Myuri Komaragiri, Education Specialist at Right to Play, speaks during the International Day of Play event at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 11 June 2026.
The International Day of Play (IDOP), commemorated each year on 11 June, is a time to celebrate the power of play, to raise awareness about how central play is to every child’s development and well-being, and a time when we can come together to make sure that every child is able to fulfill their right to play.
Play helps children to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Through play, they learn to forge connections with others, build a wide range of leadership skills, develop resilience, navigate relationships and social challenges, and conquer their fears. Play isn’t just fun – it’s essential.