Development Perspectives

🎈 When was the last time you played just for fun?

Observed annually on 11 June, the United Nations' International Day of Play celebrates the vital role that play has in the lives of children—and people of all ages. Play is more than entertainment; it is a fundamental part of learning, development, creativity, and wellbeing.

Through play, children build confidence, develop social and emotional skills, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and nurture their imagination. Play also supports mental health, physical activity, and meaningful connections with others.

The right to play is recognised in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

🎲 Take action today:
⚽ Make time for play and recreation
🎨 Encourage creative and inclusive play opportunities
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join children in play-based activities
🌍 Advocate for safe spaces where everyone can play, learn, and grow

Play is not a luxury—it is essential for healthy development and thriving communities.

💬 What was your favourite game or activity as a child, and why do you think play is important today?



Image by Life Lyric from Pixabay

🌟Meet the people behind Development Perspectives 🌟

Next in our staff introductions, we’re delighted to introduce Diego Carracedo.

Diego Carracedo is a MSCA – PhD fellow at Dublin City University in the School of Law and Government. He has a BSc in Public Administration and a MSc in Urban Management and Development. His research interests are around issues of mobility, migration, labour, and geography and has worked in his country, Peru, in Germany and in UN-Habitat. Beyond academic and professional interests, Diego’s passion was, is, and will be cycling. You can find him in quiet rural roads in Ireland discovering new places.

We’re delighted to have Diego’s knowledge, experience, and passion for inclusive development as part of the team.