Violence against children is a global health crisis that has severe and long-lasting effects on children's development and well-being. It also has the potential to unleash cycles of violence that put survivors and children at further risk.

We must ensure that measures are the result of cross-sectoral collaboration between child protection and violence against women stakeholders. A world free of violence against children will only be attainable if violence against women is eradicated, and vice-versa.

Due to low investment and politicization, advocates often address violence against women and children separately. Funding is insufficient and fragmented, leading to competition instead of collaboration. We must shift from a scarcity mindset to generosity to scale successful programs and achieve transformative change.

Funding prevention is cost effective, with high value returns. We can reduce the individual and societal costs of violence, with proven, low cost interventions such as parenting and caregiver programs or skills initiatives that help girls access information and learning opportunities.

Girls are powerful advocates against violence. They are already making a significant impact, even with limited financing. In conflict zones like Gaza and Ukraine, girls set up safe spaces, ensure access to menstrual supplies, link peers to hotlines and care facilities, and work to get girls back in school, often challenging societal taboos.

To support these girls, we need to provide flexible and earmarked funding to them directly and to local organizations that assist them. Governments must prioritize this agenda to achieve transformative change.

A sign of hope is that Sweden, which has a strong gender equality history, robust policy agenda, and thriving feminist movement, will co-host the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children alongside Colombia, which has recently introduced exciting reforms on sexual and reproductive health and rights.

The Global Ministerial, hosted by the Governments of Colombia and Sweden in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the United Nations Special Representative to the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children (SRSG VAC), will provide an unprecedented opportunity to secure robust government commitments, develop new initiatives and build innovative partnerships to tackle violence against children.

Children who witness violence are at higher risk of perpetuating or experiencing violence as adults. Trauma perpetuates this cycle across generations.

As part of the conference outcomes, we need prevention measures to stop new cases of violence against children, but also support and healing services for survivors to begin breaking those cycles of violence. Importantly, we must ensure that the voices and perspectives of children and survivors are included in government efforts to protect them.

The inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children is a crucial opportunity to adopt sustainable, cross-sectoral solutions to protect children from all forms of violence.

With children, survivors, and governments at the table, we have a once-in-a-decade opportunity to pave the way forward in keeping children safe.