Q&A with Ekin Ergün Björstedt, Secretary General

Global Child Forum is excited to introduce Ekin Ergün Björstedt as its new Secretary General. With a background as Chief Development Officer at Save the Children Sweden, Ekin brings a wealth of experience from roles at Stockholm University, TeliaSonera, and as Sweden’s Trade Commissioner to Turkey. We sat down with Ekin to discuss her vision for the organisation, the challenges ahead, and the role of children’s rights in corporate sustainability.

Ekin, can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to work in the field of children’s rights and sustainable development?
Ekin Ergün Björstedt: What really inspired me to focus on children’s rights and sustainable development is the understanding that the well-being of children lies at the heart of a just and sustainable future. Early in my career, I saw first hand how systemic issues like poverty and inequality disproportionately affect children, and that realisation drove me to address these challenges at their roots. As Sweden’s Trade Commissioner, I had the opportunity to work closely with business leaders during their international expansions. This gave me a unique perspective on how businesses can truly make a difference when they prioritise and respect children’s rights in their operations. Seeing the tangible impact of responsible business practices on children’s well-being further solidified my commitment to this cause.

Working at Save the Children, I witnessed the direct impact our efforts had on children’s lives, which reinforced my belief that focusing on the most vulnerable populations isn’t just a moral obligation—it’s essential for creating a more equitable world.

My work in sustainable development is driven by the understanding that the choices we make today will shape the world our children inherit tomorrow. By integrating children’s rights into broader sustainability initiatives, I believe we can create lasting change that benefits not just today’s children, but future generations as well.

Growing up, what did you want to be, and how did those early aspirations shape your career path? What did you dream of?
EEB: As a child, I dreamed of being a superhero. I think that stemmed from my experience fleeing to Sweden at the age of four, where I witnessed my parents rebuilding their lives in a country that valued democracy and children’s rights. The journey, and the reasons behind our need to leave everything we had and everyone we loved, have always been a guiding force for me. One of my imagined superpowers was the ability to make children happy. In a way, I feel like I’ve carried that dream into my work today by influencing decision-makers to support children’s rights and helping create a better world for future generations.

What experiences in your career have been the most impactful in preparing you for your new role as Secretary General of Global Child Forum?
EEB: Several experiences in my career have really shaped my readiness for this new role as Secretary General of Global Child Forum. When I was at Save the Children Sweden, leading as Chief Development Officer and Director of Funding, Partnerships, and New Business Models, I worked on some pretty innovative initiatives. These projects didn’t just bring in new funding—they also taught me a lot about how to drive meaningful change in an organisation, which is something I’m excited to bring to this role.

Before that, serving as Sweden’s Trade Commissioner to Turkey gave me invaluable experience in navigating complex international environments and advocating for sustainable business practices. This has really prepared me for the global aspect of our work at Global Child Forum.

I’ve also had the chance to engage with diverse stakeholders in my roles at Stockholm University and TeliaSonera, where I focused on external relations and sustainability. These roles reinforced the importance of collaboration and aligning business goals with broader societal issues—something that’s crucial for what we aim to achieve at Global Child Forum.

Overall, these experiences have not only shaped my leadership style but also deepened my commitment to children’s rights, which will be central to driving our mission forward.

What attracted you to Global Child Forum, and what do you hope to achieve during your tenure here?
EEB: What attracted me to Global Child Forum is its unique mission of advancing children’s rights through the powerful lens of business and sustainability. The organisation stands at the intersection of areas I’m deeply passionate about advocating for children and driving systemic change through strategic partnerships. Global Child Forum’s ability to bring together diverse stakeholders, from business leaders to policymakers, to focus on children’s rights as a key component of sustainable development is truly inspiring.

During my tenure, I hope to build on this strong foundation and amplify Global Child Forum’s impact. My goal is to further integrate children’s rights into the core strategies of businesses, ensuring that they are not just an afterthought, but a priority in corporate sustainability agendas. I’m also eager to expand the reach of our benchmark initiatives, providing clear and actionable insights that help companies improve their performance in supporting children’s rights. And, of course, it’s my job to secure sustainable funding and resources. This might include exploring new partnerships, fundraising campaigns, or impact investment opportunities to support our operations and initiatives.

Ultimately, I aim to foster stronger collaborations that drive meaningful change, ensuring that children’s rights are respected and advanced in all sectors.

By working closely with our partners, I’m committed to making Global Child Forum an even more influential voice in the conversation around children’s rights and sustainable business practices.

What do you see as the major issues facing children’s rights on the global business agenda in the next few years?
EEB: In the coming years, one of the major issues facing children’s rights on the global business agenda will be the challenge of integrating these rights into corporate sustainability frameworks. While many companies have made strides in addressing environmental and governance issues, children’s rights are often still treated as a secondary concern. This oversight is particularly critical in sectors with complex supply chains, where child labour and exploitation remain prevalent. Businesses will need to take a more proactive approach, embedding children’s rights into their core strategies, conducting regular impact assessments, and ensuring that their operations, from procurement to product development, do not harm children.

Another significant issue will be the digital divide and the ethical use of technology. As the world becomes increasingly digital, children’s access to technology and protection from online harms will be key concerns. Businesses, especially in the tech and telecom sectors, must address how their products and services impact children, both positively and negatively. This includes ensuring safe online environments, protecting children’s data, and expanding access to digital tools and education in underserved communities. Companies will need to balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring that technological advancements contribute to the well-being of all children, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

How do you envision Global Child Forum helping businesses address these issues and drive meaningful change for children worldwide?
EEB: I envision Global Child Forum playing a pivotal role in helping businesses address the challenges facing children’s rights by providing them with the tools, insights, and partnerships needed to drive meaningful change. First, through our global benchmark on children’s rights and business, we offer companies a clear assessment of their current impact on children, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. This benchmark not only identifies industry leaders and laggards but also provides actionable insights that businesses can use to enhance their practices. By making these results publicly available, we encourage accountability and inspire companies to strive for higher standards in their operations. Additionally, Global Child Forum is a “Forum” – we are conveners, bringing together diverse stakeholders to foster collaboration on children’s rights issues. We facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices through our forums, webinars, tools and reports, helping businesses understand the complexities of children’s rights and how they can address them effectively. We work closely with business leaders, raising awareness and helping them realise the significant impact their operations can have on children. By offering tailored guidance, we empower companies to integrate children’s rights into their sustainability strategies, ensuring that they not only comply with global standards but also contribute positively to the well-being of children worldwide.

Lastly, what motivates you personally to keep advocating for children’s rights, and what do you find most rewarding about this work?
EEB: What motivates me personally to keep advocating for children’s rights is the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, free from harm and with access to the resources they need to thrive. Seeing the tangible impact of this work—whether it’s through improved policies, safer environments, or greater access to education—reinforces my commitment.

Children are often the most vulnerable members of society, and ensuring their rights are protected is not just a professional obligation but a deeply personal one. Knowing that the work we do can change the trajectory of a child’s life, giving them hope and opportunities they might not have had otherwise, is incredibly motivating.

What I find most rewarding about this work is the ability to drive real, systemic change. It’s inspiring to see businesses, governments, and communities come together to prioritise children’s rights and create lasting improvements. Witnessing the ripple effects of our efforts—how a single policy change or a new initiative can positively influence countless children’s lives—brings a profound sense of purpose and fulfilment. The chance to be part of a movement that not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the foundation for a more equitable and just future for children worldwide is what makes this work so rewarding.