Blog by Anam Rashid, Child Rights Education Manager at UNICEF Ireland (INEW Member)
Listen to the Future: Celebrating World Children’s Day 2024
Children’s lives are at a crossroads. As the world around them changes rapidly, the very essence of childhood is being redefined. And right now, conflicts and gross violations of rights undercut one of the most basic tenets of humanity – that children deserve care and protection no matter the circumstance. But there’s hope—this year’s World Children’s Day is all about listening to the future.
On November 20th, the world comes together to mark the anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) – an international human rights treaty that has changed the lives of millions of children around the world. Since its adoption, this treaty has been a beacon of hope, guiding governments to improve the lives of children worldwide. But even with progress, we still have work to do. That’s why UNICEF in partnership with the Irish Network for Education Worldwide, is calling on adults everywhere to listen to children, ask them about their hopes for the future, and engage in meaningful conversations about the world they want to build. UNICEF Ireland is a member of INEW and collaborates closely with the network and its fellow members to advocate for and mobilize efforts to advance SDG 4, aiming to achieve inclusive, equitable, and safe quality education both locally and globally.
Why “Listen to the Future”?
This year’s theme isn’t just a slogan—it’s a call to action. Children are the leaders of tomorrow, but they are also powerful agents of change today. When we listen to them, we hear their dreams, their fears, and their ideas for a better world. While we’ve made great strides, there’s still work to do. That’s why World Children’s Day is a chance to not only reflect on these rights but to actively engage children in conversations about how to create a better world.
About UNICEF
For 75 years, UNICEF has worked tirelessly in the world’s toughest places to support the children in the greatest need. From emergency food and clean water to education and child rights advocacy, UNICEF’s work has evolved and grown to transform the lives of millions of children around the globe. As one of 33 non-profit National Committees, UNICEF Ireland plays a vital role in supporting UNICEF’s mission to advance the rights and well-being of children and youth worldwide.
In Ireland, UNICEF works to raise funds and awareness, advocating for the survival, protection, and well-being of every child—especially through child rights education, in Ireland. Whether it’s responding to humanitarian emergencies or pushing for long-term changes in policy, UNICEF Ireland is dedicated to ensuring that children’s voices are heard and their rights are upheld.
Child Rights Education
UNICEF Ireland’s Child Rights Schools programme is a ‘whole school approach’ to Child Rights Education that embeds respect for rights throughout the school on an everyday basis. Children are supported to become active participants in learning and in school decision-making. Schools in Ireland are supported to recognise children as rights holders and to further realise child rights in the whole school environment. The journey involves children, teachers, non-teaching staff, and parents/carers, who work together to analyse how rights-respecting their schools currently are, and then collectively take action to improve the situation.
Through our Child Rights Schools program, children are not only learning about their own rights—they’re also encouraged to think about children’s rights worldwide. From global issues like climate change and migration to learning about the lives of children in conflict zones, young people are becoming advocates for all children, everywhere. They’re learning to think globally while acting locally, creating a ripple effect of positive change both at home and across the world.
Empowering Youth to Drive Change
Through our youth advocacy programs, UNICEF is helping young people become passionate advocates for child rights, both locally and globally. Whether it’s campaigning for access to education, supporting children displaced by conflict, or advocating for gender equality, young leaders are driving change in their communities.
In Ireland, UNICEF works with young people to help them understand their rights and how they can influence policy. From activism training to working on youth-led campaigns, these young advocates are being equipped with the tools to tackle the issues that matter most to them. Think globally, act locally—this mantra empowers youth to take leadership roles and make their voices heard, especially with the upcoming elections in Ireland.
What’s Happening on World Children’s Day?
Schools and communities worldwide will come together to celebrate World Children’s Day, with activities that put young voices at the center. It’s a day to amplify children’s perspectives, dreams, and rights.
- Kids’ Takeovers: Students step into leadership roles—taking over classrooms, leading school-wide announcements, and organizing fun, interactive activities.
- Creative Projects: Children will showcase their hopes for the future through workshops, art displays, and videos, expressing their ideas in powerful and creative ways.
- Global Solidarity: From peace walks to collaborative activities, students will demonstrate solidarity with children worldwide, standing together for their rights.
In Ireland, children will engage in discussions about their futures, create art, host peace walks, and wear blue to support children’s rights. Watch this video to see how students at St. Joseph’s National School in Dundalk, part of our Child Rights School programme, celebrated World Children’s Day! UNICEF Ireland spoke with the children about their hopes and dreams, and their desire to have their voices heard in shaping decisions that affect their lives. In Dublin, the Lord Mayor of Dublin will light up the Mansion House blue in honor of this special day, highlighting the importance of prioritizing children’s rights!
Across the globe, children and young people are standing up for children’s rights and inspiring change in their communities. Want to be inspired? Take a look at the stories of nine UNICEF Youth Advocates and children’s rights defenders who are leading the charge in creating a better future for all children. Read their stories here.
Standing in Solidarity with Children Worldwide
On World Children’s Day, we stand in solidarity with the millions of children whose lives are disproportionately affected by conflict, violence, and injustice. Many children still lack access to basic rights—especially education, healthcare, and protection from harm. UNICEF Ireland is committed to advocating for these rights and believes that education is key to building lasting peace and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Photo Credits: © UNICEF / Child in the playground of her school in Niamey, Niger
Global UNICEF Education Initiatives Supporting Children
UNICEF’s global initiatives aim to protect and empower every child, especially those affected by crises. One key project is Giga, launched by UNICEF and ITU to connect every school to the internet, giving young people access to information, opportunity, and choice. Giga maps school internet access in real time, creates innovative financing models, and supports governments in securing connectivity. In Colombia, it’s helping bring internet to remote areas and improve access to learning materials.
UNICEF also supports the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), which addresses the targeting of education during armed conflict. As part of this effort, the Safe Schools Declaration was created to ensure that schools remain safe spaces for learning during war. UNICEF advocates for every child’s right to education and works with governments to implement the Safe Schools Declaration and protect education from military use.
What you can do today!
One thing you can do today is read UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2024 report. The report will focus on three megatrends affecting children today and in the future: the climate crisis, disruptive technologies and demographic change. The report will reflect some of the issues under discussion at the Summit of the Future in September, and project forward the three megatrends to 2050, looking at how they will affect children and child rights.
Resources:
- World Children’s Day | UNICEF
- The State of the World’s Children 2024 | UNICEF
- Dear adults: A letter from the world’s children
- Convention on the Rights of the Child | UNICEF
- Child Rights in Ireland – UNICEF Ireland
- Child Rights Schools – UNICEF Ireland
- Office of Innovation | UNICEF Office of Innovation
- Listen to the Future, World Children’s Day 2024 – UNICEF Ireland – YouTube
UNICEF Ireland is a member of the Irish Network for Education Worldwide. A heartfelt thank you to Anam Rashid and everybody at UNICEF Ireland for this kind contribution to our blog!
Photo Credits: © UNICEF
