Mattel together with other founding members of the movement are proud to announce that the UN General Assembly has adopted International Day of Play.
In a significant stride towards championing children’s rights, the United Nations has officially declared June 11th as the International Day of Play, with the inaugural celebration set for 2024. This landmark decision comes as a response to the growing recognition of play as a fundamental right for every child.
Play is not merely frivolous; it is a crucial component of childhood development, fostering creativity, social skills, and emotional resilience. However, recent global research reveals that a staggering 73% of children feel that adults do not take play seriously or acknowledge its role in their learning journey.
Recognizing the urgent need to prioritize play, a coalition of global organizations, experts, and, most importantly, children themselves, rallied together to advocate for the International Day of Play. Spearheaded by prominent entities like the LEGO Group, Mattel, Inc., and UNICEF, this movement aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of play in children’s lives.
Nancy Molenda, Executive Director of the Mattel Children’s Foundation, emphasizes the transformative power of play, stating, “Play is a transformative force for positive change in children’s lives.” The adoption of this international awareness day signifies a collective commitment to ensuring that all children have access to quality play experiences.
Play is universal, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. It is through play that children explore, learn, and grow, acquiring essential life skills that shape their future. As Amine, a member of the Child and Youth Advisory Group from France, aptly puts it, “Play is not just for fun. It’s an essential part of our human nature.”
However, despite its profound benefits, play is often sidelined, with millions of children worldwide denied the opportunity to engage in play due to various socio-economic factors. UNICEF estimates that 160 million children are forced into labor instead of experiencing the joys of childhood play.
The International Day of Play serves as a rallying cry to prioritize children’s right to play and advocate for policies that support and protect this fundamental aspect of childhood. By elevating the importance of play on the global stage, this initiative aims to create a world where every child has the time, space, and support to play freely.
As we celebrate the inaugural International Day of Play on June 11th, let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering environments where children can play, learn, and thrive. Together, we can harness the transformative power of play to build a brighter future for generations to come.
Source: UN Signals Importance of Play by Adopting Official International Day of Play