Global Child Forum
2026




STOCKHOLM
ROYAL PALACE

Global Child Forum
2026




STOCKHOLM
ROYAL PALACE

Global Child Forum
2026




STOCKHOLM
ROYAL PALACE

Global Child Forum
2026




STOCKHOLM
ROYAL PALACE

A Royal Anniversary Edition

The Shifting Stakeholder

Why children, why now?

On 13 October 2026, Global Child Forum will convene an invitation-only gathering of global CEOs, chairs and senior investors at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, hosted on behalf of  Their Majesties The King and Queen of Sweden. 

Marking His Majesty The King’s 80th birthday and seventeen years of Royal patronage, the Forum will bring together influential business and investment leaders to address a critical question: how can companies better recognise children as stakeholders in the decisions shaping markets, societies and the future economy? 

Children are among the most affected by business decisions — from supply chains and digital environments to climate, communities and consumer markets — yet they are rarely visible in strategy, risk or board-level decision-making. 

Global Child Forum 2026 exists to change that. 

  • View the Forum speaker list for 2026
  • Questions about the event? Contact our team
  • Please note that registration for the event is now closed
When it comes to the health, safety and wellbeing of children, there is no room for modest ambitions. We have an obligation to strive for the best.

H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf

An invitation-only gathering of global leaders

Global Child Forum 2026 brings together, in the presence of Their Majesties The King and Queen, a carefully curated group of CEOs, chairs and senior investors from leading companies across sectors, markets and geographies. 

Participants are united by a shared belief: business leadership and children’s rights are not separate agendas. They are increasingly inseparable. 

Attendance is by invitation only, with places strictly limited to preserve the quality, candour and trust that meaningful dialogue requires. 

Participants join an influential community aligned with Their Majesties’ vision, that business has both the responsibility and the power to help shape a better future for every child. 

A day designed for decision-makers

Your time is your most finite resource. Global Child Forum 2026 is designed to offer what few leadership gatherings can: trusted peer exchange, relevant intelligence and a clear path from conversation to action. 

Peer dialogue with purpose
Candid, high-level conversations with fellow CEOs, chairs and investors — designed for openness, relevance and practical exchange. 

Actionable intelligence
Access to the latest insights, benchmark data and frameworks on children’s rights and business, with a focus on what matters for strategy, governance and risk. 

Tools you can take back
Practical approaches, shared commitments and emerging models that can inform decision-making inside your organisation. 

A signal of leadership
Participation demonstrates a willingness to lead on an issue that is becoming increasingly relevant to investors, regulators, employees, consumers and society. 

A community beyond the day
The Forum is not only a one-day event. It is an entry point into a global community of action committed to placing children at the centre of responsible business leadership. 

Forum 2026 Speakers

Additional speakers will be announced in the lead-up to the event

H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf

H.M. Queen Silvia

Ekin Björstedt

Secretary General

Global Child Forum

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Ekin Ergün Björstedt is Secretary General of Global Child Forum. Ekin joined us from Save the Children Sweden, where she was Chief Development Officer and Director of Funding, Partnerships, and New Business Models. Her career includes impactful roles such as Head of External Relations at Stockholm University, Project Director of Sustainability at TeliaSonera, and she also served as Sweden’s Trade Commissioner to Turkey. At Save the Children, she spearheaded innovative funding streams, demonstrating her adeptness in leading change management processes. She also holds an MBA from Stockholm University. She is Chairwoman of the Centre for Child Rights and Business and a Deputy Board Member of the Ethical Trade Initiative among other appointments.

Johan Rockström

Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

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Johan Rockström is Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Professor in Earth System Science at the University of Potsdam and Professor in Water Systems and Global Sustainability at the Stockholm University. He is an internationally recognised scientist on global sustainability issues and led the development of the Planetary Boundaries framework for human development in the current era of rapid global change. Professor Rockström is a leading scientist on global water resources, with more than 25 years experience in applied water research in tropical regions, and more than 150 research publications in fields ranging from applied land and water management to global sustainability. He is i.a. director of the American Geophysical Union, chair of the Earth Commission, a member of the leadership council of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and elected member of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Stefan Krook

Chairman and Co-founder Kivra and the GoodCause Foundation

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Stefan Krook is a serial entrepreneur and impact investor with more than two decades of experience building companies that combine strong commercial logic with real societal impact. He is Chairman and co-founder of Kivra, the digital mailbox serving more than six million users in Sweden, and of the GoodCause Foundation, through which approximately USD 15 million has been donated to non-profit organisations. Stefan is the author of The Laghum Economy – A New Brief for a Healthy Planet, which is published by Volante.

Helena Helmersson

Board Professional and Advisor

Former CEO of H&M Group

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With more than 26 years in the H&M Group, the last four as CEO, Helena is an experienced leader with a passion to grow businesses that can have a positive impact in the world. After leaving the H&M Group she joined the Board of Directors at Quizrr, and took on the role of Chairwoman at Circulose. In 2025 Helena joined the Board of Directors of sports brand On, and became a Member of the Board of fashion brand Mango. In February 2026, she became an advisor for the AI platform eComID. Helena participated in the Stanford Executive Program 2024-2025, becoming an Alumni of Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. Other recognitions include an Honorary Doctorate by the Faculty of Social Sciences at Umeå School of Business, being named one of retail’s most influential leaders 2020, and being recognised as Sweden’s most powerful businesswoman for 2014. 

Jenny Lindén Urnes

Chair of the Board

Lindéngruppen

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Jenny Lindén Urnes is the owner and Chair of the Board of Lindéngruppen, a family-owned investment company focused on sustainable development. She previously served as CEO of Lindéngruppen AB and as Chair and CEO of AB Wilh. Becker AB. She is also Chair of the Board of Färgfabriken Foundation and Christinelund Dressage AB, and board member of Beckers Group AB, Colart Group Holdings Ltd, Alex Begg Group Ltd, cReal Food AB, Helsingborgs IF and Tillväxt Helsingborg. Lindéngruppen has been a partner of Global Child Forum for many years, reflecting the company´s long-term commitment to social responsibility and sustainability.

Carl Bennet

Founder and CEO

Carl Bennet Group

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Carl Bennet is founder and CEO of the Carl Bennet AB Group, which has approximately SEK 86 billion in annual sales and employs 33,200 people globally. Carl is a Partner Advisory Board member at Global Child Forum. He is also President and CEO of Getinge, a leading global provider of medical devices for intensive care, cardiovascular procedures, operating room equipment, sterile reprocessing, and life science applications. Getinge is serving customers in 132 countries.

Jessica Anderen

CEO

IKEA Foundation

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Jessica Anderen is CEO of the IKEA Foundation, an independent philanthropy dedicated to tackling poverty and the climate crisis. She has over 30 years of business experience as a global leader for IKEA, including roles in India, Singapore, China and Australia. Prior to joining the IKEA Foundation she was CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA Switzerland. Her previous positions include Global Market Support Manager, Deputy Country Manager at IKEA Retail Sweden, and Trading Area Manager for South Asia. Jessica Anderen holds several board positions and has served as a strategic partner, senior adviser and coach to Inter IKEA’s Social Entrepreneurship programme.

Mikael Helmerson

CEO

Mellby Gård AB

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Mikael Helmerson is since 2025 CEO at Mellby Gård AB, a Swedish family owned business conglomerate established in 1986. He is Chair of Feralco AB, board member of Roxtec AB, Academedia AB and FPI Group AB. Prior to his role at Mellby Gård AB, Mikael Helmerson served as CEO at Roxtec AB and CEO of Nord-Lock AB (supplier of high-end fasteners owned by Swedish company Investment AB Latour).

Ingmar Rentzhog

Founder and CEO We Don't Have Time and Co-founder and Chairman of W

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Ingmar Rentzhog is a Swedish serial entrepreneur, climate communicator and the founder and CEO of We Don't Have Time, the world's largest media platform for climate action. He is also co-founder and Chairman of W, a new European social media built on a simple idea: real people, real dialogue, and trust in who is on the other side. Ingmar has spent his career at the intersection of climate, technology, media and business, building platforms that turn public engagement into real-world change. He writes regularly on climate and energy as a Forbes contributor. Behind everything he builds is one conviction: people who disagree still need to talk, and trust is what makes that possible.

Henrik Mitelman

Entrepreneur, Columnist and Financial Commentator

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Henrik Mitelman is an award-winning columnist and financial commentator, now working with EFN, where he also hosts the podcast Börssurr. In addition, he is something as rare as an entrepreneur, an independent analyst, an advisor, and a board member of companies, with a background as Head of Research at SEB. Over the years, Henrik has become known as an enthusiastic speaker who gladly talks about global megatrends, shifts in the world economy, and which countries are performing the best — and the worst. In his book Back to Success (“Tillbaka till framgången”), he shows which countries are making the biggest strides. Henrik is simply a trend-sensitive analyst with his ear to the ground.

Javiera Ragnartz

CEO

SEB Asset Management

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Javiera Ragnartz has more than 23 years of investment experience and currently serves as CEO of Asset Management. The company has more than 100b Euro in AUM managed in a broad range of institutional mandates and mutual funds covering all major asset classes and alternatives. Previously, Ragnartz was CIO at AMF Pension. Javiera has also served as CEO of Handelsbanken Funds and as Head of Institutional Asset Management at SEB. She started her career in 1996 at the Swedish central bank where she was Head of Financial markets research. Ragnartz graduated from School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg with a Fil Lic in Finance.

Peter Dalmalm

Head of Business Banking Sweden and Country Head Sweden at Nordea

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Peter Dalmalm is Head of Business Banking Sweden and the Country Head of Nordea in Sweden. With more than 30 years of experience in the banking and financial services sector, he has held a number of senior executive roles within Nordea. Drawing on extensive expertise in finance, business development, and corporate banking, he is among the bank’s most seasoned and respected leaders.

Johan Öberg

Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group

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Johan Öberg is a Senior Partner and Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group. He leads the global private equity sector and is on the leadership team of The Boston Consulting Group’s Principal Investors & Private Equity practice. Johan has a broad experience from strategy, M&A and transformation projects globally. He holds a BA in business economics from Uppsala University and California State University, and an M.B.A. from INSEAD.

Sofia Lindelöw

Managing Director

Norrsken Foundation

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Sofia Lindelöw is Managing Director at Norrsken Foundation, where she leads the organisation’s work to support entrepreneurs tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges. Prior to Norrsken, she held senior leadership positions at Epidemic Sound and previously worked at Procter & Gamble, giving her extensive experience across global business, technology and growth. At Norrsken, she focuses on bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors and policymakers to accelerate solutions with positive societal impact.

Pelle Tamleht

Head of Marketing and Partnerships

Norrsken Foundation

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Pelle Tamleht is Head of Marketing & Partnerships at Norrsken Foundation, working at the intersection of entrepreneurship, business, policy and societal impact. Trained as an engineer, he spent much of his career in journalism and media before joining Norrsken, combining a technical background with experience in storytelling and public engagement. Today, he leads partnerships and initiatives that bring together entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and policymakers around challenges including climate, AI and democracy.

Nina Vollmer

Director Child Rights and Sustainability

Global Child Forum

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As Global Child Forum’s senior expert, Nina conducts research and supports companies on how to improve their understanding of, and impact on children’s lives. She develops and works with the tools and services that Global Child Forum offers, including the Business Academy, Scorecard Feedback service, guidance and best practices. Nina also supports with content creation for events and communications. With responsibility for the methodology behind the Corporate Sector and Children’s Rights Benchmark, Nina is the appointed spokesperson for benchmark activities, and regularly speaks at key events and conferences. Nina holds a Master’s Degree in Political Science from Lund University (Sweden), and has worked both nationally and internationally with human rights and development within the NGO sector.

Linda Nyberg

Moderator, Senior Corporate Affairs and Communications Specialist

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Linda Nyberg is a Senior Corporate Affairs and Communications specialist with over 25 years of experience working with strategic and tactical communication and marketing in global contexts. Linda has a background in national and international radio and broadcast as a news anchor, correspondent and talk-show host. Today she is a PR expert and board professional. Nyberg is a well-known professional moderator, serving as the head moderator for the Techarena, the biggest tech platform in the Nordics. She has also moderated FUSION24, and her recent assignments include InnoEnergy, UKAEA, UNHCR, Business Sweden, The Swedish Royal Family, Danske Bank, Saab and Ambassade de Suède en France.

Lisa Lindström

Co-founder Doberman, and Nordic Business Reinvention Leader

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Lisa is the co-founder of the innovation and design firm Doberman, now part of EY. Throughout her career, Lisa has helped organisations navigate digital transformation, innovation and large-scale change, advising leaders and executive teams across industries and the public sector. Her experience includes strategic transformation and innovation initiatives with organisations such as SEB, Telia, Volvo, IKEA, Vodafone and the New York City Government. She has coached senior executives, led large-scale change programmes and helped organisations implement new ways of working while building long-term innovation capacity. Lisa has received the Royal Medal for Outstanding Entrepreneurship. She has also served on several corporate boards, advised the Swedish Government on innovation and digitalisation, and held leadership roles within Sweden’s design and innovation community, including Chair of the Swedish Design Awards Jury.

Anna Strömberg

Client Director

EY Doberman

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Anna excels at delivering value to end customers, with over 15 years of experience in defining, designing, and developing user experiences. Her work at EY Doberman has extended over a diverse range of companies such as Tele2, SVT, Systembolaget, Bonzun, and Interac, demonstrating her ability to deliver value, from nimble startups to large organisations. Anna has also led EY Doberman’s over 10-year partnership with the ICA Group, overseeing customer insights, design and development of their application, E-commerce, instore experience, digital strategy, and setting up their innovation hub. Anna holds a Master of Science in Business and Economics and, as of the latest, is educated in Transformational leadership at Oxford University and Said Business School.

Mikael Widoff Arman

Client Director and Studio Lead

SALLY

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Mikael leads EY Doberman’s future manifestation lab, SALLY, which visualises radically more sustainable futures. Through bold concepts and immersive experiences, SALLY inspires organisations to take strategic action toward transformative change. With a rich background in branding, marketing and advertising, Mikael has collaborated with clients such as Systembolaget, ICA, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Skanska, Investor, Amnesty International, and Cancerfonden. His work seamlessly blends visionary thinking with actionable strategies, making a meaningful impact across industries.

Kristoffer Lundholm

Strategist and Head of Sustainability

SALLY

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Kristoffer is a Strategist and the Head of Sustainability at EY Doberman’s future manifestation lab SALLY. He brings nearly 15 years of experience from helping companies to integrate sustainability into their business through visioning and strategic planning processes, sustainability innovation projects and employee engagement efforts. Kristoffer has led sustainability change projects for clients such as Lego Group, Nokia, Philips, Interface, Rockwool, Höganäs AB, VinylPlus, Axel Johnson International, Stahl and Filippa K.

Milena Vergara

Student and Youth Representative

Stockholm School of Economics

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Milena Vergara is a double degree Master’s student at the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) and National University of Singapore (NUS), passionate about gender equality, youth empowerment and building cross-cultural bridges. Having lived in 10 countries, she brings a global perspective to her work and advocacy. Her engagement with the United Nations spans several years, including speaking at the UN Commission on the Status of Women on the role of young people in advancing gender while her interest in entrepreneurship and innovation has led her to work at SSE Business Lab with the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Eric Hermansson

Student and Youth Representative

Stockholm School of Economics

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Eric Hermansson is a double degree MSc student at the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Having lived in the US, Mexico, UK, Uganda, and Sweden, he brings a deeply global perspective to his work. He is passionate about sports and how it unites people across backgrounds and cultures. His professional background spans strategic communications and project management for both multinational corporations and NGOs. Additionally, Eric has actively led initiatives in student organisations at high school and university level.

Agnes Tell

President of the Swedish Federation of Student Councils

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Agnes Tell is president of the Swedish Federation of Student Councils, an organisation for student councils at lower secondary schools across Sweden. The student councils are independent associations working to improve their schools for all students. As president, Agnes works full-time to represent student voices on important issues, both in media and in discussions with those in power.

Forum 2026 Agenda

Monday, 12th October

17.00 - 19.00

Welcome Reception the evening before the event

Norrsken House

    Please confirm your attendance via the confirmation email address provided in your invitation.

Tuesday, 13th October

8.15 - 8.45

Arrival and Registration at the Royal Palace

Royal Palace, Western Vault

8.50

All Guests to be Seated - Practical Information

    Linda Nyberg, Moderator

9.00 - 10.00

Opening Plenary Session

Bernadotte Library

  • Welcoming Address

    • His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf

  • The Business Imperative for Children

    • Children are impacted by every business through products, technology, workplaces, supply chains, communities and environmental impacts. This opening session explores why children are becoming a critical stakeholder; why addressing their rights and wellbeing is a strategic business imperative and how Global Child Forum is mobilising business leaders to translate awareness into action.

    Ekin Ergün Björstedt, Secretary General, Global Child Forum

  • Keynote: The Shifting Stakeholder, A Systems Perspective

    • Children’s lives are shaped by interconnected environmental, social and economic systems. Drawing on the latest research on resilience and transformation, this keynote explores why children are becoming an increasingly important stakeholder and what this means for business leadership.

    Agnes Tell, President of the Swedish Federation of Student Councils, will lead a Q&A on stage with Johan Rockström after his keynote address.

    Johan Rockström, Director, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

  • Panel: Leading Change for Future Generations

    • Children and young people will inherit the consequences of today’s business decisions. This leadership dialogue explores what it takes to drive meaningful change within organisations, from shifting mindsets and incentives to embedding long-term thinking in business strategy. How can leaders build trusted and resilient businesses that create value for both current and future generations?

    Helena Helmersson, Board Professional and former CEO, H&M
    Stefan Krook, Founder, GoodCause Foundation, and Co-founder, Kivra
    Milena Vergara, Master Student, Stockholm School of Economics

10.00 - 10.30

Networking Mingle

Bernadotte Library Anteroom

10.30 - 11.45

Opening Plenary Session

Bernadotte Library

  • Panel: Decisions That Shape Tomorrow - The Role of Business and Philanthropy

    • If children are viewed as a stakeholder, changing outcomes requires changing systems. Business and philanthropic leaders discuss how investment, innovation and collaboration can shape the conditions in which children grow, learn and thrive, creating lasting value for society and future generations.

    Jenny Lindén Urnes, Chair of the Board, Lindéngruppen
    Mikael Helmerson, CEO, Mellby Gård
    Carl Bennet, CEO and Chair of the Board, Carl Bennet Group
    Jessica Anderen, CEO, IKEA Foundation

  • Launch: The State of Children’s Rights and Business 2026

    • What do the latest benchmark findings reveal about the impact of business on children, and where are the greatest opportunities for companies to drive meaningful change?

    Nina Vollmer, Director Child Rights and Sustainability, Global Child Forum
    Johan Öberg, Managing Director and Senior Partner, Boston Consulting Group

  • Panel: Investing in the Next Generation - Creating Value Through Better Outcomes for Children

    • Children's wellbeing is closely linked to long-term societal and economic resilience. This panel explores how investors can encourage companies to move beyond risk management and create positive outcomes for children through strategy, innovation and value creation.

    Ingmar Rentzhog, CEO, W Social and We Don’t Have Time
    Henrik Mitelman, Journalist, Author and Financial Analyst
    Peter Dalmalm, Head of Business Banking Sweden and Country Head Sweden, Nordea
    Javiera Ragnartz, CEO, SEB Asset Management

  • Introduction to ActionLabs

    • Linda Nyberg, Moderator

12.00 - 13.00

Royal Luncheon hosted by Their Majesties

Karl XI’s Gallery

13.15 - 15.15

Parallel ActionLabs (with coffee and refreshments)

  • ActionLab: Childproofing the Climate Transition

    • Challenging climate investments and future societal impact
    Co-hosted by Norrsken Foundation

    Prince Bertil’s Apartment Blue Salon

  • ActionLab: Four Futures

    • If you could hear from the future, how would it change your actions today?
    Co-hosted by SALLY and EY Doberman

    Queen Lovisa Ulrika’s Dining Hall

  • ActionLab: Return on Generation: Innovating for Youth Wellbeing

    • How can business meet the health and wellbeing needs of future leaders?
    Co-hosted by Stockholm School of Economics

    Prince Bertil’s Apartment White Salon

15.30 – 16.00

Closing Plenary Session

Bernadotte Library

  • Reporting back from ActionLabs

    • Representatives from the ActionLabs share key insights and opportunities for business-led action that can improve outcomes for children and future generations.

    Lisa Lindström, Co-founder, Doberman, and Nordic Business Reinvention Leader
    Eric Hermansson, Master Student, Stockholm School of Economics
    Sofia Lindelöw, Managing Director, Norrsken Foundation

  • Summing Up and Call-to Action

    • A call-to-action for leaders across business, finance and philanthropy to place children and future generations at the heart of long-term value creation and societal resilience.

    Ekin Ergün Björstedt, Secretary General, Global Child Forum

  • Closing Address

    • Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden

16.00 - 18.00

Closing Reception

Slottsbacken 2

Sponsors and Partners

Thank you to our Forum 2026 event sponsors and partners

Forum ActionLabs

Where conversation becomes action

The Forum’s ActionLabs bring delegates together to share expertise, challenge assumptions and co-create practical responses to some of the most urgent issues at the intersection of business and children’s rights.

This year’s ActionLabs — proudly co-hosted by Norrsken, SALLY, EY Doberman and Stockholm School of Economics — will explore the following defining themes: 

Norrsken
Childproofing the Climate Transition
An ActionLab for CEOs on climate investments and future societal impact .

SALLY and EY Doberman
Four Futures
If you could hear from the future, how would it change your actions today?

Stockholm School of Economics
Return on Generation: Innovating for Youth Wellbeing
How can business meet the health and wellbeing needs of future leaders?

Click below to discover more about each of the sessions, their content and outcomes for participants.

About our ActionLabs 2026

ActionLab 2026 Partners

Forum 2026 ActionLabs are co-created with our valued partners

Reach out today

Global Child Forum 2026 is an invitation-only gathering for CEOs, chairs, senior investors and selected leaders committed to advancing children’s rights through business action. 

For more information about the event, please contact us. 

Oscar Edlund

Senior Event Manager

Contact

Forum FAQ

Your questions answered

Our event FAQ section provides practical information for delegates planning their travel to Stockholm and attending Global Child Forum 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography, video, and media capture during the event

By attending Forum 2026, guests and speakers acknowledge and consent that images – which may include their likeness – can be captured during the event using photography, video, or other media, and used by Global Child Forum in its efforts to promote children’s rights and business.

Global Child Forum’s Benchmark

Engagement with Global Child Forum—whether as a partner, initiative member, event participant, or featured on our communication channels—does not affect a company’s Benchmark score. Benchmark scores are calculated based on publicly available information and in accordance with our public methodology.