ANKARA/ISTANBUL, TURKEY – UNICEF Turkey is proud to announce a series of initiatives to highlight the importance of children's rights and the transformative power of education on the occasion of November 20, World Children's Day.

Major Events:

Announcement of UNICEF’s New Child Rights Advocate – November 18

National volleyball player and VakıfBank Sports Club team captain Zehra Güneş has been appointed as UNICEF Turkey’s Child Rights Advocate. The famous volleyball star will contribute to the empowerment of children and the support of children’s rights.

Launch of Installation with School Bags – November 19 – December 19

UNICEF Turkey, in collaboration with Onaranlar Kulubü, will launch a striking installation on the side wall of Kadıköy Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Istanbul. The 43 school bags used in the installation, which will be on display for a month, symbolize the extremely important role education plays in transforming children’s lives and remind us of the importance of access to education for all children.

Social Media Campaign: “Add Yours” – November 18-21

UNICEF Turkey invites everyone to show their support for children’s rights by using the “Add Yours” feature on Instagram. In line with this, UNICEF supporters, influencers and all social media users are asked to add a UNICEF image to their stories, featuring a girl with a backpack and the powerful message, “Children around the world want peace and education, safe and healthy environments, love and protection. We cannot let them down.”

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors and Advocates' World Children's Day Activations – 18-21 November

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors and Children's Rights Advocates Tuba Buyukustun, Hadise and Zehra Gunes will share video content on social media platforms under the theme of "Listen to the Future" in collaboration with UNICEF Turkey, and will read heartfelt letters from children from all over Turkey expressing their hopes and dreams for the future. These posts will help children's voices be heard and emphasize the importance of listening to their aspirations.

Visual Campaign on Digital Screens in Public Areas – November 18-24

Digital screens at various shopping malls and highway intersections in Ankara and Istanbul will display powerful UNICEF visuals and the message: “Children around the world want peace and education, a safe and healthy environment, love and protection. We cannot let them down.”

25th National Children’s Forum – 18-21 November

The 25th National Children’s Forum represents a turning point in Turkey’s commitment to children’s rights. Organized in partnership with UNICEF and the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Forum will be held this year in seven provinces with the theme of “Participation and Advocacy for Children” and the motto of “A Quarter Century with the Participation of Our Children”. Following the joint work of the Provincial Committee Representatives on November 18-19, the Forum will continue in Ankara on November 20 and will end with the presentation of the Final Declaration to the Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly by the Children’s Rights Turkey Coordinators on November 21.

Join us

We invite media representatives and the public to join us in celebrating World Children's Day and advocating for children's rights. Together we can make a difference in children's lives and ensure their voices are heard.