For fifteen years, Handelsbanken and Childhood have partnered to advance children’s right to a safe childhood. Below, Cecilia Lundin, Chief Human Resources Officer, describes how the partnership supports Handelsbanken’s social sustainability priorities and reflects the bank’s responsibilities and values.
Why is Handelsbanken a partner to Childhood?
All children have the right to a safe childhood free from violence and sexual abuse. As part of our societal commitment, we support Childhood’s preventive work to help strengthen protection for children and contribute to long-term positive outcomes. Childhood is a credible and effective organization with a strong focus on prevention and innovation, which aligns with Handelsbanken’s long-term approach and sense of responsibility.
How is the partnership reflected within the bank?
The partnership is integrated through internal communication and employee engagement, and by enabling customers to contribute financially. We also support awareness-raising on children’s rights within the bank and externally. Handelsbanken’s decentralized model and strong local presence create opportunities to translate the partnership into local initiatives, often in collaboration with customers and branches in their local markets.
How do you describe Childhood to others?
Childhood addresses a critical social sustainability issue through long-term, prevention-focused work. The organization operates globally with strong local partnerships and implements concrete projects to prevent violence and sexual abuse against children. Childhood combines professional expertise with an innovative approach and consistently prioritizes children’s best interests.
Why should others invest in Childhood?
Because Childhood delivers measurable value through effective use of resources. The organization demonstrates a strong capacity to convert funding into tangible change, supported by transparency and clear follow-up on results.
You’re also a member of Childhood’s board. What is that like?
Serving on the board is both a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute competence from the business community, while deepening my understanding of the challenges related to children’s rights globally. The work is characterized by strong commitment and a clear focus on impact.
In 2025, Handelsbanken hosted the Childhood Award, and you were part of the jury. How do you view the award?
The Childhood Award helps recognize individuals and organizations working to improve children’s safety and strengthens broader awareness of the issue. For Handelsbanken, hosting the award is one way to support knowledge-sharing and encourage increased engagement from a wider set of stakeholders.
Anything you would like to add?
We view this as a long-term partnership that supports our social sustainability priorities. Protecting children is a shared responsibility, and collaboration is essential to achieving lasting impact.
Photo: Handelsbanken
Text: Petra Alexander
