HRH Prince Carl Philip's speech at World Dyslexia Assembly Sweden

The Royal Palace, Stockholm

(The spoken version shall take precedence)

Your Majesty,
Your Royal Highnesses,
Minister,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Welcome to Stockholm and the Royal Palace. I am delighted to welcome you to the first World Dyslexia Assembly.

As many of you know, I myself have dyslexia. I know some of the challenges that children and young people with dyslexia have to face.

But this is the thing:

While I have had some struggles, I have been fortunate enough to receive proper help. To be met with knowledge and understanding. To be included.

Unfortunately, not all children with dyslexia are that lucky.

That is why Princess Sofia and I launched our foundation, with the vision that all children and youth should have the opportunity to be themselves. We wish to do our part to contribute to an inclusive society; a society that supports the uniqueness of every individual.

Not too long ago, people with dyslexia were often considered stupid. Or lazy. Or both. Today, we know better. We know that dyslexia is so much more than having difficulties with reading or writing. That dyslexia can also be associated with qualities such as creativity, the ability to see patterns and strong problem-solving skills.

Skills that are highly valuable in many areas.

And yet: Still today, children and young people with dyslexia face ignorance and prejudice. Too many of them depend on their parents being able to advocate their needs, and to navigate complex support systems.

A few years ago, Princess Sofia and I visited London to attend Made By Dyslexia’s Global Summit. At the summit, we discovered our and Made By Dyslexia’s shared ambition to ensure that children with dyslexia don’t have to depend on “luck”, but rather are met with knowledge and understanding.

Our shared ambition is why we are here today, together.

Again, I am pleased to welcome you to The First World Dyslexia Assembly. This is the first stop on a world tour of partners with a joint mission: to empower dyslexic thinking in every school and every workplace.

Today is a starting point for new conversations, new collaborations, and new solutions to support every child and youth in being themselves.

I am especially honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness, Princess Beatrice, to Sweden. Dear Princess Beatrice: your dedication to our joint cause is admirable, and your presence here today truly shows that there are no national borders to great initiatives for a better tomorrow.

I am also very honoured to welcome the Swedish Minister for Schools, Lina Axelsson Kihlblom among many other interesting guests here today.

Ladies and gentlemen: You are the change-makers. It is you that will drive and create a future that supports the uniqueness of every individual.

Together with Princess Sofia, I want to thank all of you for being here today. And we are looking forward to interesting discussions.

Once again, a warm welcome!

With that, I invite Kim Waller, Secretary General at the Prince Couple’s Foundation, to the stage.

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