In brief
On November 8, 2026, more than 5,000 participants raced along 3‑kilometre and 10‑kilometre routes in Cambodia’s Angkor Park amid educational sessions that explored climate action, online safety, inclusion, mental health, healthy lifestyles and civic engagement. UNICEF’s Maha Damaj highlighted how economic shocks and the climate crisis threaten children’s progress, calling for safe spaces that honour their rights. Runners Mao Bilita and Kun Sokhea urged young people worldwide to study hard while being supported by parents and teachers.
More than 5,000 people gathered at the sprawling Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap on Sunday to celebrate World Children’s Day with a spirited fun run. The historic Bakong Temple was surrounded by a crowd of children, families, government representatives, development partners, artists, and local influencers who were ready to run a 3‑kilometre and a 10‑kilometre route while learning about climate action, online safety, inclusion, mental health, healthy lifestyles, and civic engagement.
The day’s programme was anchored by a series of educational sessions that addressed the most pressing threats to children’s well‑being. Sessions on climate action warned that the growing intensity of weather extremes and environmental loss is a direct risk to the future of children. Workshops on online safety highlighted the privacy and security challenges children face in the digital age. Discussions on inclusion, mental health, healthy lifestyles and civic engagement sought to build resilience and empowerment for young people across the country.
UNICEF representative Maha Damaj articulated the central role of children in the global conversation. She said 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,” Damaj said, calling on communities to ensure safe, healthy environments that foster creativity and protect their rights under all circumstances. She warned that economic shocks, the climate crisis, online sexual exploitation and abuse, and growing mental health challenges all threaten the hard‑won progress previously made for children.
In addition to the speeches, participants ran and walked the routes while listening to motivational messages. 23‑year‑old runner Mao Bilita praised the event for blending health advocacy with a joyful atmosphere. “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.”
24‑year‑old runner Kun Sokhea encouraged Cambodian children to value learning and community support. “To all Cambodian children, my message to you is: study hard, and always listen to the advice of your parents and teachers,” she said. Her words echoed Damaj’s call for a safety net that empowers children to pursue education and a healthier future.
The event’s music, colourful flags and the scent of tropical flora created a lively backdrop that mirrored the celebratory spirit of children’s rights. Supportive volunteers guided the participants through the 3‑kilometre and 10‑kilometre routes, ensuring every child could take advantage of the engaging learning sessions.
Of note, the event’s educational focus confirmed the interconnectedness of children’s health and environmental sustainability. By addressing climate action together with children’s rights, the organisers highlighted how safeguarding the planet is essential for protecting the next generation’s safety, livelihoods and well‑being.
Government officials joined children and families along the running lanes to underscore national commitments to children’s welfare. Their presence reinforced that classrooms and community outreach programs played an integral part in promoting environmental literacy and encouraging active participation from the youngest citizens.
Overall, the Angkor Park fun run offered a platform in which children, caregivers and development partners could share a common goal: protect children’s rights, encourage healthy living, and foster an environment conducive to growth, creativity and civic responsibility. The 2026 event concluded with renewed commitment from all involved to continue both education and action on climate and children's justice.
As the day wrapped up, the collective thanks from participants echoed across the park, leaving a lasting impression that children’s future—and the planet’s future—are intertwined and need continued support from all sectors of society.
