This date, 20 November 2023, is important because it commemorates crucial milestones in children's rights, in 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Since 1990, World Children's Day has served as a poignant reminder of these landmark declarations.

Individuals from all walks of life, like parents, teachers and government leaders, as well as young people and children, play a pivotal role in making this day relevant to the world. It is an opportunity for advocacy, promotion and celebration of children’s rights, sparking dialogues and actions that contribute to building a better world for young people.

In the spirit of World Children's Day, we reflect on three fundamental elements that form the cornerstone of ensuring a brighter future for our youth. For every child's peace, emphasises the right of each child to feel secure everywhere. For every child, a livable planet highlights the importance of each child inheriting a sustainable world through environmental stewardship. For every child, a voice which underscores the necessity to listen and include children in all decision-making.

Better Internet for Kids for World’s Children’s Day

Better Internet for Kids is dedicated to promoting a digital environment that aligns with the principles of World Children’s Day. In an era where children are increasingly immersed in the online world, our commitment is to ensure their safety, empowerment and respect in the digital world. Learn more about our work, articles, initiatives and resources : 

• Around the world, children are going online earlier and staying online for longer. To ensure their protection, empowerment and respect in the online environment, the European Commission launched the European strategy for a Better Internet for Kids in May 2022, which the Commission and High Representative also mentioned in their joint statement. 
• Children and young people are at the heart of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) agenda, in which the European Commission (EC), Safer Internet Centres (SICs) across Europe, and other stakeholders work together to ensure that every young European has access to a digital environment where they feel protected, empowered and respected whenever they go online, that they can access and enjoy what the online world has to offer and know where to seek support if needed. That is why they have a dedicated space on the BIK portal. 
• The Safer Internet Forum (SIF) is a key annual international conference in Europe where policymakers, researchers, law enforcement bodies, youth, parents and caregivers, teachers, NGOs, industry representatives, experts and other relevant actors come together to discuss the latest trends, opportunities, risks and solutions related to child online safety and making the internet a better place. This year’s edition will take place in a hybrid* format on Thursday, 23 November 2023, with a theme of Empowering YOUth with skills for the Digital Decade.

Learn more about World Children’s Day on the website of UNICEF and keep an eye on #WorldChildrensDay on social media.