Dutch children are the happiest in the developed world because they are treated with respect, prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende told an international conference on global leadership in New York on Tuesday night.

The premier was referring to a recent Unicef report in which Dutch teenagers emerged as the most satisfied with life.
‘We give them space to be children. We involve them in important decisions. We show them respect,’ Balkenende said. ‘Respect is one of the key values in society. And families play an important role in passing values on.’
For the full speech, click here