The Royal Palace, Stockholm
H.M. The King’s opening speech
at the Global Child Forum
23 October, 2024
Stockholm Royal Palace, 23 October 2024
H.M. The King’s opening speech
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Young delegates,
It is a pleasure to welcome you all to this year’s Global Child Forum. Once again, we come together with a common goal: to ensure that children’s rights are at the core of business practices and decision-making worldwide.
Today, I would like to highlight a vital aspect of our mission: the importance of truly listening to children. Too often, children’s voices – full of hope, ideas, and unique perspectives – are ignored.
Young people are directly impacted by our decisions on issues such as climate change, education, health, and social policies. They deserve to have a voice in how these decisions are made.
Last month, world leaders adopted UN’s Pact for the Future to address global challenges such as climate change and inequality. It calls for a commitment by governments to listen to young people and include them in decision-making. Now we need businesses to also follow this call.
Today, you will hear from leaders across sectors who are pioneering new ways of integrating children’s rights into their business practices.
Honoured guests, thank you for being here and for your commitment to this cause. Let us move forward with a renewed dedication to listen, to learn, and to act. Together, we can build a brighter world for every child.
Once again, welcome to the Global Child Forum 2024. I wish you all a productive and inspiring day!
Young people are directly impacted by our decisions on issues such as climate change, education, health, and social policies. They deserve to have a voice in how these decisions are made.
H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf
At the Global Child Forum in Stockholm, Sweden, 23 October 2024
H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf address delegates attending the Global Child Forum 2024