Partner Advisory Board Meeting 2026

On November 11th, we convened our Partner Advisory Board at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, bringing together our network of funding partners and board members in the presence of our Honorary Chair, His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

The meeting provided an important opportunity for dialogue, shared reflection and collaboration on how to accelerate progress on children’s rights through business. It also offered a platform to strengthen the engagement of our partners and explore how we can drive greater and more lasting impact together.

Strategic direction and priorities

The meeting opened with remarks from H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf, followed by a welcome address from Annette Brodin Rampe, Chair of Global Child Forum’s Board. Ekin Ergün Björstedt, Secretary General of Global Child Forum, presented the organisation’s current priorities and ongoing development, with a focus on strengthening our position as a leading platform for children’s rights and business.

A central part of the meeting was dedicated to discussions on Global Child Forum’s future direction, including how to deepen engagement with the corporate and financial sectors, build stronger long-term partnerships and translate knowledge and insights into tangible business action. Discussions also explored opportunities to increase the organisation’s reach, influence and impact, building on the momentum of the 2026 Global Child Forum and the latest State of Children’s Rights and Business Benchmark.

Key themes and discussions included:

• From insight to action: How Global Child Forum’s research, data and Benchmark findings can drive stronger accountability and help companies and investors integrate children’s rights into their strategies, investment decisions and business practices.
• Engaging business and finance: Exploring opportunities to strengthen collaboration with companies, banks and investors, and to position children’s rights as a strategic consideration in long-term value creation, risk management and sustainable business development.
• Strengthening partnerships and impact: Discussing how our funding partners and wider network can contribute to Global Child Forum’s long-term ambitions, through strategic collaboration, knowledge-sharing, advocacy and new initiatives.
• Looking ahead: Identifying key priorities and opportunities for the coming years, ensuring that Global Child Forum continues to evolve and maximise its contribution to a world where every child can thrive.

The meeting welcomed Sophie Lööf, Founder and Chair of Lööf Foundation, as a new member of the Partner Advisory Board, further strengthening the network of committed partners working to advance children’s rights.

Christian Patay, Founder and CEO of Cleartraced, also shared an update regarding how the company’s AI-assisted screening technology has supported Global Child Forum’s benchmarking process.

The discussions were followed by a private lunch hosted by H.M. The King, providing an opportunity for continued dialogue and exchange among partners and guests.

Through the Partner Advisory Board, Global Child Forum brings together committed leaders and partners to help shape its strategic direction, strengthen its work and accelerate meaningful change for children around the world.