This is the first newsletter of 2026, and we are pleased to share an update on the CBOW Project’s activities so far this year. In this edition, we highlight key publications, events and ongoing initiatives from the beginning of 2026, as well as upcoming activities.
EuroWARCHILD Conference on Children Born of War
On 7 May 2026, PRIO will host the EuroWARCHILD Conference on Children Born of War.
The EuroWARCHILD project has explored the lived experiences and needs of three generations of children born of war across Europe, including Norway, Denmark, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. The conference provides an opportunity to engage in this increasingly urgent and timely discussion amongst others with CBOW Project chairwoman Ingvill Constanze Ødegaard and CBOW Project board members Inger Skjelsbæk, Lina Stotz and Torunn Tryggestad.
Programme and registration details are available here.
UNESCO-CODATA “Data Policies in Times of Crisis facilitated by Open Science”
CBOW Project Chairwoman Ingvill Constanze Ødegaard has been nominated Co-Chair of the UNESCO-CODATA initiative Data Policies in Times of Crisis Facilitated by Open Science (DPTC).
UNESCO, together with the International Science Council’s CODATA, has launched a global survey to explore how data policies are being implemented in crisis situations, in line with open science principles. Whether you work in government, research, civil society or the private sector, your experience is invaluable. We encourage all partners to participate in this important survey. You can participate here. Deadline May 11th 2026!
CBOW Training Opportunity
Due to recent geopolitical developments, we have received a growing number of requests for training. We are therefore planning to organize a training during the Summer and are currently gathering interest to schedule a suitable date.
If you would like to participate, please contact CBOW Project Advisor Elise Hegstad at Elise.Hegstad@cbowproject.org to register your interest by May 31st. Once we have an overview of participants, we will confirm the date. A Zoom link and practical details will be shared with registered participants approximately one week before the training seminar.
New Publications
Final Project Report and Recording of the Seminar “Children of the Enemy – When the War Doesn’t End”
In January, the final Project Report of the Seminar “Children of the Enemy – When the War Doesn’t End” was published. The report summarises the presentations, discussions and key perspectives that emerged throughout the seminar.
The full recording of the seminar is available on the CBOW Project’s YouTube channel.
The Annual Report for 2025 is available
We are pleased to announce that the CBOW Project’s 2025 Annual Report is now available. The report provides an overview of the foundation’s activities throughout the year, including its collaboration with Save the Children Norway and efforts to preserve the Krigsbarnforbundet Lebensborn archive.
Media Attention on Children Born of War
BBC Investigation Uncovers Stories of British Soldiers and Children Left Behind in Kenya
A recent investigation by BBC World of Secrets and BBC Africa Eye examines the experiences of Kenyan families affected by relationships with British soldiers stationed in Nanyuki. Drawing on interviews, legal expertise, and DNA analysis, the investigation explores questions of identity, accountability and the long-term social impact of Britain’s military presence in Kenya.
The CBOW project welcomes the attention this issue is receiving and the growing awareness of Kenyan children born of war. Listen to the podcast series here.
Podcast Episode on CBOW with Emily Prey
Emily Prey, co-author of Children Born of War: Considerations for Policymakers with Chairwoman Ingvill Constanze Ødegaard, appeared on The Fletcher Forum of World Affairs podcast in June 2025 to discuss the overlooked experiences of children born of war. The episode offers a great introduction to the topic, covering cases from World War II, the Bosnian War, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Listen to the podcast episode here.