It is a pleasure for me to be here today and to see so many of you from all over the world. Culture for children is important. It gives children the tools to explore and understand the world of today, as well as the past and the future.

Personally I am very committed about children and their rights. The convention of the rights of the child encourages states parties to recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.

This conference is about how to explore and learn. Children learn by using their curiosity and creativity and museums and science centers therefore play an important role in stimulating children in their learning and as a complement to the school, the museum sector is an important part of children's education.

As a mother and grandmother I believe that one of the best things you could give a child is the curiosity to explore the world and the tools to keep this ability throughout their lives.

I hope you will all enjoy the conference and that you will take the chance to exchange ideas about culture for children, network and share your experiences with each other.

I am proud to welcome you to Sweden and Stockholm and hereby open this conference.

Thank you!