Some things are priceless.
World Children’s Day - 20 November
For 36 years, on 20 November, the world has celebrated World Children’s Day - a day about and for children. It marks the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a living promise to every child. UNICEF stands with children everywhere to turn this promise into reality.
There are things that cannot be bought. They must be respected, offered and protected.
Every day we live among price tags. We enter shops, compare prices, look for discounts. We learned to measure almost everything in numbers. But some things never appear on a receipt: a name, a family, a safe hug, a school that welcomes you, a childhood where play is not a luxury but a right.
This year we step out of our offices and event halls and enter the places where the city lives its daily rhythm. Together with private partners, we bring messages about children’s rights directly into the community, where barcodes are scanned and daily decisions are weighed.
Shop windows that do not sell. Shop windows that speak about rights.
We mark World Children’s Day in the biggest shopping centres in Chișinău. Malls have become our modern public squares, places where communities meet without invitations. Every day we walk past shelves searching for offers. On this day we invite you to stop for a moment and notice an offer that never expires. The promise made 36 years ago through the Convention on the Rights of the Child - a promise that is never reduced and never placed on sale.
At Port Mall and Shopping Malldova, shop windows become windows into what matters most. Family, identity, education, health, play and protection. Instead of price tags you will find value tags. Values no cash register can calculate.
Partnerships with the private sector do not change the nature of our message. They increase its visibility. Brands, commercial spaces and shop windows become a megaphone for values, not products. Where we are used to weighing prices, we can learn to recognise value.
Between 17 and 30 November we invite you to look at the windows that say clearly: „Some things are priceless”. Photograph them, share them with your friends and add your voice to the conversation that matters. Tag our Facebook or Instagram page @unicefmoldova and use #UneleLucruriNuAuPreț - this is not a trend, it shows that we see the same world, a world where children’s rights are never negotiable.
On Sunday, 23 November, at 10:00, we will meet you at the UNICEF stand in Shopping Malldova. Instead of discounts, we bring a childhood raffle - a friendly reason to talk about what it means to place children’s rights on the first shelf, in full view.
Some shop windows no longer sell. They tell a story.
About children. About rights. About what cannot have a price, but deserves care.
A day to hear children’s voices
Every child has the right to be heard, respected and involved in decisions that shape their life. On World Children’s Day UNICEF encourages active participation of children and young people in Moldova on topics that matter to them: education, health, environment, safety and equal opportunities. Through initiatives across the country UNICEF creates space for children to express ideas and contribute to positive change in their communities.
My day. My rights.
My day. My right to education.
At 15, Marina from Nisporeni shows that education can change lives. With support from her mother and teachers she learns, dreams and believes in her own path. Education gave her confidence and hope for a fair future.
For every child, education is priceless.
My day. My right to family.
After fleeing the war in Ukraine, Irina and Artiom found in Moldova a place where their children can grow safe and hopeful. Surrounded by people who offered support and trust, they rediscovered peace and the joy of being together.
“Children are my strength. When they are with me, everything becomes calm,” says Irina.
For every child, family is priceless.
My day. My right to inclusion.
Ionuț is 8 and has a visual impairment, but nothing stops him. With support from specialists, he received a telescope that helps him see clearly in school and take part in every lesson. Each day brings confidence, friends and the chance to reach his potential.
For every child, inclusion is priceless.
My day. My right to equality.
At only 13, Nicoli Streșnă became a STEAM mentor, inspiring girls across Moldova to believe in their power and explore science, technology and innovation. Her courage to challenge stereotypes shows that equality begins when every girl has the chance to follow her dream.
For every child, equality is priceless.
My day. My right to health.
Elisei is one year and four months old and was born with Down syndrome. At the Early Intervention Centre in Cimișlia he receives support tailored to his development. Every child deserves a healthy start and a life full of opportunities.
For every child, health is priceless.
My day. My right to protection.
Vladimir was born in Moldova after his mother fled Ukraine seeking safety for her children. When he needed treatment, doctors cared for him free of charge. Protection meant more than shelter. It meant people who offered care, empathy and a new chance for a safe life.
For every child, protection is priceless.
My day. My right to inclusion.
Myroslav is 7 and was born with cerebral palsy. Every day he learns letters and colours. At home he studies using an adapted board and teachers guide him step by step. For his mother Yelyzaveta, each progress is a quiet victory that shows that all children deserve to grow and be part of their community.
For every child, inclusion is priceless.
Why this day matters
The Convention on the Rights of the Child remains the strongest promise ever made to children. It reminds us that every child has the right to protection, care and equal opportunities to build a future. Today children in Moldova raise their voices. They speak about education, mental health, safety and equal chances. UNICEF works every day to turn these rights into reality.
SOME THINGS ARE PRICELESS.