David Beckham warns girls are being 'held back' as he attends Davos summit 'to be the voice of children'

David Beckham has warned that girls are being "held back" during a speech in Davos – where he also told Sky News his children's rights advocacy was "one of the most important things" in his life.

"I want my daughter Harper to have the same opportunities as her brothers and that should be the case for all girls everywhere," the former England captain said in an awards ceremony speech after he was recognised as a cultural leader at the the World Economic Forum (WEF).

He was presented with a Crystal Award in Switzerland on Monday for what was described as his "extraordinary leadership and humanitarianism" in protecting "the rights of the most vulnerable children".

During a question and answer session, Sky News' Paul Kelso asked the former footballer what he sought to achieve at the WEF.

Beckham, a UNICEF goodwill ambassador since 2005, replied saying he was there "to be the voice of children".

He added: "I think everybody cares about the future of children and that's exactly why I am here."

The star also said his work with children had been "one of my biggest roles I've ever been given" and "it's one of the most important things that I have in my life".

Chancellor Rachel Reeves travelled to the same ceremony, held in the shadow of Donald Trump's inauguration, in an attempt to drum up investors for growth projects in the UK.

Hilde Schwab, who presented the award to Beckham, said his legacy "reflects his dedication to using his fame for social change, leaving a lasting impact".

On stage, the 49-year-old said: "Today, there are more children in need and at risk than any time in recent history, and it is always the most vulnerable children who face the biggest challenges - especially girls.

"Girls are held back by poverty, girls are held back by violence, girls are held back by discrimination.

"I'm lucky enough to be a father of three boys and one beautiful girl.

"I want my daughter Harper to have the same opportunities as her brothers, and that should be the case for all girls everywhere.

"Being a girl shouldn't determine what you can do, where you can go, and who you can become."

Beckham added that the female teenage population was the "largest generation of future leaders and innovators that the world has ever known".

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He added: "What an exciting prospect if we can unlock their potential and support their development.

"But girls need more than words. They need opportunities.

"They need collective action, and they need investment."

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