King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden took part in the Global Child Forum’s Action Lab. Her Majesty the Queen officially opened the Digital Action Lab “Listening to the Change-Maker Generation” from her office at the Royal Palace of Stockholm.
On Tuesday, both King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia called in to participate in the Digital Action Lab organised by the Global Child Forum. The King and Queen followed the discussion from their office at the Royal Palace. During the “Listening to the Change-Maker Generation” Action Lab, the following question was discussed: “How are the emerging generation of change-makers influencing societal relations to consumption and companies?” Queen Silvia had the honour to open the Digital Action Lab by giving a speech about today’s young activists.
In her opening remarks, Queen Silvia said: “This young generation has shown us that they are ready to make change happen – to raise their voices, engage in meaningful dialogue, and contribute with their energy and innovation. But they can’t do it alone. We need to be their partners, making change happen. (…) I’d like to suggest that we go beyond listening to actually doing. What this will mean for you or your business will differ. But I can guarantee that your business, your community, our world, will become better for it.”
Other speakers at the Global Child Forum’s Action Lab included Ms Lana Weidgenant, Vice-Chair of the UN Food Systems Summit 2021; Ms Julia Olson, Executive Director at Our Children’s Trust; Elea Prof. Vanina Farber, Professor and chair for social innovation IMD Business School and World Economic Forum and so on. During the 1,5-hour Action Lab, the discussion turned to the shifting dynamics of voice, representation and power between youth and adult generations and the possible effects this may have on business.
This was already the second Digital Action Lab the King and Queen followed this year. This Fall a total of four Digital Action Labs will be organised by the Global Child Forum. The main goal of these activities is to discuss children’s rights in business. The Global Child Forum was founded by the Swedish Royal Family in 2009. The Forum is an independent platform that brings together world-leading stakeholders to increase their knowledge about children’s rights. The aim is to identify opportunities for companies to influence children’s rights for the better.
The following two Digital Action Labs will be organised in November. The themes of the discussions will be the impact of climate change on children’s health and the online safety of children. The last two Action Labs can count on royal support, as well, as Crown Princess Victoria and Queen Silvia will take part.
