Assembly Resolution No. 1504

BY: M. of A. McMahon

COMMEMORATING June 11, 2026, as International Day
of Play

WHEREAS, In March 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted
Resolution A/RES/78/268, officially declaring June 11th as the
International Day of Play; the Resolution recognizes play as vital to
physical and psychosocial development, and it reaffirms Article 31 of
the Convention on the Rights of the Child which declares play a
fundamental right; and

WHEREAS, The Resolution calls on governments, civil society, and
institutions to observe the day through educational and
awareness-raising activities and encourages the United Nations
Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific,
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to support its implementation; and

WHEREAS, International Day of Play creates a unifying moment at
global, national, and local levels to elevate the importance of play,
signaling a call for policies, training, and funding to get play
integrated into education and community settings worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Beyond mere recreation, play is a universal language spoken
by people of all ages, transcending national, cultural, and
socio-economic boundaries; this shared passion fosters a sense of
community, national pride, tolerance, resilience, imagination,
creativity, innovation, social inclusion, and conflict prevention; and

WHEREAS, For children in particular, play helps to build
relationships, improve control, overcome trauma, and encourage problem
solving; it helps children develop the cognitive, physical, creative,
social, and emotional skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing
world; and

WHEREAS, Restricting opportunities for play directly impedes a
child's well-being and development; in educational settings, play-based
learning has been recognized as an effective approach to engage students
actively in the learning process, making learning more enjoyable and
relevant, thereby enhancing motivation and retention of information; and

WHEREAS, When children are driven from their homes by war, conflict,
and displacement, access to nurturing relationships with
parents/caregivers and peers are critical buffers from the effects of
violence, distress, and other adverse experiences, comforting and
soothing children; and

WHEREAS, There is tremendous power and positive energy in play;
International Day of Play is a time to celebrate the power of play--a
time to come together and make sure that every child is able to fulfil
their right to play; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate June 11, 2026, as International Day of Play.