The United Nations celebrates the second International Day of Play on June 11

Delegates called for increased investment in policies and programmes that promote the right to play, ensuring no child is left behind.

Discussion session to celebrate the 2nd International Day of Play.

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.

Children's delegates speak at the discussion session.

During the discussion, children's representatives from several countries shared interesting and touching stories about the positive impact of play on physical development, creative thinking and essential social skills.

The Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other 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 in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Many opinions emphasize that, in the context of global challenges and fluctuations, play contributes to increasing understanding, trust, empathy and connection.

The character “Lula” speaks.

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, urban areas need to be planned in a child-friendly direction, with safe and creative public spaces for children to play, learn and develop.

Vietnam is the initiator and one of the six members of the Core Group.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador 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 such as O an quan, Rong snake len may, blind man's buff..., emphasizing the cultural value and community cohesion of these traditional games.

Playground on the grounds of the United Nations headquarters in New York.

In addition to the discussion sessions, many diverse and creative fun activities were organized at the United Nations headquarters, attracting the participation of both children and adults.

These activities not only bring joy and excitement outside the meeting rooms, but also contribute to promoting bonding and adding meaning to the International Day of Play 2025 celebration.

On March 25, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution No. 78/268 defining June 11 every year as "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.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/lien-hop-quoc-lan-thu-hai-ky-niem-ngay-quoc-te-vui-choi-116-317461.html