Organisers say the event comes at a time when concerns about social division remain high across the UK.
Research published by the British Red Cross found that 75% of adults believe the UK is divided, while VotesforSchools reported the figure rises to more than 81% among children and young people under 16.
It was hoped the conversations taking place in Bradford and elsewhere would offer a new template for how connections could be built across different communities.
The gathering also formed part of a wider three-year linking project organised by the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT) and The Linking Network, which brings together children from different schools and backgrounds to build friendships and break down barriers.
Kathryn Young, deputy director of primary education at BDAT, said the programme had helped children develop confidence, resilience and a belief that they could make a difference.
“They believe they can change the world,” she said.
“They believe they can make a change, and for me that’s really important.”
Becky Earnshaw, from The National Conversation, said the lessons being learned by the children were relevant far beyond the classroom.
“There’s always space for human connection and there’s always space for us trying to listen and understand before we put over our own views,” she said.
“I think these young people have been a testament to the power of that coming together. Everyone can learn from that, and I’m sure there’s plenty in Westminster [for whom] that could be a very powerful lesson.”
Sir Sajid said: “How we live well together is one of the defining questions of our time – and children and young people must be a core part of answering it.
“They are not just future citizens; they are living in, shaping and experiencing our communities right now.”
