21/11/2025
Children and young people from across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area have marked World Children’s Day (20 November 2025) with a special event at the Foyle Arena to celebrate their region’s recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly Community.
This is the first Council area in Ireland and only the second in the UK to receive the status.
The event marks the culmination of a seven-year journey that Western Trust staff have been on with partner organisations Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Western Trust, the Education Authority Youth Service, and the Youth Justice Agency that has placed children’s rights at the heart of local decision-making in Derry and Strabane.
The event was filled with music, performances, and fun activities designed by and for young people, reflecting the inclusive and empowering spirit of the Child Friendly Communities initiative and in attendance were along with representatives from the awarding body UNICEF UK.
Dr Tom Cassidy, Director of Children and Families at the Western Trust, said: “This event demonstrated exactly why this recognition matters, it’s about young people being seen, heard, and celebrated.
“I want to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to each of our social care staff. Achieving this award, alongside our partners after more than seven years of dedication, persistence and belief is an extraordinary milestone. It is a testament not only to your professionalism and compassion but to your unwavering commitment to putting children and young people at the forefront of everything we do, ensuring they are seen, heard, and celebrated.
“This achievement did not happen overnight. It reflects countless hours of hard work and resilience. You have continually raised standards, supported one another and demonstrated what high-quality social care truly looks like.
“I want to end by saying that I am immensely proud of the wider team and to all the partners who put their heart in to this accomplishment and most importantly to all the children and young people who have been on this important journey – this is your time to celebrate!
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said it was a fitting celebration of what has been a collective effort by the entire community.
“Today’s celebration is all about our young people,” he said. “Their voices, ideas, and energy have driven this journey from the very beginning.
“It’s a moment of pride not just for the Council and our partners, but for every child and young person in the City and District who helped make this recognition possible.
“Together, we are building a region where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to shape the future of their communities.”
UNICEF UK’s Programme Director for Child Friendly Cities and Communities, Naomi Danquah, praised the event as a powerful reflection of Derry and Strabane’s child rights commitment.
“It was inspiring to see children and young people leading the celebrations and showcasing the change they have helped bring about.
“Derry and Strabane’s recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly Community is built on genuine partnership and participation, and today’s event perfectly captured that spirit.”
Representatives from the four local partner organisations also attended, highlighting the collaboration and commitment that have underpinned the journey.
Michael Hogg, Strategic Services Manager with the Education Authority Youth Service, added:
“Seeing so many young people take part in this celebration reinforces what we’ve achieved together — a genuine partnership that puts their voices first. It was a joyful reminder of what child-friendly communities can look and feel like.”
The Child Friendly Communities recognition signifies that UNICEF publicly acknowledges the significant and sustainable steps a local area has taken to advance the human rights of children and young people in their city and communities.
For full details on Derry and Strabane’s Journey towards becoming a UNICEF Child Friendly Community including the Annual Report for 2024/25 visit derrystrabane.com/unicef.