We know that through play children are naturally curious and creative, it teaches them to connect ideas and experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the world. Play supports wellbeing and unlocks essential life skills, which are fundamental to their own and society’s progress.

As a company we are committed to playing our part in building a culture that prioritises early childhood, in particular, recognising the importance of play within those early years and beyond. It is in that vein that the LEGO Group are proud to have brought to fruition, in collaboration with the LEGO Foundation, a campaign with a host of international partners which has successfully led to the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly, of an International Day of Play.

Going forward June 11th will be celebrated annually, raising the profile of play and of the need to respect, fulfil and protect the right to play for every child, everywhere.

International awareness days can catalyse systemic change and our ambition is to see widescale recognition and support for play across the UK and globally. Whilst play is already a fundamental right for every child, enshrined in Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, there is not always sufficient awareness or recognition of this right.

Our research found that only 30% of adults were aware of children’s right to play. Furthermore, global research surveying more than 25,000 children across 36 countries found that as many as 73% of children don’t believe adults take play seriously.

Central to this global effort advocating for an International Day of Play were the voices of children. Over 10,000 children and young people from all parts of the world participated in an online survey and hundreds contributed through playful workshops and focus group discussions which were critical to hearing the voices of younger children, not captured by online consultations. This culminated in a Call to Action from children and young people highlighting the critical role of play in enhancing children’s learning and healthy development. It additionally demonstrates the power of children’s ideas and of children’s right to be heard in decisions impacting their lives.

As a business the LEGO Group has championed children’s play for more than 90 years. We have hosted our own World Play Day for the past two years to celebrate children and the importance of play. Our mobilisation efforts with partners advocating for the adoption of the UN resolution has been successful in creating a unifying moment at a global, national, and local level to elevate the importance of play as central to children’s learning and wellbeing – ensuring time to play, space to play and support for quality play is prioritised.

Organisations wanting more information about International Day of Play and ways to activate on the power of play can visit https://www.internationaldayofplay.org/