Mattel & COFACE Families Europe to Host Webinar on International Day of Play

May 16, 2025 | In celebration of the second annual United Nations International Day of Play, Mattel and the Confederation of Family Organizations in the European Union (COFACE Families Europe), an organization that advocates for strong social policies for family needs, are teaming up to host a free global webinar on June 11 at 4 p.m. Central European Time (10 a.m. Eastern).

“The Serious Issue of Play: How to Foster Connections and Well-Being in an Increasingly Fragmented World” will explore how play — recognized as a universal right under Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child — can help future generations of kids and families rebuild connections and restore happiness. The webinar is open to stakeholders from the United Nations, European institutions, national decision-makers, civil society, and industry.

Speakers include Marie-Cécile Rouillon, European Commission coordinator on the Rights of the Child, Bertrand Bainvel, representative to EU Institutions at UNICEF, Willy Bergogné, director of Save the Children EU, and Chris Down, chief design officer at Mattel. Elizabeth Gosme, director at COFACE Families Europe, will moderate the panel discussion.

Registration is now open. Click here for more information on the session.

International Day of Play on June 11 creates a unifying moment at global, national, and local levels to elevate the importance of play as central to children’s learning and well-being — ensuring time to play, space to play, and support for quality play is prioritized. The international awareness day calls for policies, training, and funding to integrate play into education and community settings worldwide. Click here for more informational about the International Day of Play.