In brief
More than five thousand runners and families converged on Cambodia’s Angkor Park on Sunday for a World Children’s Day event that combined 3‑km and 10‑km fun runs with workshops on climate action and mental health. UNICEF representative Maha Damaj urged protection of children’s rights worldwide, while local runners Mao Bilita and Kun Sokhea encouraged youth to study hard and seek community support.
On Sunday, over 5,000 participants gathered at the historic Bakong Temple in Angkor Archaeological Park, northwestern Cambodia, for a celebratory fun run marking World Children’s Day. The event featured 3‑km and 10‑km routes and educational sessions on children’s rights, climate action, online safety, inclusion, mental health, healthy lifestyles, and civic engagement.
UNICEF’s Maha Damaj, the United Nations Children’s Fund representative to Cambodia, emphasized that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. "Whether they live in a city, a floating community on the Tonle Sap Lake, or a village recovering from crisis, children must be at the center of our decisions and investments," she said. Damaj warned that global economic shocks, the climate crisis, online sexual exploitation and abuse, and growing mental‑health challenges threaten progress made for children over recent decades, calling on communities to create safe, healthy environments that foster creativity and protect children’s rights under all circumstances.
Participants also shared messages of encouragement for the next generation. 23‑year‑old runner Mao Bilita noted that the event "successfully blended health advocacy with a joyful atmosphere." She urged youth to study hard for their futures:
"I am thrilled to see children coming together at this fun run to promote children's rights," she told Xinhua. "My message to children around the world is that there will always be people who listen to you, seek to understand you, and support you."
Equal‑aged runner Kun Sokhea echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need to honor children’s rights:
"To all Cambodian children, my message to you is: study hard, and always listen to the advice of your parents and teachers," she said.
The runs were joined by children, families, government representatives, development partners, artists, and local influencers, all advocating for active youth participation and the protection of children’s rights. The educational sessions took place on the temple grounds, with experts delivering talks on climate action, online safety, inclusion, mental health, healthy lifestyles, and civic engagement. Audience members were encouraged to engage with the material and consider how to support children in their communities.
Models of community support were highlighted by the event’s atmosphere, which blended spirited running with serious conversations about children’s welfare. Attendees of all ages ran along the paths surrounding Bakong Temple, passed through interactive stations featuring information on climate change impacts on children, and listened to speakers outlining strategies for ensuring children’s safety online. The event’s inclusive approach aimed to demonstrate how education and active participation could coexist with celebration, creating a template for future World Children’s Day activities across the region.
As the fun run concluded, participants celebrated their shared commitment to children’s rights, and organizers announced plans to continue building collaborative platforms that empower children and youth across Cambodia, ensuring they thrive in safe, creative, and supportive environments for years to come.
