United Nations marks second International Day of Play in New York
WVR - On June 11, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the Second International Day of Play was solemnly celebrated with the participation of Ambassadors, Heads of Delegations and Charge d'Affaires of the Core Group member countries, representatives of countries and international organizations, and a large number of experts, scholars, businesses and children of all ages.
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| Discussion session to celebrate the 2nd International Day of Play. (Photo: WVR) |
Children's representatives from several countries shared interesting and touching stories about the positive impact of play on physical development, the formation of creative thinking and necessary social skills.
The Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the speakers affirmed that play is not only a recreational activity but also a basic right of children, a lever to promote health, education and social equality - important pillars of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Many opinions emphasized that, in the context of the world facing many challenges and fluctuations, play contributes to increasing understanding, trust, empathy and connection.
Delegates called on countries to increase investment in policies and programmes that promote the right to play, ensuring that no child is left behind, especially girls, children with disabilities and children living in conflict zones.
Accordingly, cities need to be planned in a child-friendly way, with safe and creative public spaces for children to play, learn and develop.
Speaking at the event, Minister Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Chargé d'Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, affirmed the essential role of play and Vietnam's commitment to building safe and healthy play spaces, especially in schools and public places.
The Vietnamese representative also proudly mentioned a number of games associated with the childhood of many generations of Vietnamese children, emphasizing the cultural value and community cohesion of these traditional games.
In addition to the discussions, a variety of fun and creative activities were organized at the United Nations Headquarters, attracting the participation of both children and adults.
These activities not only brought joy and excitement outside the meeting rooms but also contributed to promoting solidarity and adding meaning to the celebration of the International Day of Play in 2025.
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| Playground on the grounds of the United Nations headquarters in New York. |
On March 25, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution 78/268 defining June 11 every year as the “International Day of Play” at the initiative of Vietnam and the countries in the Core Group including Bulgaria, El Salvador, Jamaica, Kenya and Luxembourg, with the co-sponsorship of 138 countries.
The resolution recognizes the important role of play in physical, mental and social development at all ages, and calls on all member states and agencies of the United Nations system to organize activities to celebrate the International Day of Play to raise awareness and promote practical actions, for a world where every child can develop fully through play.
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