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UNICEF Innocenti Loggia 'goes blue' to celebrate World Children's Day 2021

WCD 2021

UNICEF Innocenti's Director, Gunilla Olsson, joined partners from the City of Florence, Region of Tuscany, Istituto degli Innocenti and members of the public for the inauguration of the blue light ceremony to mark World Children’s Day 2021.

(20 November 2021 - Florence) The loggia of UNICEF Innocenti joined the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Petra, the bridge at Victoria Falls, and Chichen Itza, in 'going blue' to mark World Children’s Day.

First established in 1954, World Children’s Day celebrates its 67th year unifying countries and communities across the globe in their commitment to uphold and safeguard children’s rights and to improve children’s welfare.

Seeing the 600-year old façade of UNICEF Innocenti, first established to house and care for Florence’s orphans and abandoned children, bathed in blue light is a reminder of the the city’s unrelenting commitment to the care of the most vulnerable children.

In attendance at the lighting ceremony of the Instituto degli Innocenti were Gunilla Olsson, Director of UNICEF  Innocenti; the President of the Tuscan region, Eugenio Gianni; Head of the Florence Municipality Welfare Division, Sara Funaro; the President of the Insituto degli Innocenti, Maria Grazia Giuffrida as well as the General Director of the Instituto Sabrina Breschi, and Manuela Gniuli, the Director General of Firenze Smart.

As countries, communities, and families struggle financially and emotionally with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in countries with limited access to life-saving vaccines,  World Children's Day serves as a reminder to listen to and amplify the voices of children and young people.