World Children’s Day 2026
UNICEF's day of action for children's rights, marking the adoption of the Declaration and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Quick facts
- Date
- November 20
- Day of the week
- Friday in 2026
- Type
- International
- Observed in
- Global
- First observed
- 1954 (as Universal Children's Day)
- Established by
- United Nations General Assembly
- Led by
- UNICEF
- Hashtag
- #WorldChildrensDay
Overview
World Children's Day, on November 20, promotes international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide and the improvement of children's welfare. Landmarks light up blue, and children take over roles in media, politics and business to make their voices heard.
History
Universal Children's Day was established in 1954. November 20 is the date on which the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989 — now the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.
- 1954Universal Children's Day is established.
- 1959The Declaration of the Rights of the Child is adopted on November 20.
- 1989The Convention on the Rights of the Child is adopted on November 20.
Themes by year
How to celebrate
Listen to children
Ask a child what they would change in the world — and take it seriously.
Learn about child rights
Read a child-friendly version of the Convention together.
Go blue
Wear blue in support of children's rights.
Quotes
There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.
Wishes and messages
Greeting card
A 1080 × 1080 image, ready for WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
Social media captions
For every child, every right. 💙 #WorldChildrensDay
Listen to the future.
World Children’s Day dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Days from today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 20 | Friday | 18 |
| 2027 | November 20 | Saturday | 383 |
| 2028 | November 20 | Monday | 749 |
| 2029 | November 20 | Tuesday | 1,114 |
| 2030 | November 20 | Wednesday | 1,479 |
| 2031 | November 20 | Thursday | 1,844 |
Frequently asked questions
When is World Children's Day?
Every year on November 20.
What happened on November 20, 1989?
The UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Last updated November 2, 2026