HM The Queen's speech at Global Child Forum, morning session

Exactly twenty-five years ago, world leaders from almost all nations of the world adopted, signed and ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

This unique Convention aims to give every child a better life. For example equality and the right to take an active part in key decisions. Freedom from violence and fear, freedom from slavery, forced labour, trafficking, sexual abuse, prostitution, child soldier service etc.

More children are better off today than ever before. However, at the same time more children are victims of violence, conflicts, forced migration, trafficking and climate change than before.

I am a mother of three and a grandmother of two small children. His Majesty and I, like most parents, love and deeply care about our children. But we also care about other children, the children of the world who are suffering.

We want to find new ways to help these children and their parents. In 2010, at the 20 years anniversary of the UN Rights of the Child Convention, His Majesty, and myself, launched the Global Child Forum, as an international platform helping to raise awareness of the rights of children. The Global Child Forum wants to inspire and engage more countries, more parts of the civil society and also especially more parts of the private sector to take action in the support of our future – our children.

We have held four successful international Forums at the Royal Palace in Stockholm since we started. This important meeting today in Dubai, is our first Forum abroad.

Together with Princess Haya, I have great expectations of the day.

I am looking very much forward to today’s program with excellent speakers and interesting panel discussions.

I hope we can have an open, honest and very productive day together. Please take the opportunity to discuss and to network, whenever you meet. – I look forward to participating in every part of the program and wish you all good luck.