On 11 June 2024, the world celebrated its first International Day of Play. This initiative was driven by a coalition of global organisations who urged the United Nations General Assembly to establish it through a UN resolution.
Adopted on 25 March, the resolution underscores the essential role of play in children’s lives, highlighting its importance for education and well-being. It also stressed its role for inclusivity, resilience, and tolerance, ensuring that every child can have access to sufficient leisure time and can play freely.
Play is vital in nurturing children’s natural curiosity and eagerness to learn. It also enables the healthy development of cognitive and emotional skills. Recognising this, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child has enshrined play as a fundamental right under Article 31.
Promoting diversity and creativity in access to play through inclusive and high-quality toys is crucial. Since 2016, COFACE Families Europe has been challenging stereotypes in toy catalogues. We will remain committed to promoting diversity, sustainability, and life skills through initiatives like the Play for Change awards, which is an initiative from Toys Industries Europe. This year, COFACE will continue to emphasise the importance of empowering all children to choose their play activities, fostering creativity, imagination, and enjoyment. The winners will be announced on 5 November 2024.
You can read the statement of the Chair of the board of Toy Industries Europe on the UN Day of play here.
