and presented a united front as they spoke at the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia.
The couple appeared at the event virtually, almost three months after making a four-day trip to the South American country. Harry, 40, kicked off the video, noting that the inaugural conference is coming at a “crucial” time in our world.
“We are at a crossroads where the urgency to reassess and redefine our approach to protecting children has become increasingly evident,” the Duke of Sussex said. “While the necessity has always been apparent, it is now time to translate that awareness into meaningful action. So, we thank you all for your attention to this critical issue.”
Meghan, 43, looked lovingly at her husband before she started speaking. (The couple wore matching navy blue blazers for the video with red cloth poppies — which is a symbol of support for fallen soldiers — on their lapels ahead of Remembrance Day in the U.K.)
“My husband and I recognize today’s reality is marked by greater connectivity and advanced technology — which, of course, has many positives,” she said. “Which also compels us to better understand how digital violence against children is manifesting itself in this age.”
Through their Archewell Foundation, the couple has worked with parents and children worldwide to learn about “every aspect of a child’s life,” she continued.
“While the online world can help develop strategies to protect children from violence, it also produces new risks,” Harry added. “We know that supporting parents is essential to reducing digital violence against children.”
The duo also spoke about The Parents Network initiative that was launched by their Archewell Foundation earlier this year to support families dealing with “online harm.” Members of The Parents Network are set to speak at the Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children throughout the week.
“We hope their voices and message will affirm this room’s commitment to taking a clear-eyed approach to the reality of violence targeting children in this digital age,” Meghan added. “We must also commit to establishing standards that prioritize children’s safety.”
Harry and Meghan accepted an invite from Vice President Francia Márquez for a trip to Colombia this past August. They engaged in several events over four days in the country to help promote The Parents Network. Márquez explained that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s trip came at a “particularly significant time” because of the conference that is currently being held.
“We should model how we want our kids to be raised and for the world in which we raise them,” Meghan said during a panel while attending the Summit on a Responsible Digital Future on August 15. “It doesn’t matter where you live. It doesn’t matter who you are. Either you personally or someone you know is a victim to what’s happening online. And that’s something we can actively work on every day to remedy.”
