King Philippe’s Christmas message: “Young people are asking us to give them reasons to hope”

King Philippe of Belgium underlined the importance of showing solidarity in the face of difficulties at home and abroad in his annual Christmas eve broadcast to the nation.

“The challenges of our time, such as geopolitical upheaval, climate change, a fragile economy, and the technological revolution, may seem overwhelming,” but older generations can unite and act to reassure young people, he said. “Let's help young people look to the future with confidence.”

The King reiterated: ‘It is up to us to write our future together, by focusing on what unites us and what makes our country strong".

Speaking from Laeken palace, he explained how school children in Leuven had recently sent him a letter, accompanied by a poignant video, in which they expressed their incomprehension at images of children who were victims of war.   

The King invited them to the royal place. "The approach of these students is both overwhelming and full of hope. They put themselves in the shoes of other children, who live far from them, in a world where dreams are shattered before they can even blossom,” he said. 

“Their questions touch me deeply. I understand their disarray, their feeling of helplessness,” he said, describing his response: "Their appeal places us before our responsibilities. Their empathy must awaken our sometimes dormant consciences."

While recognising the challenges in resolving international conflicts, the King appealed: "A world without wars and without suffering is of course illusory. But that must not prevent us from continuing to work towards it."

The sovereign called on world powers  to act: "For heads of state and political authorities, this implies a constant commitment to safeguarding a world order based on international law, in favour of peace and for the protection of all, starting with the most vulnerable, children."

King Philippe also had a message for local politicians involved in discussions to form federal and Brussels governments: "Ladies and gentlemen, the coming year should finally see all of our governments at work. We are counting on them so that our country, its institutions, businesses and citizens can look to the future with confidence."

He ended his address on a traditional positive note: “May this Christmas and New Year season be a source of inspiration, renewal and hope for each of us.”

Photo: ©Belga/Eric Lalmand