H.M. The King’s Welcoming Address
at the Global Child Forum

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Royal Palace and to Global Child Forum 2026.

Her Majesty the Queen and I are pleased to see so many leaders gathered here today, united by a shared commitment to protecting and promoting the rights and well-being of children.

Young people have little formal power. They do not vote in shareholder meetings or sit on investment committees. But decisions today shape their health, safety, opportunities and the world they grow up in. And as you all know – childhood does not wait.

For many years, Global Child Forum has worked with the business community to advance children’s rights. We have seen encouraging progress. There is now greater understanding of the effect businesses have on children’s lives.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As we begin this Forum, I would like to ask you to keep one child in mind. Perhaps your own child or grandchild, a young person you know, or even the child you once were. And when you face a difficult decision in your organisation, ask yourself: How might this affect children? Would I be comfortable explaining my choice to the child I have in mind?

Not every decision will be easy and not every interest can be satisfied. But taking children seriously means listening to their perspectives and considering the long-term impact of our actions.

Let us ensure that the choices we make today create value both for business and for children and future generations.

I wish you all a productive and inspiring day!

Thank you.