BYU Conference Focuses on Protecting Children from Multiple Threats

Speakers address issues like youth mental health, conflict zones, and human trafficking

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:23pm

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The 36th annual International Society Conference at Brigham Young University focused on 'The Dignity of God's Children,' with speakers addressing various threats facing vulnerable youth around the world. Topics included teaching dialogue skills, fostering critical thinking, preventing exploitation, and nurturing children in an unsettling world.

Why it matters

The conference highlighted the urgent need to address the many challenges children face today, from mental illness and conflict zones to human trafficking and the impact of emerging technologies. By focusing on the inherent dignity and divine potential of every child, the speakers aimed to inspire action to enhance flourishing and reduce suffering among the world's most vulnerable.

The details

Speakers at the conference covered a range of issues impacting children globally. They emphasized the importance of teaching young people dialogue skills to engage with those they disagree with, fostering critical thinking abilities threatened by the rise of AI, and addressing the pervasive problem of modern slavery and human trafficking that exploits millions of children. Experts also discussed the power of simple interventions, like providing micronutrient supplements to pregnant women, to make a significant difference in children's lives.

  • The 36th annual International Society Conference was held on April 6, 2026 at Brigham Young University.
  • The conference featured a keynote address from Susan H. Porter, Primary general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The players

David Kirkham

President of the International Society, who highlighted sobering statistics about the challenges facing children today and the theological basis for the inherent dignity of all people.

Deborah Pandit-Sawaf

Founder of The Power of Words Foundation, who spoke about the importance of language in shaping how children see themselves and what they believe is possible.

Valerie Hudson

Deseret News contributor and Texas A&M professor, who warned about the potential intellectual, emotional, and environmental costs of the rapid expansion of AI, especially on children's critical thinking abilities.

Kevin Hyland

Former Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner in the United Kingdom, who discussed the pervasive problem of modern slavery and human trafficking, with a large share of victims being children.

Nanon Talley

Representative from Latter-day Saint Family Services, who emphasized the importance of adults truly listening to and observing children in order to understand what they are trying to communicate.

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What they’re saying

“The future of the planet is not a policy — it is a child.”

— Deborah Pandit-Sawaf, Founder of The Power of Words Foundation

“If the world's harmony requires the suffering of even one innocent child, then that harmony is not worth the price.”

— David Kirkham, President of the International Society

“You need to teach the rising generation how to speak and have dialogue with people with whom they disagree.”

— Dallin H. Oaks, Leader of the Church of Jesus Christ

“No one but AI models will be reading the books of the great libraries of the world anymore, and without retention and comprehension skills, critical thinking becomes impossible.”

— Valerie Hudson, Deseret News contributor and Texas A&M professor

“Let's not let the size of the problem overwhelm or deter us.”

— Kevin Hyland, Former Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner in the United Kingdom

What’s next

The International Society plans to continue its work advocating for the dignity and protection of children worldwide, with a focus on expanding educational initiatives to teach dialogue skills and critical thinking to the next generation.

The takeaway

This conference underscored the multifaceted challenges facing children globally, from mental health and conflict to exploitation and the impact of emerging technologies. By emphasizing the inherent worth and divine potential of every child, the speakers aimed to inspire a renewed commitment to enhancing the flourishing and reducing the suffering of the world's most vulnerable youth.