It’s a special day dedicated to the importance of play!
The U.N. has officially adopted the International Day of Play, with its first celebration on June 11. A network of global partners, including Mattel, The LEGO Group, the International Play Association, Sesame Workshop, and more, worked in tandem on the project.
This initiative reaffirms our belief that play is a transformative force for positive change in children's lives, and Mattel is committed to our philanthropic initiatives to empower generations to reach their full potential and ensure all children have opportunities to play and thrive.
International Day of Play aims to highlight the true impact of play on children. Play was recognized as a fundamental birthright by the U.N. in 1989, but UNICEF estimates that 160 million children worldwide are working instead of playing or learning. “Play is not just for fun,” says Amine Bidar, Child and Youth Advisory Group member, France. “It’s an essential part of our human nature. It’s through play that we learn, grow, and develop skills that will shape our future.”
A Call to Action has been developed by a Child & Youth Advisory Group as part of the overall International Day of Play initiative. The document includes data about what is stopping children from having access to play, favorite types of play, and more.
The coalition of partners that worked together for the recognition invites everyone to join in the inaugural celebrations on June 11. More information about the International Day of Play, as well as the Call to Action and Executive Summary, is available on the Child & Youth Friendly Governance Project website.
