Children of Conflict is an innovative conference bringing together 
global best practice and world experts to tackle the growing crisis 
in youth education and unemployment.

Much of the world is facing a NEET crisis. Collectively we are creating a “Lost Generation” of disengaged young people many of whom are destined to a life of economic inactivity, mental ill health, drug and alcohol abuse and crime.

In post conflict areas like Northern Ireland the issue is heightened by the risks failing to resolve the crisis poses. We simply cannot afford to have large numbers of disaffected youths – and the crisis is damaging the very citizens we rely on to sustain peace in the future and hindering our ability to move forward socially, economically and culturally. The impact of youth economic inactivity throughout the world can have a devastating impact on not only the young person’s life, but on the whole society. 

The purpose of this conference is to address how we can unleash the creative abilities of all young people to resolve the global NEET issue in a more effective, less traditional way.

Creativity in this context is about harnessing the potential of all people in a range of skills, developing enterprising spirit, and building innovative solutions to shared problems. Ultimately it is about regeneration – regeneration of the economy and unlocking hitherto dormant potential. 

Creative and innovative solutions are required, solutions that will not only reduce the number of young people currently categorised as NEET but also prevent a new generation of disconnected youths from emerging. Following the global economic crisis, this is an issue that cannot be ignored by any nation, whether post-conflict or stable. 

We need to engage with those who may feel let down by the educational establishment and those with that special entrepreneurial spirit which can drive countries forward culturally and economically. Developing this enterprising spirit will not only help tackle the problem of NEETS, it will also contribute to the overall regeneration of societies. 

Creativity is not just about economic development however, it is also about changing societal attitudes to create a more open minded, culturally sensitive society – the capacity to tolerate cultural difference and build a stronger shared society.http://childrenofconflict2012.org