World Children’s Day goes virtual in Jordan during COVID-19

World Children’s Day, UNICEF’s annual day of action for children by children, will be celebrated online across Jordan today as the event goes virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlights will include a day of fun, live events for children and their parents on social media, including storytelling and drama, and an interactive talk on how to be a youth activist featuring young changemakers in Jordan working on climate action and mental health.

“This year, the COVID-19 global pandemic has resulted in a child rights crisis. On World Children’s Day, we are inviting all generations to come together to reimagine the kind of world we want to create for children and youth,” said Tanya Chapuisat, Representative, UNICEF Jordan. “UNICEF will continue to support the Government of Jordan to deliver a sustainable recovery with children at its heart.”

Famous landmarks, including Petra, the Citadel and Jerash, will join other global landmarks in going blue for child rights and a special augmented reality video will premiere online, showcasing Jordan’s rich architectural heritage.

A World Children’s Day Illustration Challenge run by UNICEF has seen children, youth and local artists come together to reimagine a better world for children through incredible works of art showcased on social media, while a local artist will unveil a special mural in Amman celebrating children’s ideas for building back better.

The longer the COVID-19 crisis persists, the deeper its impact on children’s education, health, nutrition and well-being. UNICEF is calling for children and youth to be at the heart of the recovery so that their voices are heard to help create a more equal, just and sustainable world.

UNICEF has released a 6-point action plan to help drive recovery for children including: improving learning; making vaccines available to every child; ending violence against children and protecting mental health; increasing access to safe water and sanitation and addressing climate change; strengthening social protection; and focusing on the most vulnerable for an equitable future.