A Better Tomorrow Today
A Better Tomorrow begins Today. Join us and stand up for children’s rights.
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The Future is At Risk, We Need to Act Now
World Children's Day is UNICEF’s annual day of action for children, marking the United Nations’ adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November 1989. This year it will also be the launchpad for UNICEF Thailand's "A Better Tomorrow Today" campaign, running right through to Thai Children's Day on 11th January 2025.
This year, the need for action is greater than ever. Children are facing great uncertainty. Old problems such as inequality and poverty persist, while new challenges emerge, such as disruptive technologies and the growing consequences of climate change, including natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and water scarcity.
Children need urgent support to shape and navigate this future.
Did you know that globally, 330 million children live in extreme poverty, with half of those in conflict zones? Or that 200 million suffer from malnutrition? Or that 559 million children around the world are exposed to intense heatwaves as a result of climate change?
Many children in Thailand also face some of these challenges, which is why our "A Better Tomorrow Today" calls on everyone in society to unite and support children. Through a range of exciting events in the real world and online, the campaign will shine a spotlight on the challenges children face and provide everyone in Thailand with opportunities to support them.
A Better Tomorrow... For Every Child
Jump On Board the Train to the Future
One of the highlights of the campaign is the opportunity for anyone in Bangkok to take a trip into the future, on one of two BTS trains decorated inside and out with artwork by children. The artwork was created in collaboration with professional artists at a UNICEF workshop and is inspired by children's hopes for the future. Take a ride and be inspired to support their vision! Ready to jump into the future with us? See you on 14 November!
Journeys to a Better Tomorrow
Discover the inspiring stories of young people, donors, and volunteers who are shaping a brighter future for all. Each journey, unique and filled with hope, is driven by the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive—no matter the challenges.
The World Turns Blue on World Children’s Day
The campaign's flagship event takes place on November 20th, when Thailand joins the worldwide UNICEF "Turn Blue" movement. In recent years, world-famous monuments including the Empire State Building in New York, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang have been illuminated in UNICEF blue to inspire nations to support children. This year, it’s Thailand’s turn!
On 20 November, Wat Arun lights up in blue, symbolizing unity and collective action for a better future for every child. Don’t miss your chance to snap a photo and show your support!
Can’t visit in person? You can still take part virtually! Use the special camera effect on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to turn blue and show your support. Click the links below to access the effects:
UNICEF Box of Life
We’re working toward a future where no child is left behind—where every child is safe, healthy, and empowered to thrive. Every action counts, and every donation makes a difference.
The new UNICEF Box of Life is filled with the essentials for children's needs in 2024 and includes life-saving supplies and tools that give children around the world the chance of a brighter future. Together, we can secure a more hopeful tomorrow for children everywhere.
Shahkrit Yamnam, one of the heroes of the Box of Life initiative, has joined UNICEF in delivering hope and opportunities to children facing severe malnutrition—an urgent global issue in need of immediate action.
As a father, this support goes beyond providing supplies; it’s about building a stable and sustainable future for children who deserve the chance to grow strong and live better lives.
“Every life deserves the chance to thrive, and every tomorrow should be filled with hope.”
This powerful message from James Jirayu, one of the UNICEF Box of Life heroes, speaks volumes. He’s on a mission to create change and help build a better future for children around the world.
Popor Sapsiree shares her heartfelt experience as one of the heroes in UNICEF Box of Life initiative, part of A Better Tomorrow Today campaign. She's proud to be part of a mission that’s helping children worldwide, especially those in need, by providing life-changing opportunities they truly deserve.
Get Ready and Take Action
Business:
Partner with us to host a Young People takeover! This unique experience lets children and youth step into leadership roles, where they can learn and be inspired. Give them “one day to lead” and see the change they can spark!
Government:
Take action for children’s rights at the local level with exciting World Children’s Day activities! Ideas include Young People Takeovers, Turn Blue events, local dialogues, or working with child or youth councils to bring positive change in society.
Learn more about World Children's Day
What is World Children’s Day?
World Children’s Day is a global day of action for children, by children, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
On this day, UNICEF advocates and raises awareness to protect and fulfill the rights of every child, without discrimination.
When is World Children’s Day 2024?
World Children’s Day takes place each year on 20 November. The day marks the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 as well as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1989.
In 2024, World Children's Day calls on adults to listen to the voices of the future. By listening to children, we can fulfil their right to self-expression, understand their ideas for a better world and include their priorities in our actions today.
What happens on World Children’s Day?
From children taking over to the world turning blue, World Children's Day is marked through a variety of events and activities focused on elevating children's voices and priorities.
On 20 November, UNICEF, partners, governments, businesses, parents, teachers and children around the world shine a light on children’s rights and call on world leaders to accelerate the actions needed to protect and fulfill the rights of every child, without discrimination.
What are kids' takeovers?
UNICEF helps to organize kid's takeovers around the world. Children ‘take over’ high-visibility roles in media, politics, business, sport and entertainment to shine a spotlight on issues that matter to them and to have their voices heard.
Providing platforms for children to express their ideas and actions can inspire action towards a future where child rights are protected and fulfilled. Even the smallest voice can create the loudest echo of change.
Why are buildings turning blue?
Schools and landmark buildings around the world light up or are painted blue on 20 November to show support for child rights.
In the past, famous landmarks from around the world have joined the campaign including the Eiffel Tower in France, Chichen Itza in Mexico and hundreds of historic buildings in India.
Why is World Children’s Day important?
Child rights are human rights. They are non-negotiable. But in too many places today, children’s rights are misunderstood, disregarded, or even denied and attacked. World leaders must uphold their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and respect, protect and fulfill the rights of every child, everywhere.
Investing in children today secures a better future for them, and us all.
World Children’s Day provides an opportunity to focus on the issues that matter most to children.
Where is World Children’s Day celebrated?
From Kiribati to India, Kenya to United States of America, countries around the world mark World Children’s Day. In 2023, 190 countries took part in UNICEF’s World Children’s Day activities.