It was the former US president John F Kennedy who said, 'Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.' It feels crucial then, that we listen to what they have to say.
Every year, the children of Wales deliver a message to the world, asking those in positions of power to make changes to improve the state of the planet.
In 2025, the Peace and Goodwill Message, as the annual speech is titled, focuses on the topic of poverty, which affects children across Wales and countries around the world.
The yearly speech, which is an initiative unique to Wales and organised by the Urdd (Wales’ largest youth organisation), is delivered in a short film format, released to the world on the Urdd’s social media channels every May. The message is also presented in written form, and is translated into 50 languages, including Cornish, Nepali, Serbian and Thai.
This year’s message includes lines such as, ‘Everyone deserves to live in a community that soothes our tears’ and ‘We need to look after the young people who come after us’.
The 2025 edition of the Peace and Goodwill Message has gained extra significance as it will be the first to be released since the initiative received the patronage of the UK's National Commission for UNESCO – the first ever project in Wales to do so.
The message of goodwill has been sent on behalf of the children of Wales since 1922. It was first broadcast on BBC World Service in 1924 and continued to be released even during the Second World War.
Head over to the Urdd website to read or listen to this year’s Peace and Goodwill Message in full. You can also share and support the Peace and Goodwill Message on all social media platforms using #Heddwch2025.