At a Save the Children learning center in East Ukraine, 8-year-old Mariia* shows off the "wish balloon" she made. She says, "This balloon turns dreams into reality. I dream that war will end and peace will be, and I will have a puppy."

John, even one child growing up surrounded by war is too many – but Mariia is one of 468 million children around the world living in a conflict zone.

Ukraine. Gaza. Sudan. Democratic Republic of Congo. Syria. Yemen. Tragically, the list goes on and on.

Conflict does not only affect a child’s physical safety; it also forces them out of school, disrupts access to food and clean water, leading to malnutrition and disease outbreaks, and leaves lasting trauma and emotional scars.

War compounds existing hardships, including the climate crisis, poverty and hunger.

The world’s children deserve better. We continue to fight for their rights – from advocating for the end of violence to helping them continue their education to providing mental health support to help them recover.

With your generous support, we work alongside children and communities to address not just conflict, but all urgent issues threatening children’s futures: inequality, poverty, the climate crisis and more. Thank you for all you do to make brighter futures possible.

Today, on International Day of Peace, please take a moment to learn more about our work to support children in crisis around the world.

As we work to protect children from harm, address poverty and hunger and create a more equal world, your partnership is so important, John.

Thank you,

Save the Children