The Princess of Wales has announced the launch of a new business taskforce that will support the early years. The Business Taskforce for Early Childhood is an initiative run by businesses
for businesses aimed at achieving long-term change in the field. The announcement was made ahead of Catherine's engagement on Tuesday. Kensington Palace emphasized the key role of the business community in shaping society and the economy, and the importance of developing a strong future workforce.
Eight businesses, including NatWest Group, Unilever, Aviva, Deloitte, IKEA UK and Ireland, Co-op, The LEGO Group, and Iceland, will attend an inaugural meeting at the NatWest headquarters in London. The focus of the meeting will be to discuss ways of building a supportive and nurturing world around children and those who care for them.
The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales welcomed the initiative, stating that "we all have a role to play in building a supportive and nurturing world around children and those who care for them, and it is fantastic to see business leaders placing the subject of early childhood at the heart of their organizations."
The Business Taskforce is Catherine's second major program this year for the Royal Foundation's Centre for Early Childhood. The Centre's mission is to transform the life chances of children by focusing on the development of their brains and emotional well-being in the first five years of life.
Dame Alison Rose, NatWest Group's CEO, commented, "This is a critical issue for the future growth and success of our businesses, our economy, and our society." The involvement of businesses in early childhood development can have a transformative impact on the health and happiness of future generations.
Catherine launched Shaping Us earlier this winter to highlight early childhood's societal and pivotal role in our lives, trying to get everyday people to focus on its importance. The Business Taskforce for Early Childhood is a step towards achieving a supportive and nurturing world for children and those who care for them. The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales hopes that the task force will lead to long-term change in the field and make a positive difference in the lives of children. Photo by Ricky Wilson, Wikimedia commons.