UNICEF Italy and Foundation Milano Cortina 2026 launches the March for Rights: "Rights on the pitch, sport and play in freedom."

Milano is preparing to welcome hundreds of children and adolescents for a major initiative dedicated to World Children's Day. The March for Children's Rights returns on November 20th. Milano, this year organized within the framework of the Education Gen26 Program of the Foundation Milano Cortina 2026 and characterized by the motto "Rights on the field, sport and play in freedom".

An event to celebrate and defend the rights of young people

The procession began yesterday, November 18, 2025, anticipating the international celebrations on November 20. Starting at 9:30 a.m., in Piazza XXV Aprile, students from Milan and the surrounding province marched through the main streets of the city center to remember the universal value of their rights, particularly the right to play, a fundamental element in the psychological and social development of children.

Nicola Graziano, President of UNICEF Italy, highlighted the importance of the initiative: On November 20th, we will be alongside children and adolescents to reaffirm the centrality of their rights. We have decided to dedicate this edition to the Right to Play, a tool through which young people discover the world, build relationships, and develop their own identities. I thank the Foundation Milano Cortina 2026, with which we signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote inclusion and education through Olympic values. Games and sport represent fundamental pillars of growth.”

Milano Cortina 2026: Sport and rights for a lasting social legacy

Also the Foundation Milano Curtain 2026 underlines the strong connection between sport, education and inclusion.

Diana Bianchedi, Chief Strategy Planning & Legacy Officer, said: "The March for Rights fully reflects the educational mission of the Gen26 program. We believe that sport and play are essential for more inclusive and resilient communities. Thanks to our collaboration with UNICEF Italy, we can transform Olympic and Paralympic values ​​into concrete initiatives, leaving a legacy that will continue well beyond 2026. We want the Games to be remembered not only for the competitions, but for having helped create spaces of freedom, participation, and growth for children and adolescents."

An educational kit to deepen the right to play

To prepare schools for the March, UNICEF Italy has distributed an educational kit dedicated to the Right to Play, recognized from Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Differentiated materials for each age group allowed teachers and students to explore the pedagogical and social value of free play and sport in the development of every boy and girl.