The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, made a surprise virtual appearance on November 7 at the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia. Wearing poppy pins in observance of the U.K.'s Remembrance events, the couple delivered a powerful message on the urgency of protecting children in the digital age, emphasizing the need to transform awareness into action.
"While the necessity has always been apparent, it's now time to translate that awareness into meaningful action," Prince Harry stated, addressing the gathering. The Duke highlighted that the rise in digital connectivity, while offering many benefits, also poses new threats to children. "We are at a crossroads, and the urgency to reassess and redefine our approach to protecting children has become increasingly evident," he said.
Meghan Markle, speaking alongside her husband, echoed these sentiments. "My husband and I recognize that today's reality is marked by greater connectivity and advanced technology, which, of course, has many positives," she said. "However, it also compels us to better understand how digital violence against children is manifesting itself in this age." Their words underscored a deep concern for the well-being of young people navigating the complex digital world.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, at the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children #EveryChildProtected
“It’s time for us to commit to ending violence against children both offline and online”#HarryandMeghan pic.twitter.com/OkiaZZuCxP — ChrisBaronSmith (@ChrisBaronSmit1) November 7, 2024
The conference appearance builds on the couple's ongoing efforts through their Archewell Foundation, which launched The Parents Network earlier this year. The initiative supports families grappling with the impacts of online harm. "We know that supporting parents is essential in reducing digital violence against children," Prince Harry said, explaining the foundation's trauma-informed approach to fostering supportive communities. He emphasized the importance of equipping families with resources to protect children and promote safer online spaces.
In their speech, the Duke and Duchess addressed the broader implications of digital violence, stressing that outdated legal systems often struggle to keep pace with emerging threats. "While the online world can help develop strategies to protect children from violence, it also introduces new risks," Harry noted. "It is essential to update our approaches and standards to meet these evolving challenges."
The couple's commitment to the cause was evident during their visit to Colombia in August, where they engaged with Vice President Francia Márquez. During their trip, they led discussions on creating safer digital environments and held a panel titled "The Path Towards a Responsible Digital Future." Vice President Márquez praised their dedication, noting, "Their engagement on these issues, as seen through their work with the Archewell Foundation, brings invaluable attention to safeguarding children in this digital era."
Meghan spoke directly to the human cost of digital violence during the conference, sharing stories from parents who have suffered firsthand. "Parents from the Parents Network are sharing their personal stories about their families' experiences," she said. "We must commit to establishing standards that prioritize children's safety."
The couple's message also resonated with their own experiences as parents. In previous public appearances, they have been candid about their hopes and fears for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. "Our kids are young - they're 3 and 5. They're amazing. But all you want to do as parents is protect them," Meghan remarked during an interview earlier this year. The couple's deep commitment to ensuring a safer digital world for their children and others is evident in their work and advocacy.
Prince Harry emphasized the universal nature of this issue, pointing out that "Young people today possess an incredible understanding of technology that older generations may struggle to grasp." He urged collaboration across borders, stating, "We may have different backgrounds, viewpoints, beliefs, and even access to the internet itself, but the one thing that we can universally agree on is the safety of our children."
In closing, Prince Harry and Meghan expressed hope that the conference would lead to meaningful change. "Young people are calling for help. Families are desperately seeking support," Harry said. "They are urging us to leverage the resources in this room to confront the new reality our youth is facing."
