David Beckham spoke at a World Economic Forum event on Monday where he drew attention to the lack of support and education that many girls receive around the world
David Beckham has shared his hope that his daughter will have the same opportunities in life as his sons during an impassioned speech at the World Economic Forum.
The 49-year-old sport star, worth a reported £330 million, is father to 13-year-old daughter Harper Seven as well as sons Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 19. And while his own children will never want for anything, he acknowledged that he owes his own success to the support of teachers, sport coaches and his family to help him get where he is today.
The former footballer was a guest speaker at the World Economic Forum for their annual meeting on Monday. Taking to the stage, David reflected on his 20-year anniversary as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and shared his dream of children getting more support.
He argued that the world has never been a more difficult place for children in need, and said that girls are held back by a string of conditions out of their control. The sport star urged world leaders to do more to support those in need.
He said: “I’ve always believed in the potential of children, and that when children are given time, opportunity and encouragement they will reach their full potential. Growing up, I benefited from that support from family, from coaches and from teachers.”
Shining a spotlight on girls, he said: “Girls are held back by poverty, girls are held back by violence, girls are held back by discrimination.” And he later said: “(Girls) need opportunities. They need collective action and they need investment.”
On a personal note, David said: “I want my daughter Harper to have the same opportunities as her brothers and that should be the case for all girls everywhere.” His comments come just over a year after reports suggested that David and his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, are “lining up” Harper to be the face of a make-up brand.
And at the end of last year, fans of the couple were stunned to see Harper talking through her £195 make-up routine in an online tutorial. Brooklyn – who married billionaire heiress Nicola Peltz in 2022 – has struggled to find a successful career after growing up in the shadow of his famous parents.
Meanwhile Romeo is following in dad David’s footsteps by training as a football player, while Cruz is believed to be planning a music career – following after mum Victoria. While David’s words may help world leaders consider the predicament of vulnerable children around the world, the star himself drew scorn in 2017 when leaked emails claimed to show that he demanded charities stump up over thousands of pounds for his business class flights to attend events and he also demanded luxury hotel bookings for his charitable work.
UNICEF boldly defended David in the wake of the scandal – insisting that he contributed “significant” amounts of his own money to help the organisation. A spokesperson said at the time: “UNICEF has become aware of media reports relating to 7: the David Beckham Fund for UNICEF. Some reports relate to alleged private correspondence between our ambassador and other parties, which we have not seen and cannot comment upon. David Beckham has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2005, and as well as generously giving his time, energy and support to help raise awareness and funds for UNICEF’s work for children, David has given significant funds personally.”
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