June 11, 2026 – The Power of Play: A Global Data Story highlights the critical role of play in young children’s learning, development, and wellbeing while revealing significant global disparities in access to play opportunities. Drawing on data from nearly 100 countries, the resource shows that millions of children lack opportunities to play with caregivers or access play materials, with inequalities linked to factors such as income, education, and location. It calls for greater investment in supporting families with the time, information, safe spaces, and resources needed to make play a part of everyday life.