Filip, King of Belgians, has addressed his people on the occasion of Christmas. King Filip spoke of how Flemish children struggle to comprehend the suffering inflicted on their peers in places like Gaza, but also said there is always reason for hope. Here follows an English translation of the speech the king made in Dutch, French and German.
King's Filip's Christmas Message
A few weeks ago, pupils from the first year of secondary school at the Sancta Maria school in Leuven sent me a letter, along with a poignant video.
Every day they are confronted with images of children who are victims of the violence of war. Their message voiced their lack of understanding about why this tragedy was being allowed to happen.
These pupils are asking fundamental questions. Some of them are also addressed directly to me, as king and a father.
The step taken by these young people with their letter is not only moving, but also gives hope. They sympathise with other children who live far away, in a world where dreams are shattered even before they have a chance to blossom.
Their questions touch me deeply. I understand their dismay, their sense of powerlessness.
What can, what should we adults answer?
Their appeal confronts us with our responsibility. Their empathy must awaken our sometimes dormant conscience. We cannot stand by in indifference in the face of so many violations of international law.
These young people ask us to give them reasons to keep on hoping.
There are always reasons for hope. To hope means not just waiting passively for a better future. To hope is to commit to building, to move together towards a more just and respectful world, where every child is welcomed as a treasure of promise.
A world without war or suffering is, of course, an illusion. But that should not stop us from continuing to work towards it.
For heads of state and political authorities, this means an ongoing commitment to ensuring a world order based on international law, a commitment to peace - and to the protection of all, first and foremost the most vulnerable among us, the children.
And each of us is also called on to contribute to a fairer world. A world where not the law of the strongest prevails, but respect for the right and dignity of each and every one of us.
Let us help young people look to the future with confidence. The challenges of our time - geopolitical upheavals, the climate, the fragile economy, the technological revolution - can overwhelm us. But it is up to us to write our future together, building on what unites us and what makes our country strong.
Many players in civil society are leading by example in this. Tirelessly, they are committed to community dialogue, social cohesion, health, education and justice.
As the year draws to a close, the Queen and I would like warmly to thank them for this and encourage them to continue.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In the coming year, we should finally see all our new governments at work. We count on them to ensure that our country, its institutions, businesses and citizens, can look to the future with confidence.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Let this time of Christmas and New Year be a source of inspiration, renewal and hope for every one of us.
On behalf of the Queen and our entire family, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
