proposed solutions. This may include access to seed funding, virtual mentorship, technical guidance from partner organisations, and opportunities to connect with government and civil society stakeholders. The goal is for teams to refine and pilot their solutions in time to present results at the 2nd Global Ministerial Conference in November 2026.
Q: Will all participants get to attend the 2nd Global Ministerial Conference in November 2026?
Hackathon winning teams and selected youth delegates will have the opportunity to present the Regional Youth Agenda and their hackathon project results at the 2nd Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in November 2026.
5. Safety & Wellbeing
Q: What safeguarding measures are in place?
The safety and wellbeing of all participants is a top priority. Partner organisations will provide safeguarding oversight throughout the summit. All sessions will be designed and delivered with participant safety in mind, and clear safeguarding protocols will be in place for the duration of the event.
Q: Are there special considerations for participants under 18?
Yes. Participants aged 15–17 are welcome, and additional care will be taken to ensure their safety and wellbeing throughout the summit. Selected participants under 18 will require their parents/guardian’s consent to travel. They will be accompanied by staff from Singapore Children’s Society during the trip. If not selected, participants are welcome to register for the summit independently, but will have to be accompanied by a chaperone.
Q: Will mental health or peer support be available during the summit?
Yes. The summit programme includes peer support components, and the thematic sessions are designed to be handled with care and sensitivity. Given that the topics discussed can be difficult, facilitators and support staff will be available to ensure participants feel safe and supported throughout the event.
6. Practical Information
Q: When does the application open and close?
Applications are open from 19 to 26 February 2026. To apply, please fill up this form: bit.ly/applyVACsummit.
Q: How will applicants be notified of their selection?
By the week of 2nd March, we will contact successful applicants by text to confirm their participation. Unsuccessful participants will also be notified by the end of the week.
Q: Can I apply as part of a team or organisation, or only as an individual?
Individual applications are welcome. We encourage teams or organisations to apply independently, with their own funding.
Q: Who can I contact if I have more questions?
You can reach out to us via:
WhatsApp/Telegram 8380 3202
DM @sgchildrensforum on Instagram
For further information about the summit, please contact:
Bryanna Mariñas
Founder, Global Youth-Led Movement on Ending Violence Against Children
Email: bryanna.marinas@gmail.com
Mobile: +63 919 426 7456
Comments