What Children Want: Letters of Hope
UNICEF asked children from around the world to write letters describing the kind of world they want to see by the year 2050. Responses poured in.
Dear adults: Listen to the future
The letters came from all corners of the globe — from Haiti to Ukraine, Venezuela to the Gaza Strip — expressing heartfelt wishes to be safe, healthy and educated, and shielded from war and climate hazards.
The letters were part of a UNICEF campaign to bring more attention to what children want to see for the future of the world — their future. In them, children reflect on their rights and share their priorities and dreams. Common themes emerged.
Polina, 15, writing from Okhtyrka, Ukraine: "I want a world where there is no war."
I want a world where there is no war. — Polina, 15, Ukraine
A world of peace, a tomorrow without tears
"In the world I want, school is a gentle refuge; a kind of cocoon where children learn and grow; a place where every little dream becomes a big one," writes Andréa, 17, of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. "A world of peace, where conflict is extinguished, where we know how to love. A world where peace shines, sweet and comforting. I'd like to see anger transformed into dialogue."
Andréa continues: "Imagine a tomorrow without cries or tears, where every child plays without weapons. A united future where every child has his or her place, a circle of happiness, a gentle embrace."
A wish for clean streets and rivers that run clear
Steven, 10, of Oysterbay, Tanzania, writes: "Pollution is everywhere — in the water we drink, the streets we walk, and even in the air we breathe. We deserve better! ... I dream of a future where our streets are clean, our rivers run crystal clear, and pollution is something we only learn about in history books.
"And we don’t have to wait until 2050!" Steven adds. "We can start now by not throwing trash in our rivers, seas, or on our streets. This is my future. Are you listening?"
This is my future. Are you listening? — Steven, 10, Tanzania
UNICEF shared these and other letters in advance of the release of its flagship State of the World's Children 2024 report with a simple message:
"Across countries, across languages, children are calling out for peace, for safe and healthy environments, for love and care. We cannot let them down."
Amplifying youth voices: a UNICEF priority
UNICEF works in a number of ways all around the world to promote and safeguard child rights by helping to prevent and respond to violence and abuse and put an end to harmful practices like child labor and child marriage, through inclusive education and other programs that support children with disabilities, and by creating platforms for engaging youth and amplifying their voices around issues that directly impact their lives.
Learn more about what UNICEF does to ensure respect for children.
HOW TO HELP
There are many ways to make a difference
War, famine, poverty, natural disasters — threats to the world's children keep coming. But UNICEF won't stop working to keep children healthy and safe.
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories — more places than any other children's organization. UNICEF has the world's largest humanitarian warehouse and, when disaster strikes, can get supplies almost anywhere within 72 hours. Constantly innovating, always advocating for a better world for children, UNICEF works to ensure that every child can grow up healthy, educated, protected and respected.
Would you like to help give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential? There are many ways to get involved.
