Wrapping up the year, the International Institute for Child Rights and Development held its Annual General Meeting on October 28th, 2020 to share highlights, lessons, and impacts from the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
IICRD's Leadership Team provided a snapshot presentation of the year during a virtual Annual General Meeting with team members and colleagues from around the world.
This past year, we’ve seen historic, interconnected tides impacting the rights and well-being of children, youth–and us all. There's been the early beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental emergencies, racial uprising, global migration, social isolation, and economic insecurity–just to name a few. Huge waves have challenged systems to break down barriers to equality and justice. With all the upheaval, this has also been an exciting time for child rights, as unprecedented numbers of young leaders and activists stand up for vital issues locally and globally. All of this can feel both immense and inspiring.
The International Institute for Child Rights and Development (IICRD) has been navigating these changing tides. As young people lead the way, we are pivoting our efforts to support their work. Our 2019-2020 annual report highlights a few of these efforts to use creative art and play-based tools to support children and young people to amplify their voices.
In 2019-2020, IICRD engaged approximately 2,300 children and youth as well as 3,700 adults, including practitioners, parents, community members, and Elders from 29 countries. We have just scratched the surface. More than ever, this year has reconfirmed our commitment to listen, learn, and do more both within our organization and through striving to follow the transformative leadership of young people themselves.
We are also thrilled to welcome Jo Axe as our new treasurer, alongside the rest of IICRD's governance team, including Kate Butler (Chair), Angie Mapara-Osachoff (Vice-Chair), Zahra Jamale (Secretary), as well as Bill Meyers, Shelley Jones, and Taryn Danford as Directors at large. Our thanks and immense gratitude also go to outgoing Directors Renee Lorme-Gulbrandsen, Cheyenne Stonechild, and Mary Clancy for their many contributions to our organization.
