Next week children around the globe will come together to celebrate International Children’s Week, a time dedicated to honouring the rights, well-being, and voice of children everywhere.

To begin the activities, Te Tango Akarangatia Ora’anga/Ministry of Internal Affairs (INTAFF) is inviting everyone to a special morning prayer at 6:30am Monday 18 November for our children at the Constitution Park that will be led by community pastors.

Light refreshments will be provided for parents and children before heading to school, work or home.

, INTAFF secretary Anne Herman said, “We are excited to host two key events next week that highlights the importance of our children’s well-being.

“This special week is dedicated to promoting health, creativity, community, and engaged parenting, all centred around celebrating and honouring our children of the Cook Islands.”

World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children's Day and is celebrated on  November 20 each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare. It is also the date in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

On Wednesday  November20, children and families are invited to attend the World Children’s Day celebrations at the National Auditorium at 5pm dressed in playful headpieces and vibrant outfits.

Te Pito Manava o te Anau Cook Islands National Policy for Children 2025 to 2030 will be officially launched at this family fun and fitness event on Wednesday.

Exciting activities such as bouncy castles, fitness activities, food stalls, dance and music will be featured at the event and spot prizes and awards will be presented.

An award ceremony will also be held for the participants of ‘The Stop, Block & Tell Campaign’.

This campaign is aligned with this year’s ‘International Youth Day theme ‘Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development’ that was facilitated by INTAFF in collaboration with local schools.

On behalf of Minister Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown, Herman acknowledged the sponsors, partners, schools and the community for their support. The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with INTAFF to host the children’s week celebrations.