Puri: In celebration of World Children’s Day, UNICEF Odisha organized a captivating sand art exhibit in Puri on Wednesday, aligning with the 2024 theme, ‘Listen to the Future.’ The artwork, crafted by renowned sand artist Manas Sahoo, featured smiling children’s faces, symbolizing the importance of their voices in shaping the future.
Spanning 15 feet in width and standing 5 feet tall, the sand sculpture was created using 12 tons of sand over eight hours, capturing the attention of visitors and highlighting the day’s significance.
World Children’s Day, observed annually on November 20, commemorates the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. It serves as a global platform to spotlight issues affecting children and empower them to advocate for their rights.
“Children today face unprecedented challenges, including climate change, disruptive technology, and demographic shifts,” said William Hanlon Jr., Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Odisha. “This raises crucial questions about the kind of childhood we want to provide by 2050. Through this sand art, we aim to convey a positive message and reaffirm our commitment to the rights and well-being of every child.”
UNICEF’s World Children’s Day 2024 initiative invites children to envision their future and engage in meaningful dialogue with adults. By listening to their perspectives, the global community can collaborate to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and nurturing world for the next generation.