H.M. Drottningens tal vid seminariet A Future at Risk: Reinvigorating Global Action for the Rights of the Child

It is an honour to stand before you today.

When we talk about children, we must not only speak of the future – their lives and rights matter here and now. The adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989 marked a turning point: it gave the world a common foundation to build on and a shared language to defend children’s rights. I have often referred to it – in speeches, in conversations, here at the UN in New York, and around the world. And almost always, I have been met with recognition and agreement.

But it is in difficult times that ideas are truly tested. When they are questioned, we are reminded why it is so important to stand firm in what the world once agreed upon. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is more than 35 years old, yet its value is greater than ever.

And these are difficult times. Today, children face growing threats: wars and conflicts, violence, the climate crisis, and new digital risks – just to name a few. At the same time, resources are stretched, and dangerous ideologies are emerging that undermine democracy and human rights. I am sure you agree with me that the images coming from Gaza and Ukraine are almost impossible to take in.

Let us be honest: the efforts so far have not been enough to protect children, or to give them the safe and fair future they deserve. For children, the threats in our world are not separate problems – they are part of everyday life. That is why our answers must also be connected. We cannot tackle one issue and ignore the others.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is universal. It means all rights for all children. We must not pick and choose, because when we do, it is always the most marginalised who are left behind. That is why we must come together, more than ever, to find new ways of working, new partners, and new alliances – to bring resources, creativity and determination to the task.

What gives me hope today are the new voices and ideas that are emerging: youth-led groups, survivor movements, bold philanthropists, and academic advocates. You are showing us what real collaboration can look like. You are shaping new initiatives and leading the way forward.

I look forward to hearing from some of these voices here today.

Let us listen. Let us be inspired. And above all, let us turn ideas into action.

Thank you.