World Children’s Day
Listen to the future! Join us on 20 November to stand up for children’s rights.
World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s annual day of action for children, by children, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November.
From conflict, climate change, and mental health, to ending racism and gender discrimination, children are raising their voices on the urgent issues that matter to them and sharing their visions for a better world.
This World Children’s Day, join us and listen to the future!
Only by fulfilling and protecting the rights of every child, everywhere — including children's social, economic, cultural, civil and political rights — can we ensure a better future for all.
Get ready and take action
Explore ways you can join us this #WorldChildrensDay:
- Young people: Join the U-Report community
- Parents: Help your children know their rights
- Teachers: Access resources on child rights
- Business: Become a partner and host a kids' takeover
- Government: Take action for child rights now
Looking for inspiration?
See the highlights from World Children's Day last year.
Learn more about World Children's Day
Discover the history, goals and key activities surrounding 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 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?
On 20 November, 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 being 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.
Find a UNICEF office to learn more about what’s happening near you on World Children’s Day.
