A Conversation With Secretary General Ekin Ergün Björstedt

To mark her first anniversary as Secretary General of the Global Child Forum, we sat down with Ekin Björstedt to reflect on the journey so far, the lessons learned and the path ahead.

What was the best moment during your first year at Global Child Forum?
There have been many great moments, but the ones that stay with me are when companies tell us, ‘Because of your insights, we’ve changed how we work with children’s rights.’ That’s when the impact feels real, and it reminds me why our work matters: because we’re helping to create tangible change for children.

In your previous interview, you described yourself as a ‘bridge builder’. How have you put that into practice this year?
It has been at the heart of everything we’ve done. Being a ‘bridge builder’ has moved from an intention to our daily practice.

A prime example is our Global Child Forum in Stockholm, which centred on the theme ‘Engaging Youth as Key Stakeholders in Business’. Bringing together young people, business leaders, and investors created space for powerful, honest dialogue.

But we’ve also gone beyond dialogue to action. Through the Listen Up! initiative with partners like Tele2, Vodafone, Orange, and Telia, we’re tackling digital wellbeing for children and youth. And we launched The Corporate Playbook with our partner, The LEGO Group, a practical tool to help companies embed children’s rights into their reporting under the ESRS. For me, it’s about turning conversations into partnerships, and partnerships into results.

If you could describe this year in three words, what would they be?
Challenging. Inspiring. And deeply rewarding.

Over the past year, we’ve seen growing pressures on children’s rights, from climate change and conflict to digital safety and economic insecurity. How are these crises affecting children, and where is business most urgently needed?
Children are on the frontlines of today’s crises. Climate change, conflict, unsafe digital spaces, and rising economic insecurity are compounding, leaving millions displaced, out of school, or exposed to exploitation.

Businesses play a critical role here. They shape supply chains, digital platforms, and environmental impact, and with that comes responsibility. We see three urgent priorities: create safe digital environments, build climate resilience with children in mind, and ensure responsible value chains.

When businesses act boldly, they can be powerful allies for children. But inaction comes at a high cost—not just for children, but for all of us.

Conversely, what gives you hope right now when you think about the future of children’s rights?
What gives me hope is seeing more companies recognise that children’s rights aren’t a side issue, they’re central to building sustainable businesses and societies. Over the past year, we’ve seen real momentum, with companies asking tougher questions and taking action. I’m equally inspired by young people themselves—their voices are stronger than ever, and when businesses truly listen, change becomes possible.

What lessons have you learned in your first year that will shape how you lead Global Child Forum moving forward?
This year has shown me just how complex the landscape around children’s rights has become, and how vital collaboration is for real change. I’ve learned that while many businesses want to do better for children, they often lack the tools and data to act effectively. That’s where Global Child Forum makes the biggest difference: turning insights into action. I’ve also learned the power of listening to our partners, to young people, and to the data, which will continue to guide how I lead moving forward.

If you could go back to your first day, what advice would you give yourself?
Pace yourself. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Build strong relationships, keep listening, trust the process, and the incredible team around you. Progress takes time, but if you stay focused on your values, you’ll get there.

What’s one thing you’re most excited about for the year ahead when it comes to Global Child Forum?
I’m excited about expanding our reach, forming new partnerships, and helping even more businesses put children’s rights at the heart of what they do. Because every step forward means a better future for the next generation. That’s what drives me every day.

Ekin at her first Annual Forum in 2024.