Over 1,000 schoolchildren will gather in Dublin’s Helix theatre on 20 November 2025 for Child Talks, the Ombudsman for Children’s annual World Children’s Day event. This year’s theme places immigration, housing and extremism at centre stage as six youth speakers—some of them recent arrivals to Ireland—share personal stories about integration, language barriers and navigating the asylum system.
While the event is not a policy forum, its timing is notable: it comes just hours after the Department of Justice unveiled its new immigration strategy. Youth advocates say the juxtaposition underlines the importance of incorporating children’s perspectives in debates on migration and social cohesion.
![World Children’s Day forum spotlights immigration through young eyes]()
Employers engaged in family relocation programmes may draw practical insights. Speakers are expected to highlight gaps in school-placement support and extracurricular access for newcomer children—areas that corporate relocation packages increasingly cover. The OCO has hinted it will compile recommendations for government, schools and employers based on the discussion.
Businesses that sponsor community outreach or STEM-education initiatives for migrant youth could find new partnership opportunities as the OCO seeks private-sector allies to scale successful pilot projects. Attendance is free but pre-registration is required; a live stream will be available for HR, DEI and mobility professionals outside Dublin.
Although not a legislative development, Child Talks is a bell-wether of public sentiment. A positive reception may strengthen political momentum behind the integration measures outlined in the Justice Strategy, whereas critical feedback could push the government to refine its plans before implementation begins.
While the event is not a policy forum, its timing is notable: it comes just hours after the Department of Justice unveiled its new immigration strategy. Youth advocates say the juxtaposition underlines the importance of incorporating children’s perspectives in debates on migration and social cohesion.
Employers engaged in family relocation programmes may draw practical insights. Speakers are expected to highlight gaps in school-placement support and extracurricular access for newcomer children—areas that corporate relocation packages increasingly cover. The OCO has hinted it will compile recommendations for government, schools and employers based on the discussion.
Businesses that sponsor community outreach or STEM-education initiatives for migrant youth could find new partnership opportunities as the OCO seeks private-sector allies to scale successful pilot projects. Attendance is free but pre-registration is required; a live stream will be available for HR, DEI and mobility professionals outside Dublin.
Although not a legislative development, Child Talks is a bell-wether of public sentiment. A positive reception may strengthen political momentum behind the integration measures outlined in the Justice Strategy, whereas critical feedback could push the government to refine its plans before implementation begins.
