Championing children’s fundamental rights through the International Day of Play
The global adoption of an International Day of Play is key to promoting the importance of play for all children, everywhere in the world. We believe that by investing in the future of every child and ensuring access to high-quality playful learning opportunities, we can in fact help create a better and more just tomorrow.
A fundamental right not observed
A global survey involving more than 25,000 children across 36 countries* found that nearly three in four children (73%) do not believe adults take play – and its role in learning – seriously. It also showed that only 30% of adults are aware that play is a fundamental birth right adopted by the United Nations. We know from decades of research that play is critical for children’s brain development, wellbeing, and learning – regardless of whether they grow up in a refugee camp or in a Danish suburb. Much too often, however, children aren’t allowed to or have the space to play. Instead, they are deprived of a fundamental building block of their development as we see concerning signs that many children aren’t thriving. Play is not just a frivolous act. It’s an essential need. This is what the annual International Day of Play addresses.
A coalition of the giving
Together with the LEGO Group, the LEGO Foundation initiated the groundwork needed to galvanise a global movement campaigning for an international day devoted to the power of play. We teamed up with like-minded organisations – including UNESCO, UNICEF, Save the Children, BRAC, IRC, Change X, Right To Play, INGKA, NIKE and Sesame Workshop – and saw real progress when UN member states mobilised other countries within their regions to support an international day. The March 2024 adoption of UN resolution 78/268 for a day centered around play created a truly unifying local, national and global annual moment to promote the role play has in children’s learning, development and wellbeing. Across governments, communities and families we join forces around our shared commitment to allow children the space, time and support needed for quality play.