The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely ratified treaty in history. Signed 36 years ago today, it affirms a simple truth: 

When we protect the youngest members of the human family, we build a better world.

But right now, children’s rights are under attack. Poverty and emergencies are stealing education. Climate chaos is jeopardizing futures. And new dangers lurk in the online world.

Too many children already carry burdens far beyond their years, earning income or caring for siblings. And famine and war have robbed thousands of the most basic right of all: The right to life.

Every child’s circumstances are unique. But every child has the same rights, no matter who they are or where they live.

This World Children’s Day, let us listen to children. And let us amplify their voices as they stand up for their rights. 

The future is defined by how we care for the next generation. We must unite to build a safe and equal world for every child.

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The climate crisis is deepening. 

Emissions are rising. 

Inequalities are widening. 

And promises are being broken.

Science is clear: a temporary overshoot above 1.5 degrees Celsius is now inevitable.

I share your dismay — but also your determination to make this overshoot as small and as short as possible. 

By fighting back. 

By holding leaders to account. 

And by demanding action. 

Bringing the world back below 1.5 degrees before the end of the century must start at COP30 — with a credible plan to close the ambition and justice gaps.

A plan to slash emissions this decade and phase out fossil fuels;

To reach global net zero emissions by 2050 and move swiftly onto an irreversible net-negative pathway;

To protect people on the frontlines of climate chaos;

And to deliver climate finance to the developing countries and communities that need it most.

But none of this is possible without you. 

For 20 years, young people have been a driving force of the climate process — its conscience and its courage. 

You’ve shown that change comes from boldness, not complacency. 

So keep demanding real, lasting results.

Make your voices heard — in the streets, in the courts, at the ballot box, and at the negotiating table.

Don’t take “no” for an answer. 

Because this fight is not only about climate — it is about justice, solidarity, and the right to live with dignity on a healthy planet.

Today, more than ever, we need your energy and leadership to keep the 1.5 degrees goal alive — for the world we need and the future you deserve.

The United Nations will always stand with you.

(Excerpts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on World Children’s Day on 18 November 2025 in New York, and to the 20th Conference of Youth on Climate Change on 8 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil.)