✨ 79th World Assembly
OMEP World Conference
Assembly and Conference
Conference Theme
Children’s futures: Justice, Security and Wellbeing in a rapidly changing world
Rabat, Morocco
12–13 July 2027: 79th World Assembly of OMEP
14-16 July 2027: World Conference
On behalf of the Polish OMEP Committee and the academic authorities of the Faculty of Educational Studies at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, I am delighted to invite you to participate in the 78th World Assembly and Conference, which will take place in the beautiful city of Poznań, Poland. The theme of the event is: “When a Child Speaks… Korczak’s Inspirations for Education and Children’s Rights.” This exceptional event will provide an opportunity for deep reflection on the educational philosophy of Janusz Korczak — a visionary, advocate for children’s rights, and creator of the “home for children” concept.
The primary goal of the conference is to create spaces and contexts conducive to understanding Korczak’s message: that active and attentive listening to children’s voices is vital for supporting their development, sense of security, and mutual respect. Sensitivity to what children say, how they say it, and what they need is the foundation for building authentic relationships and supporting their comprehensive development. We believe that listening to children is not only meaningful but essential in the process of education and upbringing, as it reflects their inner world and allows us to recognize and nurture their resources and needs.
W imieniu Polskiego Komitetu OMEP oraz władz dziekańskich Wydziału Studiów Edukacyjnych UAM w Poznaniu, z ogromną radością zapraszam Państwa do udziału w 78. Światowym Zgromadzeniu i Konferencji, które odbędzie się w pięknym mieście Poznaniu, w Polsce. Temat przewodni wydarzenia brzmi: „Kiedy dziecko mówi… Korczakowskie Inspiracje dla edukacji i praw dziecka”. To wyjątkowe wydarzenie będzie okazją do głębokiej refleksji nad filozofią edukacyjną Janusz Korczaka – wizjonera, obrońcy praw najmłodszych i twórcy idei „domu dla dzieci”.
Zasadniczym celem konferencji jest tworzenie przestrzeni i kontekstów sprzyjających zrozumieniu korczakowskiego przesłania, że aktywne i uważne wsłuchiwanie się w głos najmłodszych ma ogromne znaczenie dla wspierania ich rozwoju, poczucia bezpieczeństwa i budowania wzajemnego szacunku. Uwrażliwienie na to, co mówi, jak mówi i czego potrzebuje, to fundament, na którym można budować autentyczną relację z dzieckiem oraz wspierać jego wszechstronny rozwój. Wierzymy, że słuchanie dziecka nie tylko ma sens, ale jest niezbędne w procesie edukacji i wychowania, gdyż odzwierciedla jego wewnętrzny świat i pozwala dostrzec jego zasoby i potrzeby.
This year, we gather under the powerful theme “When the Child Speaks.” The title invites us to pause, to listen deeply, and to reconsider the place of children’s voices in our societies, our institutions, and our daily practice. It challenges us not only to hear children, but to respect them as competent participants in their own lives and in the shaping of our shared future.
Our theme follows the enduring legacy of Janusz Korczak, whose life and work in Poland continue to inspire the global movement for children’s rights. Korczak reminded us that children are not future citizens—they are citizens now. He called on adults to approach children with humility, justice, and unwavering respect. His message remains profoundly relevant in today’s world.
OMEP 2026 will bring together teachers, researchers, policymakers, students, and children’s rights advocates from across continents to reflect on how we create environments where children’s voices are genuinely recognized and valued. Through dialogue, research exchange, and collaborative engagement, we will explore how listening to children strengthens democracy, advances equity, and promotes sustainable development.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Polish National Committee of OMEP for hosting this conference and for honoring Korczak’s legacy in such a meaningful way. Their leadership ensures that Poznań will be a place of thoughtful reflection, professional exchange, and shared inspiration.
World Organisation for Early Childhood Education
International NGO founded in 1948, working to promote the rights and well-being of young children worldwide. Consultative status with UNESCO and UNICEF.
Moroccan Foundation for Preschool Education
Non-profit association of public utility, created in 2008 to guarantee every child equitable access to quality preschool education in Morocco.
