On the occasion of 2018 World Children’s Day, and in recognition of the WCC’s 70th anniversary, UNICEF and WCC are convening a number of WCC member churches and common partners to celebrate the UNICEF-WCC global partnership and to take stock of the many achievements of the Churches’ Commitments to Children. In line with the spirit of a day “for children, by children,” the celebratory event will place children at the centre by asking them to share their recent experiences as participants in the several Youth Talks on ending violence in schools that WCC member churches around the world have organized; hearing the perspective of young migrants supported by a church-run sponsorship project; and showcasing promising examples of how churches support children in climate justice activities.
Specific objectives of the celebratory event are:
- To raise awareness of the role of churches in promoting children’s rights
- To showcase promising examples of implementation of Churches’ Commitments to Children
- To inspire further collaboration between international child rights organizations and faith-based initiatives for children
The celebratory day will be divided into two segments – morning and afternoon – aimed mainly at adults and children respectively. The format for the morning session will be a sequence of panel discussions on the topics of violence against children in schools, children on the move, and climate justice. Throughout the morning, a special role will be played by children and young people, who will be the protagonists of all panels.
The afternoon session will be opened by a keynote address by:
His All Holiness Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople
on inter-generational climate justice and support to children on the move as a spiritual responsibility.
The premiere of a special episode of Les Théopopettes (a puppet show created to help churches guide discussions with children about their wellbeing and rights) on the Churches’ Commitments to Children will follow, together with a “market place” space and workshops for children. The day will end with a reception for children and adults, with games and pedagogical materials to be tested.
Watch the event live: www.youtube.com/WCCworld/live
Programme of the World Children's Day WCC - UNICEF Celebratory Event (pdf)
"Les Parlottes des Théopopettes" puppet show
| The 70th anniversary of the WCC in 2018 is an opportunity to mark the achievements of the past 70 years in working for Christian unity and action, and to look to the challenges ahead as a fellowship of churches responding to God’s call for unity, mission, justice and peace. This event is part of a series of anniversary celebrations taking place in various locations throughout the year. |
