On the occasion of World Children’s Day that was held at Bratislava Castle on Thursday 20th of November President Peter Pellegrini talked about the importance of listening to young people about the kind of country they want. He warned about rising mental health issues among youth linked to social media and suggested opening a professional debate on limiting its use for children under 13. Among the key discussed topics were also child poverty and the need for solidarity between generations.
„We must ask ourselves whether it is normal that in the 21st century we have children in Slovakia who have nothing to eat, nothing to drink, nowhere to wash themselves or nowhere to sleep. These are huge challenges and it is good not to close our eyes to them, but to look for solutions,“ said President Pellegrini.
Children’s Commissioner Jozef Mikloško announced that 2026 will focus on the vision of Slovakia through the eyes of young people, with surveys and discussions planned across regions. Mikloško said that vulnerable groups including children living in extreme poverty, Roma children, and children from Ukraine will be prioritized in these surveys. The President welcomed students participating in UNICEF’s international Kids Takeover project, who discussed the impact of digital media, visited the Presidential Palace, and presented him with symbolic gifts.
Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stressed Slovakia’s commitment to protecting children internationally, supporting vulnerable children in conflict zones, and providing humanitarian aid, including programs in Ukraine, Iraq and South Sudan among others. He also talked about the importance of implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Slovakia ratified in 1990.
Source: TASR
