Princess Madeleine Says Mom Queen Silvia Called Out 'Issue Few Were Willing to Confront' at World Childhood Foundation (Exclusive)

Princess Madeleine tells PEOPLE that her mother’s “unwavering commitment to speak up” has been a powerful inspiration for her own work with the World Childhood Foundation

Princess Madeleine of Sweden describes her mother, Queen Silvia's dedication to protecting children and preventing abuse through the World Childhood Foundation USA as a profound source of motivation and a true inspiration.

On Nov. 14, the princess stepped out for the World Childhood Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Gala in New York City, marking a significant milestone for the nonprofit organization founded by her mother, Queen Silvia, in 1999. The foundation is dedicated to combating sexual abuse, exploitation, and violence against children worldwide, and has impacted the lives of over 90,000 children and their families in the United States alone.

Madeleine, 42, who serves as Deputy Honorary Chair of the World Childhood Foundation, shares her personal reflections on the organization’s anniversary exclusively with PEOPLE.

The gala also brought the royal back to N.Y.C., where she first met her husband, Christopher O'Neill. The couple, recently relocated from Florida to Sweden with their three children — Princess Leonore, 10, Prince Nicolas, 9, and Princess Adrienne, 6.

Related: Princess Madeleine and Queen Silvia of Sweden Visit N.Y.C. for World Childhood Foundation USA

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the World Childhood Foundation, founded by your mother. What does this milestone mean to you personally?

Princess Madeleine: It means a great deal and fills me with immense pride. I have witnessed firsthand how Childhood has grown and transformed into the pioneering organization it is today. Over $130 million has been allocated to more than 2,000 projects in 21 countries, all focused on protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. I am proud of the trust and resilience of our co-founders, partners, and supporters, with whom we have worked to address the gaps that put children at risk. While 25 years of commitment is a significant milestone for Childhood, it is evident that the journey to eradicate child sexual abuse and exploitation is far from over.

How has your mother’s dedication to protecting children inspired your own involvement, and what lessons from her work do you hope to carry forward?

Princess Madeleine: I could list numerous achievements by my mother and how they have inspired me. But more importantly, her work has inspired countless others around the world who are dedicated to keeping children safe.

My mother has brought attention to an issue that few were willing to confront. What stands out most to me is her unwavering commitment to speak up, regardless of the audience or setting. This has motivated me to use my own voice to amplify the voices and needs of children who are all too often overlooked.

What impact do you hope the 25th anniversary gala will have, both in raising awareness and supporting the foundation’s mission?

Princess Madeleine: The gala is vital for Childhood USA and our efforts to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. It allows us to continue investing in pioneering solutions, technology, and advocacy that can create systemic change in the lives of children at risk.

Co-hosting a high-level meeting at the U.N. headquarters on the morning of the gala illustrates how we operate across all levels, from grassroot initiatives to global advocacy. During the gala, we also honor extraordinary efforts and individuals whose commitment to keeping children safe is crucial. Our hope is that this will inspire others to act.

As a mother, how does the work of protecting vulnerable children resonate with you personally? Has motherhood changed the way you approach your role within the foundation?

Princess Madeleine: I would not say that motherhood has changed the way I approach my role within Childhood. For me it is important that my children understand the work Childhood does to keep children safe. And how the work of Childhood can change children’s lives for the better. No child should be a victim of sexual abuse or exploitation. All children have the right to grow up in a safe environment, and for me it is important that my children understand this.

You recently relocated with your family from Florida to Sweden. How does it feel to be traveling back to the U.S. to celebrate the gala for the foundation's landmark anniversary?

Princess Madeleine: The U.S. will always remain close to my heart. Returning to meet with colleagues and friends of Childhood USA is deeply meaningful to me. Having shared experiences and created memories during my time living in New York City and Miami, I always look forward to reconnecting with those who have been vital to supporting our mission. These gatherings highlight our shared commitment and drive to build a world where every child is safe and protected.

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Speaking to PEOPLE at the World Childhood Foundation's 25th Anniversary Gala, Dr. Mary Pulido, Executive Director of World Childhood Foundation USA, describes Princess Madeleine and Queen Silvia as a "dynamic duo" with an "aura" about them.

"They are passionate, inspirational. If you spend five minutes with them you just want to follow them and do whatever you can to protect children. They have a commitment. It's almost like an aura about them. You just know that working together with them, we can protect children," Pulido tells PEOPLE. "We can stop child sex abuse… We need everyone to get involved. It's everyone's problem."

A video message from Queen Silvia was featured during the gala, which raised a record-breaking $1.4 million in support of the foundation’s mission. In her message, the Queen honored the evening's distinguished recipients—Jim Cole, a retired Supervisory Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations, and Ericsson, the Swedish telecommunications company—for their outstanding efforts to make both the online and offline worlds safer for children.

"You are an inspiration, you show us what is possible. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, finding new ways to ensure every child, everywhere, so they can grow up free from harm," Queen Silvia, 80, said in the message.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.