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27 January 2024, Hong Kong –– Climate crisis is affecting the lives and future of every child. With the generous support of China Resources Charitable Fund Limited (CRCF), Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) held its first mission of UNICEF HK's '7000 Days of Life' campaign - ‘Discover, for every child 2024 – Play for a livable planet’, today at Noah's Ark Hong Kong in Ma Wan, which encouraged Hong Kong children to actively participate in global climate action. Close to 1,000 children and parents participated in the event, with the goals of fostering empathy and raising awareness for children in need around the world.

Currently, over 1 billion children worldwide are under extremely high risk from the impact of climate crisis, facing imminent danger. UNICEF's Children's Climate Risk Index (CCRI) reveals that over 30% of children globally are experiencing the impacts of heatwaves and water shortages. The UNICEF Uprooted Report further states that over the past six years, a total of 43.1 million children worldwide have been displaced due to climate-related disasters, resulting in nearly 20,000 children losing their homes every day.

Ms Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, emphasized in her speech that climate change is no longer just a ‘problem’ but a ‘crisis’, and is a major threat to the rights and well-being of children worldwide. To address this global crisis and save our future generations, people from all over the world must unite together and take immediate action. The first step towards this goal is to help the public understand the urgency of the issue, hence the “7000 Days of Life” campaign.

Mr Lan Yi, Vice General Manager, China Resources Group and Director of China Resources Charitable Fund Limited stated in his speech that CRCF has always focused on addressing the issues of education, employment, entrepreneurship, and promoting the development of livelihood projects in Hong Kong. “We are delighted to be the principal sponsor of this event, which encourages parents and children to explore, learn, and experience together, raising awareness of environmental conservation and sustainable development.” Through this meaningful event, we hope that everyone can work together to unleash the unlimited potential of children, achieve their dreams, and contribute to the development of society.

Children developed climate resilience

In an activity at the event, children took a moment to write heartfelt letters to their future-selves. They documented their feelings on the impact of climate change and made pledges to actively support climate action for a livable planet. These letters will serve as a reminder of their commitment when they receive them months later, reinforcing their dedication to safeguarding our precious planet.

Another engaging activity took children on a creative journey to design and draw life-saving vaccines for those in need around the world. As participants’ artwork came to life on a giant digital screen, they experienced first-hand how vaccines can be delivered and contribute to providing vital protection shields against diseases exacerbated by climate change.

Through an array of activities, participants became a climate action pioneer and learned how they could support climate action with their own influence. They also gained a deeper understanding of climate crisis and humanitarian emergency relief efforts undertaken by UNICEF around the world.

Now that the first mission is successfully completed, UNICEF HK is even more confident in gathering support for the “7000 Days of Life” campaign. Stay tuned for our upcoming missions to raise awareness and build resilience for both climate crisis and mental well-being through the lenses of children and youth. Join us as we make Hong Kong more child friendly!

Mr. Cui Feng, Inspectors at Level 2, Department of Youth Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong S.A.R. (sixth from the left), Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (fifth from the left) and Mr. Lan Yi, Vice General Manager of China Resources Group and Director of China Resources Charitable Fund Limited (fourth from the left) officiated the opening ceremony and took a photo together with two Climate Action Pioneers and other guests.  ©UNICEFHK/2024

Judy Chen, Chairman of Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF, stated in her speech that climate change is no longer just a "problem" but a "crisis", which is threatening the rights and well-being of children globally.  ©UNICEFHK/2024

Lan Yi, Vice General Manager of China Resources Group and Director of China Resources Charitable Fund Limited is giving a speech. ©UNICEFHK/2024

Two children at the opening ceremony expressed their commitment to participate in climate actions, including conserving electricity and making efficient use of water resources.  ©UNICEFHK/2024