David Beckham attends the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland to receive an award for his charity work, specifically for UNICEF.
It was an opportunity for the former footballer to give a moving speech about his fight for the rights of little girls, inspired by his 13-year-old daughter Harper.
He has been fighting this battle for 20 years. In 2005, David Beckham was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. This role within the UN Children's Fund earned him an award at the World Economic Forum in Davos yesterday. Hilde Schwab, co-founder of the summit, presented the award to the former footballer, praising his "commitment to using his fame for social change, leaving a lasting impact".
It was an honour for David Beckham, who said he was proud to "be the voice of children".
"I think everyone is concerned about the future of children and that's exactly why I'm here," he said, urging forum participants to commit to children's rights, a cause close to his heart:
"This is one of the most important things in my life," he said.
"When children are given time, opportunities and encouragement, they can reach their full potential. When I was growing up, I benefited from that support - from my family, from coaches, from teachers," David Beckham explained.
"There are more children in need and at risk today than at any time in recent history... and it is always the most vulnerable children who face the greatest challenges, especially girls. Girls are hindered by poverty. Girls are hindered by violence. Girls are hindered by discrimination," he added.
Discrimination he wants to fight for his daughter Harper, 13, younger sister Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 19.
"I want my daughter Harper to have the same opportunities as her brothers and that should apply to all girls around the world," Beckham clarified.
UNICEF is not the only organization David Beckham works with. In 2024, the former footballer was appointed as an ambassador for the Royal Foundation, an organisation set up by King Charles III in the 1980s - when he was still a prince. When he found out he would be taking on this role alongside the King, David Beckham immediately called his mother Sandra West.
"I always get excited when I talk about all the things I'm doing with our royal family," Victoria Beckham's husband told Davos.
"I grew up in a family that adored and loved everything to do with the royal family." And he is loyal not only to the King, but to Prince William as well. "Every time the Prince of Wales sends me a message and says, 'I need you to do this' or 'be here', it's always a yes," he said. | BGNES