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This World Children’s Day, Lead with Purpose.

On 20 November, we mark World Children’s Day - a global moment to celebrate and protect the rights of every child. It commemorates the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which outlines 54 essential rights for children to live safe, healthy, and joyful lives.

This year, UNICEF Australia is spotlighting one of the most overlooked, yet vital rights: the right to play.

Play is not a luxury. It’s how children learn, heal, and thrive. But for millions facing conflict, displacement, and inequality, this simple joy is out of reach.

How Your Organisation Can Make a Difference

We’re inviting leaders, workplaces, and teams to join us in championing play through:

  • Workplace Giving: empower your people to give back regularly
  • Corporate Donation: amplify your impact through a corporate donation
  • Hour of Play: dedicate one hour of your workday to fun, connection, and fundraising

Join us in celebrating the power of play while also building a workplace culture of purpose and impact. 

Sign up for the Hour of Play
A young girl wearing denim shorts and a pink shirt holds a bat up while a man wearing a UNICEF shirt cheers her on.© UNICEF/UNI594462/Dejongh 

Introducing the Hour of Play 

We’re thrilled to launch the Hour of Play – a national movement inviting workplaces across Australia to dedicate one hour to play and fundraise to protect every child’s right to play. 

  • For children: Play sparks curiosity, creativity, and resilience. It builds the foundation for lifelong mental health and wellbeing. 
  • For adults: Play isn’t just for kids. Taking an hour to play together at work boosts mental wellness, strengthens teams, and creates happier, more engaged workplaces. 

By joining the Hour of Play, you’re aligning with schools and communities across Australia already celebrating this important day – and sending a powerful message that play matters. 

Why your leadership matters 

This World Children’s Day, combine care for your people with care for children everywhere. 

By endorsing the Hour of Play, your organisation will: 

  • Inspire your workforce with a unifying, uplifting experience. 
  • Show visible leadership in workplace culture. 
  • Fundraise for real impact – help UNICEF deliver safe spaces, education, healthcare, and emotional support for children around the world. 
Two young girls wearing saris play with skipping ropes in a field in India. © UNICEF/UNI533453/Panjwani

Why now? 

Children are facing more uncertainty than ever before. This inaugural Hour of Play is your chance to lead by building stronger, more connected workplaces while standing up for children’s rights. 

Together, we can spark hope, strengthen workplace culture, and show that play matters to every child – no matter where they are. 

Sign up for the Hour of Play

To find out more or get involved, please reach out to partnerships@unicef.org.au