Light up China for World Children's Day – a global day for children by children

Beijing, 20 November 2017 – Today cities and communities have united to light up China and share in a symbolic commitment to creating a brighter future for all children, especially the most disadvantaged. The lighting up initiative comes on the mobilization of World Children's Day on November 20^th, the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The cities participating in the lighting up of iconic city monuments and buildings include Changsha, Changxing County, Shantou and Shenzhen. As well as lighting up in blue to symbolize children, cities are holding, events and forums to focus attention on creating more child-friendly cities.

“We are delighted that so many cities across China are participating in World Children's Day by lighting up for children as a symbol of their commitment to fulfilling the rights of all children,” said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative to China. “It is a day when we can focus on how we can work together to create communities that are child-friendly where every child can play, learn and thrive, and where children's voices are heard.”

Join in a virtual light up for children by lighting up your city through a UNICEF H5 (http://wcd-light.unicef.cn/) to signify your commitment to creating a brighter future for all.

“I am so excited to be part of World Children's Day which is being celebrated in over 130 countries,” said Yang Nianhui, 15-year-old student and author of a recently-published English language novel. “It's a fun day but with an important message – we want people to know that children's voices matter in decisions that shape our future.”

To help give a voice to the millions of children whose voices remain unheard, UNICEF Ambassadors and celebrities are lending their support to World Children's Day:

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham has released a short film in which he asks children aged 6-10 years-old about their views of the world.

David Beckham said: “This World Children's Day we are handing over the reins to children, encouraging them to speak out for each other. One important lesson from my travels with UNICEF is that we need to listen to children about the world they want to live in. On November 20th, children will unite to discuss what matters most to them such as violence, bullying, education and demand a better future for every child.”

On World Children's Day, UNICEF Ambassadors for China Chen Kun, Ma Yili and Special Advocate for Education Wang Yuan shared their aspirations for a better world for children on social media channels.

World Children's Day is a day for Children by Children – a day for children's voices to be heard and for children to take part in decisions in their communities. Around the world, children are marking World Children's Day by taking over roles in their communities for the day such as in their schools, media, business, government and sports.

Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative to China along with CGTN's lead presenter Tian Wei have been interviewed by Yang Nianhui.

Ma Yili has recorded a Public Service Announcement co-produced by UNICEF and CCTV-KIDS for World Children's Day. CCTV-KIDS will also broadcast a special report made by children on initiatives that promote children's rights to play, to participate in decisions and to enjoy their culture. 

Xinhua News Agency is running a special series of reports on children in China and around the world. In addition, Xinhua has offered its prestigious Times Square digital billboard to broadcast a specially created World Children's Day message.

Families are invited to join in a fun 'kids takeover' to encourage children to participate in decision-making at home. Parents, caregivers and children can get involved through an interactive H5 to organize takeover activities. There is a special World Children's Day certificate which will be awarded to all who successfully complete the game. 

Workout for Water is taking place in gyms in over 100 countries including China. Instructors, club owners and gym goers can participate to help most vulnerable children and their families access clean water, sanitation and hygiene.

UNICEF has worked with our NGO partner SUC Pilot Project Office to facilitate development of the lighting up initiative.

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For further information on World Children's Day in China please visit www.unicef.cn

For further information on World Children's Day globally please visit www.worldchildrensday.org