In Billund, children have always been on the agenda. First with bricks, then in politics. But first and foremost in the view of children. In young and old. In urban spaces and schools. In play and politics. It is in respect for children, their rights, and in equal child involvement that we pass on something precious to children - namely the experience of being valued, respected, and treated fairly. It is a child right for all children in the world.
For the past ten years, Billund has worked on the vision of the Capital of Children. The core value has always been respecting children. Today, respect for children is a central part of a large number of initiatives. Therefore, Billund is recognised as the first Child-Friendly City and Municipality in Denmark. Not by anyone. But by the world’s most respected international organisation in the field of children’s rights – the UN children’s organisation UNICEF.
In the spring of 2018, Billund Municipality took the first steps towards being recognised as a Child-Friendly City and Municipality by UNICEF Denmark. The project happened in a collaboration between Billund Municipality, the partnership Capital of Children, and the development organisation CoC Playful Minds. UNICEF gives the international award to cities and municipalities that make an extraordinary effort to protect and promote children's opportunities and rights.
On September 16 2020, Billund Municipality celebrated the recognition as the first child-friendly city and municipality in Denmark. As a child-friendly city and municipality, Billund Municipality has become part of a global UNICEF network of cities and municipalities from 40 countries, which will build a particularly great framework for a good childhood.