From the first International Children's Games in June 1968 in Celje, Slovenia, to the first winter games to be hosted outside of Europe in Kelowna 2011, there has been a single purpose: to promote peace and understanding between peoples. Youth from all over the world, in the context of a sports event dedicated to them, are called to meet each other and become friends, representing their countries and cultivating feelings of friendship and solidarity.

The International Children's Games were created to transmit messages of friendship and peace to the whole world. As well as the values of sport and of the Olympic spirit, the International Children's Games are the carriers of important principles and dreams, such as: fair play; equality; respecting and accepting differences; friendship; fun and games; understanding; competition; the value of effort; knowledge via experience; participation, collaboration and team spirit; creativity; trust; contribution; and volunteering.

The ICG organizing committee is composed of 7 executive committee members and 12 committee members.