Kenneth Bengtsson is Chairman of the Board of World Childhood Foundation since 2012. But his commitment started long before that, and he has played a key part in transforming Childhood from a small organization into a global force for child protection.
Kenneth’s first contact with Childhood began in 2005 when he joined the board representing ICA, the Swedish retail giant he led for many years as CEO.
– I must admit I didn´t know much about Childhood back then. But what I heard resonated immediately, says Kenneth.
What followed was a personal commitment that now, 20 years later, is as strong as ever.
– For over a decade, ICA ran annual Christmas campaigns to support Childhood and build awareness across Sweden. We also worked methodically to make Childhood visible within the company. After a few years, everyone knew about Childhood and that we were part of the fight against child sexual abuse.
A perfect match
When Kenneth left the company in 2012, he was deliberate about what came next. Board work only, and with genuine breadth.
– I wanted variety, and I wanted to make a difference. Childhood was a perfect match. A small organization working with a vulnerable group that in many cases remained invisible. I thought: how can I contribute? How can I have an impact? As part of the Board of Childhood, you get full insight into projects around the world. You can follow their work and even get to visit them. That appealed to me.
When asked about his most memorable experiences, Kenneth does not hesitate.
– My first meeting with Lucinda Evans was incredibly powerful. What she, who lives in one of the most violent affected townships in Cape Town, has done for children and the community is remarkable.
Lucinda Evans truly is what we at Childhood refers to as a passionate pioneer and an example of how we scout and invest in local initiatives. When we first met her, she supported children in her kitchen. With early funding and long-term support from us she has now created a safe and well-established place: Philisa Abafazi Bethu Women and Family Center.
If Lucinda made an impression on Kenneth, he made just as much of an impression on her. At the heart of the center is a flourishing area called Kenneths Garden.
Another meeting that has stayed with Kenneth was the one with Ukrainian partners in Warsaw in 2023.
– Their devastating stories went straight to my heart. But, above all hope is what I take with me from that and any other partner meeting over the year. It is possible to protect children. It is possible to create a lasting change.
Beyond the board
Kenneth has broad experience of board work across commercial, state-owned, and civil society organizations. Is the work with Childhood’s different?
– For one thing, the board don’t meet as often. With three meetings a year for the full board, and several more operational meetings in between, the work of Childhood is more about strategy, budget and long-term directions than day-to-day operations.
As Chairman his involvement goes far beyond the formal board meetings. He actively engages in and initiate various events, visits projects, and is involved in Childhood’s ongoing activites.
Having the Queen of Sweden on the board of course also makes it different.
– I´m so impressed by Her Majesty’s dedication at what she has done for children all over the world. She is still the most engaged person in the room, knows the most, and follows everything in detail. To see how this passion and dedication is shared and taken on by Princess Madeleine makes me happy.
Impact that matters
Coming from a corporate partnership, Kenneth is clear on why others should support Childhood.
– Sustainability work must be connected to the company’s values, employees and the social contribution they want to make. It must be real. By supporting Childhood, you can create a genuine sense of pride across your entire organization — the feeling that everyone is contributing to something that truly matters. That is powerful.
Childhood is a different organization today than it was back in 2002. But the core is the same.
– We will continue pioneering the field of child protection. I truly believe in Childhood and that what we do have impact. I would not have stayed otherwise.
Text: Petra Alexander
