Radio Professionals Come Together To Discuss International Day of Play and World Environment Day

NEW DELHI, 3 June 2025 – India’s top radio voices — including programming heads, senior RJs, and producers from All India Radio, private FM channels— came together to champion child rights at a day-long workshop organized by UNICEF, under its Radio4Child platform today.  

The capacity-building workshop brought together over 30 radio and media professionals from All India Radio, private FM, and community radio stations. 

The workshop centred on two themes: ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’ aligned with World Environment Day on 5 June. With over 430 million tonnes of plastic produced globally each year, much of it is used once and discarded. 

Microplastics are now seen in the food we eat, the water we drink, and even in human blood and breast milk. Ending plastic pollution is the theme of this year’s World Environment Day. 

Changing public behaviour in the use of plastics has never been greater. Actions outlined under Mission Life — such as refusing single-use plastic, segregating waste at source, and adopting sustainable alternatives—offer a clear path for individuals and communities to reduce plastic pollution in everyday life.  

The 2nd theme ‘Choose Play Everyday’ is aligned with International Day of Play on 11 June. UNICEF advocates for unstructured playtime for children, critical for their mental, physical, emotional growth and wellbeing that build their brains and their bodies. UNICEF advocates that children must be given time at home, in school in communities every day to play every day. 

In his welcome address, Arjan de Wagt, Deputy Representative, Programmes, UNICEF India, said, “Radio professionals are more than broadcasters, they are catalysts for change. Radio informs, listens, responds, and helps shape priorities that matter most to children and their communities. 

Whether to inform on climate-conscious living to end single use plastic pollution or advocating for every child’s right to play, radio amplifies the voices that too often go unheard. Play is not a luxury—it is essential for children’s learning, wellbeing, and resilience. Together, we support children to grow up in safe, nurturing environments—both at home and on the planet they inherit. ” 

The workshop included hands-on group work where participants created sample content—talk show formats, PSAs, and radio spots—across both themes.  

The workshop also saw participation of 15 students from the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Jamia Millia Islamia, who brought fresh ideas and energy to the content co-creation process. 

Content created and broadcast as a result of this workshop will be eligible for the upcoming Radio4Child Awards, which recognize excellence in child-centered radio storytelling.