The International Day of Play is observed every year on 11 June. It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 25 March 2024 through resolution A/RES/78/268, with 138 member states voting in support. The resolution recognizes play as essential to human development and wellbeing across the life course, with particular importance for children.
This day reaffirms the principles of Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which guarantees every child the right to rest, leisure, play, recreation and cultural life. The founding of the IDOP was driven by a global coalition of governments, NGOs, child and youth advocates, and corporate partners. The core member state group that tabled the resolution comprised Bulgaria, El Salvador, Jamaica, Kenya, Luxembourg and Viet Nam. UNICEF and UNESCO are designated by the UN to facilitate annual observance.
The purpose of this day is to:
- Raise global awareness of the value of play across the lifespan.
- Encourage policy, training and funding that integrates play into education, health and community settings.
- Address barriers to play including conflict, displacement, disability, gender inequality and learning poverty.
- Bring governments, civil society and communities together to celebrate and protect children’s right to play.
The first observance was held on 11 June 2024, with a launch event at UN Headquarters in New York. 2026 marks the third annual International Day of Play.
A Message from Our President
Not just a day to celebrate, a day to advocate.
Protect Play, Protect Childhood.