The boundless potential of our youth inspires the world to come together each year to celebrate World Children’s Day on Nov. 20 — a day devoted to honoring, empowering, and advocating for tomorrow’s leaders, dreamers, and changemakers. This global occasion marks the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, a landmark commitment to ensuring that every child can thrive, be heard, and be protected. The convention calls on governments and societies to create environments where all children can access essential services and shape their bright futures regardless of their circumstances. This year’s theme, “Listen to the future. Stand up for children’s rights,” calls attention to the importance of amplifying children’s voices and ensuring they are included in decisions that impact their well-being. From education in conflict zones to addressing climate change and promoting youth participation in politics, we can all contribute in many ways. Here are six actions you can take to advocate for children’s rights today.
1. Speak Up for Children Living in Conflict Zones
More than 222 million childrenaround the world are currently deprived of education due to violence, displacement, and the devastating impacts of climate-related crises. For these children, access to education offers more than a path to knowledge — it is a lifeline that provides stability, safety, and hope for a better tomorrow. Yet, millions are being denied this fundamental right, left to face a future of uncertainty. In the face of this crisis, organizations like Education Cannot Wait are tirelessly working to ensure quality education reaches those most at risk — children in the world’s most dangerous environments. Their efforts are not just about teaching classes but about rebuilding lives and empowering the next generation to rise above the horrors they have endured. Take Action: Join us in partnering with Verizon and Education Cannot Wait and leave a message to help assist children living in areas of conflict.
2. Demand Climate Justice at the International Court of Justice
Children disproportionately bear the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and environmental degradation are worsening malnutrition, disrupting education, and putting millions of children’s lives at risk. Currently, 40 million children are forced out of school every year due to climate disasters. In response, young activists from Pacific Island nations have launched a groundbreaking campaign urging the International Court of Justice to hold countries accountable for their contributions to climate change. Their goal is to secure legal accountability and ensure countries take meaningful action to protect the environment for future generations. Take Action: Add your name to their petition and support this youth-led effort to demand climate justice and safeguard children’s futures.
3. Stand with Young Farmers Facing Climate Challenges
The devastating effects of climate change are reaching deep into agriculture, threatening the foundation of food security and livelihoods for millions of children who depend on smallholder farms. In Africa, smallholder farmers produce 80% of the continent’s food. Yet, they are battling an escalating climate crisis — facing increasingly severe droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns that endanger crops and communities. Amid this growing crisis, youth agricultural leaders have developed a locally led adaptation plan to address these challenges and ensure sustainable food systems. Their voices are rising, demanding governments take decisive action and support their proposals during the critical UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP (Conference of the Parties), where nations convene to discuss climate solutions. This year’s COP29 negotiations will be pivotal, as the survival of these young farmers — and the children who rely on them — depends on the choices made at this moment. Take Action: Support these young farmers by signing an open letter urging global leaders to prioritize policies that protect smallholder farmers and invest in sustainable agriculture.
4. Champion Youth Participation in Politics
Young people make up a significant portion of the global population, especially in developing nations, yet their voices are often excluded from political decision-making. The Be Seen Be Heard campaign seeks to change this by advocating for greater youth representation in governance. By urging political systems to include young leaders, we can ensure their perspectives shape policies that affect their lives. This initiative is crucial for empowering, informing, and engaging the next generation of citizens, and making sure they have a seat at the table in shaping the future. Take Action: Share your perspective on youth involvement in politics and join the movement to make sure young voices are heard and valued.
5. Stand with the Guardians of the Amazon: Defenders of Our Planet’s Future
The Amazon rainforest is under siege, with environmental defenders risking their lives to protect this crucial ecosystem. Indigenous communities, as protectors of a significant portion of the world’s biodiversity, face increasing threats from deforestation, mining, and other exploitative activities. Tragically, in 2023, 43% of environmental activists killed globally were Indigenous, highlighting the severe risks they face in protecting our planet. With over 1,900 environmental defenders murdered since 2012, the fight to preserve the Amazon is a battle for humanity’s future. The Amazon stabilizes our climate, storing billions of tons of CO₂ and supporting unparalleled biodiversity. By amplifying the stories of these brave defenders, understanding the challenges they face, and supporting their efforts to protect the Amazon, we are investing in a future where children worldwide can thrive in a stable climate, surrounded by the richness of nature. Take action: Learn how you can amplify the voices of Amazon defenders and take action for a brighter future.
6. Eliminate Hunger and Poverty by Joining the Global Alliance
In low-income nations, fewer than one in ten children receive vital child benefits, leaving them vulnerable to malnutrition, disease, and poverty while limiting their access to education, healthcare, and basic needs. The situation has worsened due to rising food costs, conflicts, and climate change, with 1 in 11 people globally — and 1 in 5 in Africa — facing hunger in 2023. This crisis has made achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of ending hunger by 2030 even more urgent. Initiatives like the Global Alliance for Hunger and Poverty, championed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during his G20 presidency, seek to address these challenges through systemic reforms to food systems, expanded social safety nets, and universal child benefits. Achieving this vision requires urgent and decisive action from global policymakers, especially G20 leaders, to ensure a future where no child goes hungry. Take action: Join the fight to eliminate hunger and poverty by signing an open letter urging G20 leaders to support the Global Alliance for Hunger and Poverty. We can ensure systemic change and secure a brighter future for children worldwide.
As we celebrate World Children’s Day, let’s pledge to create a world where every child can thrive. Protecting their rights is not just a responsibility — it is the foundation for a sustainable, just, and equitable future. By prioritizing education, climate justice, and empowerment, we can amplify their voices and guarantee a brighter, more inclusive future for all. The time to act is now.