KETIK, MAGELANG – The Children's Forum of Magelang City, under the supervision of the Magelang City Department of Community Empowerment, Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning, and supported by UNICEF Indonesia, is organizing the World Children's Day 2026 celebration under the theme "My Day, My Rights, My Future." The event will take place from November 27 to 29, 2026, in Magelang City.
The World Children's Day 2026 celebration is open to children aged 12 to 17, whether they are enrolled in formal or non-formal education. Young people from Central Java, West Java, East Java, and Yogyakarta are welcome to apply.
Registration is completely free of charge. The organizers will provide accommodation, meals, and local transportation in Magelang. However, transportation to and from Magelang is not covered by the organizers.
To take part in the World Children's Day 2026 celebration, applicants must prepare several documents, including an essay (with answers and ideas for the essay questions), a CV or portfolio, a recommendation letter, and a parental or guardian consent form with their signature. The selection process will include application reviews, leaderless group discussion (LDG), and interviews. Registration will close on November 11, 2026.
The World Children's Day 2026 celebration will feature several connected activities, including talk shows with national and international figures, educational visits, the Kids Take Over Climate Conference, and networking sessions.
The event will also feature an international conference titled "Kids Take Over Climate Change Conference," which will focus on climate change and environmental sustainability from children's perspectives. The conference will provide a space for children to discuss climate change challenges, share their opinions and experiences, and exchange ideas.
Through a child-led participation approach, children are not only seen as beneficiaries but also as individuals who have knowledge, care about their surroundings, and can contribute to addressing these challenges.
The event aims to introduce children's rights as part of human rights. It also encourages children to express their opinions and ideas while inspiring them to develop their abilities, leadership skills, and global awareness.
In addition, the event aims to build young people's understanding of climate change and environmental sustainability. It also seeks to strengthen dialogue between generations by recognizing children as an important part of shaping the future.
The event is expected to serve as a discussion platform and an initial scoping study to gather children's and young people's perspectives, concerns, and expectations regarding climate change and environmental issues.
One of the expected outcomes is the development of the Youth Action Charter for Climate in Java, a youth-led charter that outlines actions to address climate issues across Java.
Another expected outcome is the establishment of a core group of young people who will receive capacity-building support to initiate and continue local actions on climate and environmental issues through mentoring and peer learning.
Through the World Children's Day 2026 celebration, children will not only participate as audiences but will also play an active role in sharing ideas and contributing to discussions on climate change and environmental issues. (*)
