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In anticipation of the inaugural International Day of Play on June 11, the UN agencies in Hanoi celebrated the occasion early on May 30, following the March 25 approval of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly’s resolution initiated by Vietnam and co-sponsored by 138 countries, VNA reported.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet emphasized the importance of play, especially to the well-being and development of children.

He stressed the need for all children, whether in urban, rural or remote area, to have access to playgrounds, toys, safe spaces, and opportunities for physical activity.

On the occasion, he called on UN agencies and the private sector to collaborate with Vietnam in addressing the shortage of games, recreational activities and resources for children.

Painting of children exhibited at the inaugural International Day of Play in Hanoi. Source: UNICEF Vietnam

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Acting Chief Representative in Vietnam Leslie Miller thanked the Vietnamese Government for initiating and promoting the resolution on the International Day of Play.

Sharing the same sentiment, Chief Operations Officer of LEGO Group Carsten Rasmussen expressed a desire for continued cooperation with the Vietnamese Government and UNICEF to expand play and learning opportunities for children.

The event also showcased the creativity of Vietnamese children. Over 8,000 artworks were submitted to UNICEF on the theme of dream playgrounds, with 31 chosen for presentation there.

The International Day of Play, also known by the acronym IDOP, will be marked for the first time on June 11 this year, in line with the UN resolution establishing this annual celebration of the power of play.

The UN General Assembly on March 25 passed a draft resolution proposed by Vietnam and some other countries designating June 11 as International Day of Play.

The resolution was co-sponsored by 138 countries, with Vietnam, Bulgaria, El Salvador, Jamaica, Kenya and Luxembourg as co-authors.

In May 30 in New York, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to the UN, received Director of UNICEF’s Public Partnerships Division June Kunugi, during which Giang affirmed that as child care and protection are a leading priority in its socio-economic development strategy, Vietnam has devoted necessary resources for child development.

UNICEF values Vietnam’s proposed resolution on the International Day of Play, which the UN General Assembly recently adopted, Kunugi said.

The two sides concurred to work together for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam - UNICEF partnership. They will also discuss measures to improve UNICEF operations' efficiency in mobilizing resources, implementing programmes and projects, and promoting cooperation and coordination in Asia-Pacific.

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