This article examines the role of children in the modern era of globalization. The twentieth century sets the tone of viewing children as independent human beings, holding inherent and universal rights. Children are no longer viewed as immature beings in need of charity care, but rather ones with evolving capacities. Several important international movements are discussed : (1) The Convention on the Rights of the Child; (2) World Summit for Children; and (3) the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children. Trends in the current issues ranging over children as active citizens of the global world are provided, including poverty, violence, and climate change.