(VOVWORLD) - The first-ever International Day of Play, to be observed on June 11, 2024, was celebrated by United Nations organizations at the Green One United Nations House in Hanoi on Thursday.
 Delegates attending the International Day of Play celebration, Hanoi, May 30, 2024. (Photo: VNA)
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The event followed the March 25 approval of the UN General Assembly’s resolution initiated by Vietnam and co-sponsored by 138 countries.
Addressing the celebration, Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet affirmed the role of play in the health, happiness and development of children. He called for greater efforts to ensure that all children have access to playgrounds, toys, music, sports facilities, and a safe play environment.
The Deputy Minister called on UN organizations and the private sector to help Vietnam address the shortage of games, entertainment activities, and resources for children.
Lesley Miller, Acting Chief Representative of UNICEF in Vietnam, thanked the Government of Vietnam for initiating and promoting the Resolution on the International Day of Play.
Carsten Rasmussen, Chief Operations Officer of Denmark’s LEGO Group, said he looks forward to working closely with the Vietnamese Government and UNICEF to give children greater access to play and learning through play.
On March 25, 2024, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 78/268, designating June 11 the International Day of Play. The resolution recognizes the role of play in physical development, social skills, cognition, communication, and emotional life at all ages, recognizing the importance of ensuring access to play and recreational activities for the physical health, psychology, and development of children and young people. The resolution calls on all member states and agencies within the UN system to celebrate the International Day of Play to raise awareness of the role of play in social life.