World Children's Day 2024: Know theme, wishes, quotes and why it’s celebrated on November 20

World Children's Day is celebrated every year on 20th November to highlight the importance of children and their rights. This day raises awareness about the need to protect children, give them access to education, and create opportunities for their growth and well-being. The 2024 celebration focuses on the theme "Listen to the Future", encouraging everyone to value children’s voices and their ideas for a better tomorrow.

The History and Origin of World Children’s Day

World Children’s Day was first observed in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day, established by the United Nations (UN). The date 20th November was chosen because it marks two key events:

- 20th November 1959: The UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, outlining key principles to protect and care for children.

-20th November 1989: The UN adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a legal agreement that commits nations to uphold children's rights.

-Since 1990, this date has been celebrated as the anniversary of these milestones, making it an important day for promoting children's rights globally.

Why Is World Children's Day Celebrated on 20th November?

Credit: Freepik | World Children’s Day image for WhatsApp status

The date, 20th November, holds great historical significance. It symbolises the global efforts to safeguard children’s rights and improve their well-being. It’s a reminder for governments, organisations, and individuals to take action for children’s safety, education, and overall development.

In India, Children’s Day was initially celebrated on 20th November, aligning with World Children’s Day. However, after the death of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India and a strong advocate for children, the date was shifted to 14th November, his birth anniversary.

Pandit Nehru, fondly remembered as "Chacha Nehru," believed in the importance of children for the country’s future. One of his famous quotes for children says:

"Children are like buds in a garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured, as they are the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow."

World Children's Day 2024 Theme: Listen to the Future

The theme for World Children’s Day 2024 is "Listen to the Future", which highlights the importance of hearing children’s voices. According to UNICEF, this theme encourages adults to actively listen to children’s hopes and dreams. It stresses the need to empower children to share their ideas about the world they want to live in.

UNICEF’s official statement says:

“Children should be empowered to voice their opinions about the world they want to live in, and it’s our responsibility to listen and support their visions.”

The theme calls for global action to involve children in decision-making and ensure their ideas are valued, inspiring societies to create a brighter future.

The Importance of World Children's Day

World Children’s Day is a significant occasion that draws attention to children’s rights and well-being. It encourages discussions about crucial issues such as education, healthcare, and safety. It also inspires actions to address challenges like child labour and poverty, helping to create a world where all children can thrive.

The day is an opportunity for governments, organisations, and individuals to work together to build a better environment for children. It reminds everyone of their role in ensuring every child has the resources and opportunities needed to grow and succeed.

How Children’s Day is Celebrated Around the World

Credit: Freepik | World Children’s Day image for WhatsApp status

The celebration of Children’s Day has a long history that began in 1857 when Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard in Massachusetts dedicated a church service to children. Over the years, it has evolved and is now celebrated in different ways across the world:

- In Turkey, Children’s Day was first declared a national holiday in 1920 and is observed on 23rd April every year.

-International Children’s Day was established during the World Conference on Child Welfare in 1925 and is celebrated on 1st June in many countries.

-In 1954, the UN introduced Universal Children’s Day, encouraging nations to promote mutual understanding among children and support their rights.

World Children’s Day, celebrated on 20th November, is a reminder of the global responsibility to protect and nurture children. This year’s theme, "Listen to the Future", highlights the importance of valuing children’s ideas and dreams for a better world.

By celebrating this day, we acknowledge that children are the foundation of a brighter future. It’s a call to action for everyone to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive and make their dreams a reality. Let us join hands to create a world where every child feels heard, valued, and supported.

Happy World's Children's Day wishes, quotes, and WhatsApp status to share

- Happy World Children's Day! May your dreams be big, your laughter loud, and your future bright.

-Wishing every child a day filled with love, joy, and endless opportunities. You are the future of the world!

-On World Children's Day, let’s promise to protect, nurture, and empower every child to achieve their potential.

-Happy World Children’s Day! May your innocence and kindness light up the world.

-Every child is a blessing. Let’s cherish and celebrate them today and always.

-"Children are not things to be moulded but people to be unfolded." – Jess Lair

-"Every child you encounter is a divine appointment." – Wess Stafford

-"Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future." – John F. Kennedy

-"A child is a beam of sunlight from the Infinite and Eternal." – Rabindranath Tagore

-"The soul is healed by being with children." – Fyodor Dostoevsky

-? Happy World Children’s Day! Let’s create a world where every child feels safe, loved, and heard. ?

-Children are the heart of every nation. Let’s cherish them today and every day. ?

-On this World Children’s Day, let’s listen to the voices of the future and support their dreams. ?

-"A smile from a child is the most beautiful thing in the world." – Celebrate their joy today! ?

-Protect, educate, and empower—let’s build a brighter tomorrow for all children. ?

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