ChildFund India Launches AI Children & Youth Vision Charter, Calls for Stronger Partnerships for Child Well-being

New Delhi, June 17, 2026: ChildFund India convened policymakers, government officials, educators, mental health professionals, legal experts, and civil society organisations in New Delhi for a national dialogue on the future of children and youth in a rapidly changing social, technological, and economic landscape.

Titled “Catalysing Partnerships for Children, Youth, and Communities,” the event focused on key issues including education, child protection, mental health, digital well-being, and skilling. Participants included Dr. Rashmi Singh, IAS, Secretary, WCD Department, Government of Delhi; Shri Devesh Chandra Srivastava, IPS, Special Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police; and Ms. Nuriya Ansari, CEO, Bharti Airtel Foundation, among others.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Children & Youth Vision Charter – The India Context, developed by ChildFund India through consultations with children and young people from urban, rural, and tribal communities across the country. The charter outlines 11 recommendations covering data privacy, online safety, prevention of misinformation and deepfakes, mental health safeguards, fair AI systems, and youth participation in AI governance.

In her keynote address, Dr. Rashmi Singh, IAS, Secretary, WCD Department, Government of Delhi, said, "Police departments and panchayats play a crucial role in early identification and protection of children, yet anganwadi areas often remain invisible in our broader mapping of children's needs, even though it is in these crucial first few years that developmental delays must be recognised and addressed..."

Shri Devesh Chandra Srivastava, IPS, Special Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police, said, "At Delhi Police, sensitising communities on rising crimes against women and children remains a top priority, especially as we partner with organisations and families to ensure swift, child-friendly action..."

Ms. Nuriya Ansari, CEO, Bharti Airtel Foundation, highlighted the role of technology in education, stating, "Technology in education works best when it empowers teachers, not just children. If used well, AI can reduce administrative burden, improve student engagement, and strengthen learning outcomes."

Mr. Anil Khaitan, Chairman and Member, PHD Rural Development Foundation (PHDCC-PHDRDE), said, "The challenges facing children and young people cannot be addressed in silos. Real progress will come only when families, schools, communities, governments, civil society, industry, and young people themselves work together in meaningful partnership."

Reflecting on ChildFund India’s work, Mr. Anand Vishwakarma, Executive Director, ChildFund India, said, "For over 40 years, ChildFund India has worked towards a future where every child is happy, healthy, skilled, and safe, both offline and online."

The event featured over 30 speakers from government agencies, international organisations, foundations, and civil society groups. Discussions underscored the importance of coordinated action across sectors to address challenges facing children and youth and to create safer, more inclusive environments both online and offline.