United Nations Team Celebrates World Children's Day in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, 20 November 2020 – Coinciding with the eve of the G20 Riyadh Summit, World Children's Day is an opportunity to refocus world leaders' attention on children, their rights and their future.

World Children's Day, which is celebrated every year on 20 November, is UNICEF's global day of action for children, by children. It marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. On this day, UNICEF and partners advocate, raise awareness and raise funds for the most pressing issues facing children.

The G-20 Summit's theme of "Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century for All," and this year's particular challenges underscore the need to act with children and for children.

"On this day, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all children in Saudi Arabia. This is their day," said Eltayeb Adam, UNICEF Representative to the Gulf Area. "Today, we also acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the Government of Saudi Arabia, our partners and parents across the Kingdom who continue to ensure that children learn and thrive despite the pandemic. This day invites us all to reimagine a new and better world for children."

Nathalie Fustier, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said: "I wish all children in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a happy day." She added: "UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called upon Governments to build back better after the pandemic by creating more sustainable, resilient and inclusive societies. World Children's Day and the G20 Summit, hosted by Saudi Arabia, are excellent opportunities to find solutions and accelerate action."