As we begin 2025, we take a moment to reflect on a defining event from December 2024: the WeProtect Global Alliance Summit in Abu Dhabi, where over 800 participants came together to confront one of the world’s most urgent challenges—protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation in the digital age.
Under the theme Focus on the Future, the summit inspired bold conversations about shaping a digital world where children can explore, connect, and thrive without fear. Over two dynamic days, ministers, tech innovators, civil society organizations, policymakers, and change makers came together to share insights, explore cutting-edge AI tools, and advocate for survivor-centered approaches. The discussions underscored the essential role of cross-sector collaboration in driving scalable solutions and ensuring accountability.
During the summit, World Childhood Foundation hosted a breakout session titled Using AI in the Fight Against Child Sexual Abuse. Susanne Drakborg and Erika Olsson shared transformative insights and success stories from Childhood’s Stella Polaris initiative.
Our interactive session showcased how AI is being utilized to address complex challenges, including clustering users in darknet forums, analyzing support chats for children, and uncovering patterns to disrupt harm and strengthen prevention. The session offered participants practical strategies and a deeper understanding of integrating AI into their child protection efforts.
As Susanne aptly noted, “It’s not about solving everything at once—it’s about taking one step at a time, knowing that each step will bring us closer to harnessing the full impact of these innovations.”
The Stella Polaris initiative, supported by Svenska Postkodlotteriet, exemplifies how innovation and collaboration can drive meaningful change. At Childhood, we are committed to advancing global child protection. Achieving this goal requires forging strong, cross-sector partnerships that bridge industries as well as nations.
As a member of the WeProtect Global Alliance, we work alongside over 300 governments, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, and international bodies. Together, we develop policies, create collaborative solutions, and generate real-world impact—demonstrating the power of collective action to transform systems and protect children worldwide.
For further information please reach out to Charles Mingo Bennström, Press and PR for World Childhood Foundation
charles.bennstrom@childhood.org
+46 (0) 73-422 04 42
