The Children As Partners conference held in Melbourne, Australia from 12 to 14 November 2003 and sponsored by Plan was a milestone for child and youth participation globally, not just in the realm of young people, but within the wider community.

The knowledge, ideas and networking generated by the conference sent a gently ripple of influence for youth across Australia and the rest of the world - especially in developing countries.

"A big conference like this is very hard to organise but they (Plan) handled it very well - almost perfect. I learned what other children's organisations have been doing from other countries and about the child rights issues and concerns being faced by them. Also the friendship developed for each and everyone. Even though we came from different countries of different cultures we became close to everyone like sisters and brothers "

Irish, 13, the Philippines-Children As Partners conference delegate (Melbourne, Australia - November 2003)

For the 250 delegates including children from developing countries, the conference was a first time opportunity for young people to learn new ways of participation in the protection and development of their rights - rights that are clearly set out in the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child.

In Australia, systems have already been established for young people to approach Federal and State governments and local councils to ensure their rights and needs are not overlooked. But the same opportunities are not always available to children in the third world.

However, delegates from Vietnam, the Philippines and India, sponsored by Plan to attend the conference, have had such opportunities. Through Plan-assisted projects they and their peers have established youth projects to protect and enhance their rights. These projects are in the areas of media, education and the abolishment of child labour. These delegates gave key presentations that provided ideas and the know-how for others to follow in their footsteps.

From India, Riyaz, 17, and Liti, 14, spoke about a child/police project, which provides opportunities for children to go to school and escape child labour. From the Philippines, Jonathan, 16, and Irish, 13, are part of a youth radio program. And from Vietnam, Phuong, 17, and Tran, 13, are part of a Young Media Club that produces newspaper articles, radio shows and television documentaries.

Also presenting at the conference, were eight under-privileged Victorian teenagers interested in pursuing a career in the media. They joined six of the international guests to become the official conference media team, which received practical media training such as camera operations, interviewing techniques and journalistic skills.

Plan continues to facilitate the ongoing process of communication and exchanging of ideas between the delegates - communication that continues to strengthen child and youth participation.