HRH Princess Madeleine's speech at the UN headquarters

Curious, resilient, and brave – these are just a few of the qualities we must protect in every child. It is our responsibility to nurture these traits as they grow and to address the challenges that threaten them.

When my mother founded the World Childhood Foundation 25 years ago, we knew far less about child abuse. But we chose to learn, speak out, and act. My mother dreamt of a world where organisations such as Childhood would no longer be needed – a world where children are truly safe. Sadly, that day has not yet come.

In this fast-moving digital age, risks to children evolve rapidly. Without listening to and learning from children’s experiences and their strategies, we cannot close the gaps that leave them exposed to harm.

We have made progress, thanks to advocacy, collective efforts, and the unwavering dedication of survivors and youth themselves. Children must be active co-creators of the solutions, and we must stand with them – because we are all in this together.

But progress alone is not enough if children remain at risk. With the momentum from Bogotá, we now have a shared vision and roadmap to guide us forward. Governments have committed to ending violence against children, and this must lead to real change.

I wish I could say Childhood’s mission is complete. Instead, I ask you to join us – and others – in turning commitment into real action.

Let us move beyond hope toward concrete steps so that every child can grow up free from violence. We can only succeed if we act – together.

Thank you.