Award-winning social entrepreneur calls on UK Government to recognise Children's Day.

Nikki Sharpe, the award-winning founder and CEO of Sheffield-based social enterprise Youth Can Achieve, called today on David Cameron for the UK to officially celebrate a national Children's Day.

In 1954 the United Nations declared the 20th November each year to be a day when children all across the world, internationally, were profiled, recognised and celebrated. Although a large proportion of Countries recognise Children's Day and some even have a National Holiday, in the UK we still do not celebrate the day.

A national children's day would celebrate and value our children and young people. It would showcase the work that young people do in society, in their communities, as carers, and as our country's future; and it would remember children who lose their lives due to neglect and abuse.

Nikki said: "The opportunities and experiences we have as children can define our future. A child exposed to no ambition and no expectation of achievement, a child growing up in poverty, or a child in an abusive family: their initial life experiences can turn into life sentences. For their benefit and for the good of society - I want to show these young people they can achieve, they can work, they can succeed, they can make a positive contribution to society. That's why I set up Youth Can Achieve. And that's why want the UK to recognise Children's Day. Let's make a difference for children in the UK, and make the 20th November each year a special day for CHILDREN!"

1.6 million UK children (12 per cent) were in absolute poverty in 2008/09 and 1.9 million children live in workless households in the UK.

Children's Day will demonstrate the United Kingdom's commitment to reducing child poverty and raising life aspirations.