Choose Play – Every Day.

FORUM: "Choose Play – Every Day." International Day of Play 2025. The theme for this year’s International Day of Play is “Choose Play – Every Day”. Play is a critical part of a child’s development, but for many children in conflicts around the world, this right is denied. Close to 71% of children say play is important because it makes them happy, and 58% say that it helps them make friends and have a good time with others. It is estimated that 160 million children around the world are working instead of playing or learning. Only 1 in 4 children play out regularly on their street compared their grandparents generation where almost three-quarters said they played outside a few times a week. 41% of children had been told to stop playing out by either their parents or other adults such as neighbours. The theme is a reminder for all of us – governments, businesses, schools and families – to take decisions that embrace and prioritize play for children. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #11June #InternationalDayofPlay, #Chooseplayeveryday,#LearningThroughPlay.

EVENTS: On June 11th,at the United Nations Headquarters in New York; The UNESCO and the UNICEF will held a high-level panel discussion to mark the International Day of Play 2025 and to promote the importance of play. Senior government representatives from Member States are expected to attend. Register to participate!

STATEMENT: Play is a sign that children feel safe and nurtured and loved. They feel somewhat that they can be children even in the midst of great difficulty.UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell

ACTIVITIES: Play: Amazing for everyone: Finding joy, comfort and excitement in everyday moments. This International Day of Play, is a reminder of the power of play for both children and caregivers.

ACTION: Build child-friendly spaces in conflict zones to encourage children to play, learn and experience a sense of normalcy.