Building on the success of the inaugural International Day of Play in 2024 and the adoption of the General Assembly resolution recognizing every child’s right to play, we are pleased to invite your Mission to participate in the 2025 celebration of the International Day of Play (IDOP), to be held at UN Headquarters in New York in June 11, 2025.
This year’s celebration will move from conversation to commitment. We hope to see broad and meaningful participation from Member States to help advance the right to play in practical and visible ways.
1.IDOP High-Level Event
Time: 1:15–2:30 PM
Venue: UNHQ Conference Room 6
Join Member States, UN agencies, civil society, and child advocates for a special eventrecognizing national efforts and commitments to protect and promote the right to play. This is a unique opportunity to reflect on progress, share national pledges, and elevate the importance of play as a cornerstone of childhood. To confirm your attendance, please RSVP here: bit.ly/IDOPEvent2025
2. The UN Play Expo
Time: 12:30–5:00 PM
Venue: UN Lawn and Rose Garden
The UN grounds will transform into a vibrant, immersive Play Experience designed for children ages 6–10 — and forthe young at heart! We encourage delegations to bring children from missions, local schools, or communities to participate in this joyful and meaningful activation. Following the High-Level Event, the UN Lawn and Rose Garden will transform into a celebration of play. We invite Missions to host a booth featuring a traditional game or culturally relevant play activity from your country. This is a chance to bring your national identity to life and engage children in meaningful, joyful experiences. To confirm your attendance and your invited children, please RSVP here: bit.ly/IDOPPlayExperience2025
We hope your delegation will consider participating in one or both of these components. Together, we can turn this day into a moment ofreal progress and visibility for play as a right—everywhere, for every child. For coordination and further details, please contact events@unicef.org We look forward to hearing from you and to your continued leadership in advancing the rights and well-being of children
