RIGHT TO PLAY AND PARTNERS ACHIEVE A NEW UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PLAY

Play is a crucial aspect of a child's development, yet it is often overlooked. Now, it has gained significant recognition on the global stage thanks to the efforts of Right To Play, a global organisation that transforms the lives of millions of vulnerable children every year using the power of play. Following a global effort led by a coalition including Right to Play and other organisations, the United Nations General Assembly has adopted a new International Day of Play – putting the spotlight on the importance of play in children’s lives, learning and development, and calling attention to the need to protect and support children’s right to play. The landmark decision was backed by over 140 counties and International Day of Play will take place on 11 June every year, beginning in 2024. 

For close to 25 years, Right To Play has been using play to protect, educate, and empower children worldwide. The charity reaches millions of children each year in some of the most difficult places on earth, helping them to stay in school and graduate, resist exploitation, overcome prejudice, prevent disease, and heal from the trauma of war and displacement. As the global experts on play, Right To Play harnesses play - one of the most fundamental forces in a child's life, to teach children the critical skills they need to dismantle barriers and embrace opportunities, in learning and in life. 

As the global experts on play, Right To Play is an organisation that protects, educates and empowers millions of children every year to rise above adversity through the power of play. Founded in 2000, the charity uses play-based learning and psychosocial support to help vulnerable children affected by war, disease, climate change, violence, poverty, inequality, prejudice and exploitation. Programming in 14 countries, Right To Play is the leading global development organisation focused on using the power of play to transform children’s lives. 

Gillian McMahon, Executive Director of Right To Play UK, said: “The adoption of an International Day of Play is a momentous milestone that will put the spotlight on the transformational benefits of play at a global level and help ensure that children around the world can claim this basic right. In the countries where Right To Play works, the power of play is having a life-changing impact on vulnerable children, equipping them with the critical life skills to overcome challenges and helping them to cope with trauma and get back to learning. Ultimately, play is empowering children to create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. Through international recognition of the vital importance of play and this new global platform, we can work to ensure that no child is denied the fundamental right to play.” 

The need to support children’s right to play is more urgent now than ever, including for children who are experiencing crisis. New research shows that play is one of the most effective ways to support children’s psychosocial wellbeing, social and emotional development, and learning, as it allows them to express themselves and connect with others in ways that go well beyond what they can say with words. 

This is why the International Day of Play network of organisations are committed to driving a global play movement for children everywhere for generations to come: The campaign was initiated by the LEGO Group and the LEGO Foundation in partnership with Right To Play, ADEA, Arup, BRAC, Change X, Concerned for Working Children, Eurochild, Hasbro, INGKA, International Play Association, IRC, KidZania, Mattel, NIKE, inc., PEDAL, Plan International, Save the Children and Sesame Workshop.   

Partners worldwide will unite on 11 June each year to celebrate the powerful impact of play. Through various initiatives and activities, this collaborative effort will raise awareness about the critical role of play and promote environments that encourage its exploration and enjoyment for children, parents, educators, and policymakers. 

The establishment of the International Day of Play signifies a significant victory for children's rights advocates, demonstrating the universal recognition of play as a fundamental aspect of childhood. As the world prepares to commemorate this inaugural celebration, the focus remains on ensuring that every child has the opportunity to play, learn, and thrive.