Meghan Markle in Geneva: The Lost Screen Memorial and Her Call to End Online Child Harm
Meghan Markle's Switzerland visit made headlines this week as the Duchess travelled solo to Geneva, on Sunday 17 May for one of her most significant public appearances to date, the inauguration of the Lost Screen Memorial at Place des Nations, on the eve of the 79th World Health Assembly.
The Duchess of Sussex joined WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, global health leaders, government ministers, and families affected by online harm for the unveiling of the installation, which features 50 illuminated lightboxes each displaying the lock screen image of a child who lost their life as a result of online violence or digital harm.
What is the Lost Screen Memorial?
The memorial is a light installation consisting of 50 panels in the shape of smartphones. Each panel shows the lock screen of a child or young person who died as a result of online violence, along with the time of death. A digital companion online allows visitors to read and hear each child's story in the words of their parents.
The installation was first unveiled in New York City in April 2025 as part of the No Child Lost to Social Media campaign, and will be displayed in Geneva through May 22. It was created by Meghan and Harry's foundation Archewell Philanthropies in partnership with The Parents' Network, a community of bereaved families pushing for safer digital spaces for children.
Meghan Markle's Speech
Dressed in a black pantsuit with her hair in a sleek bun, Meghan opened her speech by stating that safe online spaces are "not simply a technology issue" but a public health issue
"Behind me stands The Lost Screen Memorial," she continued. "Each name belonged to a child who was loved beyond measure. A child whose laughter once filled a kitchen. Whose shoes once waited by a front door. Whose future once felt limitless."
In one of the speech's most striking moments, she drew a comparison to other public safety crises: "We did not tell parents to create their own seatbelts. We did not ask children to test unsafe medicine. We did not shrug at poisoned water or defective toys and call it the price of progress. We acted. And now the world must act again."
She concluded: "Let our children look back at this moment, and let them feel proud of us, that we chose something better, for them and for us all."
Watch the Full Speech
Watch Meghan's full speech at the Lost Screen Memorial inauguration in Geneva below.
On the Ground in Geneva
During her time in Geneva, The Duchess of Sussex also held a meeting with Brazil's Health Minister, Alexandre Padilha, discussing the steps the Brazilian government is taking to combat violence against children online.
Among those present at the ceremony were Geneva Mayor Alfonso Gomez Cruz, several national health ministers, child safety advocates, and families who have lost children. Amy Neville, whose son Alexander is one of the young people commemorated in the exhibition, also delivered remarks.
The memorial remains on public display at Place des Nations until 22 May and is lit around the clock during the World Health Assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lost Screen Memorial?
The Lost Screen Memorial is an installation of 50 illuminated lightboxes shaped like smartphones, each displaying the lock screen image of a child who died as a result of online violence or digital harm. It was created by Archewell Philanthropies in partnership with The Parents' Network and is part of the No Child Lost to Social Media campaign. It was first unveiled in New York City in April 2025 before travelling to Geneva for the 79th World Health Assembly.
Why did Meghan Markle go to Geneva?
Meghan Markle travelled to Geneva to attend the inauguration of the Lost Screen Memorial at Place des Nations, co-hosted by the World Health Organization and Archewell Philanthropies. She delivered a speech calling for stronger global protections for children online and met with global health leaders and bereaved families.
What did Meghan Markle say at the Lost Screen Memorial?
Meghan described online child safety as a public health issue, not simply a technology issue. She paid tribute to the 50 children featured in the memorial and called on world leaders to act, saying: "We did not tell parents to create their own seatbelts. We did not ask children to test unsafe medicine. We acted. And now the world must act again."
What is Archewell Philanthropies?
Archewell Philanthropies is the charitable foundation of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It focuses on issues including online child safety, mental health, and empowering communities. The Lost Screen Memorial is one of its flagship projects.
For the official coverage and full event details, A Global Wake-up Call: The Lost Screen Memorial Arrives at Wha79.