General Statement
Who We Are
IPA is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1961. It provides a forum for exchange and action across disciplines and across sectors.
IPA’s purpose is to protect, preserve and promote the child’s right to play as a fundamental human right.
IPA has a small administrative Board of Trustees, and a Council of national representatives from countries where branches have been formed.
All work as volunteers.
Article 31 — UN Convention on the Rights of the Child "That every child has the right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts."
Member Activities
IPA member groups initiate a wide variety of projects including seminars, conferences, research, publications, playground design, playwork training, Play Days, and collaboration with children's rights organisations.
Leadership
Board of Trustees
2023-2026
Trustee
Sudeshna Chatterjee
India
Trustee
Tam Baillie
Scotland
Trustee
Mike Greenaway
Wales
Trustee
Victor Koong
Hog Kong, China
Trustee
Krister Svensson
Sweden
World Council
IPA World Council ( Made up of countries with more than 10 members)
Australia
Brazil
Canada
England
Germany
Hong Kong China
India
Japan
New Zealand
Nigeria
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Portugal
Scotland
Sweden
Taiwan
Thailand
Ukraine
USA
Wales
Global Reach
Where our IPA Members are located ( as at October 2026)
International Recognition
IPA and the United Nations
We are recognised by ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council), and UNICEF, and work in agreement with their principles.
Human Rights Focus
Our focus on human rights, specifically the Child's Right to Play as stated in the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child, and now embodied in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Global Solidarity
Our organisation unites advocates of play, from more than 50 countries from across the world.
IPA and the General Comment No 17
IPA World worked with the UN in the development of a General Comment on Article 31.
UN Day of Play- June 11
IPA World was a member of a global consortium of organisations that successfully lobbied for a UN Day of Play.