Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have reunited professionally, appearing together in a video for the Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children. In the video, the couple addresses the importance of ending violence against children, particularly in the digital age.
Harry began the message by acknowledging the significance of the conference, saying, “The first-ever Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children comes at a crucial time and, quite frankly, should not be required, but here we are. We are at a crossroads where the urgency to reassess and redefine our approach to protecting children has become increasingly evident. While the necessity has always been apparent, it is now time to translate that awareness into meaningful action.”
harry and meghan’s message at the inauguration global ministerial conference on violence against children in colombia (filmed in CA)#ArchewellFoundation #TheParentsNetwork pic.twitter.com/LG4WsY98E5
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Meghan spoke about the role technology plays in children’s lives, both positively and negatively. “My husband and I recognise today’s reality is marked by greater connectivity and advanced technology, which of course has many positives but which also compels us to better understand how digital violence against children is manifesting itself in this age,” she explained. She also mentioned the work of their Archewell Foundation, which engages with families and experts to understand how children’s lives are affected by the online world.
She continued, “At the Archewell Foundation, we engage with young people, families and experts worldwide, learning how every aspect of a child’s life from their livelihood to their physical and mental well-being now operate within an online economy that has the power to both shape and misshape our connections.”
Harry then highlighted the risks children face online, including exploitation by individuals who take advantage of gaps in outdated legal systems. “While the online world can help develop strategies to protect children from violence, it also introduces new risks such as from individuals who exploit gaps in our dated legal systems, which often don’t account for today’s digital realities,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of supporting parents in tackling digital violence, saying, “We know that supporting parents is essential in reducing digital violence against children. That’s why earlier this year, we launched the Parents Network, a support network for families dealing with online harm.”
Meghan added, “Parents from the Parents Network are sharing their personal stories about their families’ experiences with you all this week. We hope their voices and message will reaffirm this room’s commitment to taking a clear-eyed approach to the reality of violence targeting children in this digital age.”
Concluding their message, Harry urged the audience to take action. “Young people are calling for help. Families are desperately seeking support. They are urging us to leverage the resources in this room to confront the new reality our youth is facing,” he said. “We look forward to the actions and outcomes of the discussions that will take place here in Colombia and are grateful for the leadership, expertise, and testimonies that will come together in this room to address all forms of violence targeting the most vulnerable in the world.”
The video marks the first time Meghan and Harry have made a joint public appearance since their visit to Colombia in August, where they were invited by the country’s vice president. In the video, Harry wore a grey suit, and Meghan looked elegant in a Ralph Lauren cashmere blazer, with Harry wrapping his arm around Meghan’s waist as the clip concluded.
