For every child, results
UNICEF works for the rights of every child, every day, across the globe.
UNICEF was established in the aftermath of World War II to help children whose lives and futures were at risk – no matter what country they were from.
More than 75 years after UNICEF’s founding, the world faces a variety of momentous crises including armed conflict, the effects of climate change, economic downturn and the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. But through the decades UNICEF has remained undaunted and unwavering in its work for children.
Day-in and day-out, we work in some of the world’s toughest places to reach the children and young people who are most at risk and most in need. We work to save their lives. To protect their rights. To keep them safe from harm. To give them a childhood in which they’re protected, healthy and educated. To give them a fair chance to fulfil their potential.
We are UNICEF. We stand for every child, everywhere. And we never give up.
6 WAYS UNICEF GETS RESULTS
1. Local presence, global reach
UNICEF is active in more than 190 countries and territories. Our vast network of skilled and committed staff means we can take successful approaches from one place in the world and adapt them to meet challenges elsewhere, helping drive results for children and young people at a global scale.
356 million children under 5
reached with programmes to prevent malnutrition in 2022.
Over 28 million children
reached with learning materials in 2022.
2 billion people
gained access to safe drinking water in the last two decades.
“I regard UNICEF as my strongest support structure”
Livey, 31, has gone from being a left-to-die pregnant and HIV-positive teenager to becoming a fulfilled mother and an inspiring young mayor in Namibia. Her life tells a powerful story of courage and hope, in which UNICEF played a crucial role to help her not only survive, but also thrive.
2. Unlocking greater impact for children
As one of the world’s largest buyers of lifesaving supplies such as vaccines and ready-to-use therapeutic food, UNICEF has unique leverage with suppliers. Our expertise in anticipating demand, a strong knowledge of markets and ability to work with industry enables UNICEF to consider production and supply chain challenges, provide timely access to supplies and, most importantly, save more lives.
US$7.4 billion
in supplies and services procured for children in 2022.
First-ever malaria vaccine
supply secured in 2022 with the potential to save thousands of lives every year.
Nearly 978 million
COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered to 92 countries and territories in 2022.
“UNICEF gave me hope”
Juan Carlos was born during the Salvadoran Civil War. He lost all four limbs in a landmine accident at the age of 5. UNICEF provided him with support and rehabilitation services so he could grow up, graduate from law school, marry and pursue his passion of painting.
3. Emergency response and readiness
UNICEF is on the ground before, during and after humanitarian emergencies. Our global supply chain and local presence mean we can get help to where it's needed fast – we can ship lifesaving supplies almost anywhere in the world within 72 hours.
Just as important, UNICEF stays and delivers. How we respond in crises lays the foundation for long-term development, just as how we work in non-crisis situations helps communities to weather future shocks.
Nearly US$864 million worth of emergency supplies
procured and delivered to 140 countries in 2022.
Over 23 million people
reached with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in humanitarian situations in 2022.
Over 27 million children
vaccinated against measles in countries affected by humanitarian crises in 2022.
"UNICEF wanted us to be happy"
Salamatu Korsu, 10, experienced the horror of one of the worst health crises in recent history: the Ebola outbreak. Her neighbourhood in Sierra Leone recorded some of the first cases of Ebola infection in 2014. UNICEF supported the hospital where the young girl was treated and provided care after her discharge.
4. New solutions to old problems
Innovation is at the heart of UNICEF’s ability to achieve results for children and young people. Our global innovation centre helps scale up proven solutions, while a dedicated innovation fund provides financial resources to promising early-stage projects. The results? A new wave of technologies and products to help us reach the hardest-to-reach children and communities.
Over 100 million young people
in over 80 countries reached with skills and opportunities through Generation Unlimited.
Oxygen Plants-in-a-Box
the fastest product innovation in UNICEF’s history – delivered to 27 countries in 2022 to increase their oxygen production capacity.
Internet in every school
to connect every young person to information is the goal of an initiative by UNICEF and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
"I was able to stay healthy. I owe this to UNICEF"
Agamemnon Stefanatos was born in 1953, just after a massive earthquake had ravaged his native island in Greece, killing more than 1,000 people. He survived because of the timely arrival of milk and clothes for newborns that UNICEF had shipped as part of its relief efforts.
5. Powerful partnerships
Strong partnerships with governments, NGOs, civil society and the private sector make UNICEF’s work for children possible. In turn, our credibility, impartiality and record of achieving results make us a partner of choice.
Global brands – from Ikea and Lego to Microsoft – leverage their resources and drive innovation to help children and young people. Our exceptionally generous supporters make a difference through donating, volunteering and being advocates for children in their communities.
And of course, UNICEF’s ability to achieve results for every child depends on our most important partners – governments, which provide critical resources that enable us to reach children wherever they are.
Nearly US$1.5 billion in cash
transferred to partners at all levels for humanitarian response in 2022.
Over 2,800 businesses
successfully engaged to change business practices that affect children’s rights in 2022.
35 new play and learning hubs
to be created in Moldova and Romania to support Ukrainian refugee children thanks to support from the LEGO Foundation in 2022.
“Everything is going back to normal.”
Nine-year-old Tabarak and her family were forced to flee their home in Mosul, Iraq, when she was in kindergarten. Today she's back with her friends and attending a school that was rehabilitated with UNICEF’s support.
6. An influential voice for children
UNICEF is the world’s leading voice for – and with – children. Impartial and non-political, we are never silent about violations of children’s rights.
Our research and reports are a leading source of data and information on the situation of children and young people around the world for journalists, researchers, policy makers and advocates.
Our Goodwill Ambassadors help inspire people around the world to support the cause of children.
In all we do, we work to engage and empower young people to have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
27.5 million young people
in 92 countries can voice their opinions through U-Report, UNICEF's digital platform for youth engagement.
Nearly 11 million young volunteers
engaged in areas including climate action, pandemic response and emergency response in 2022.
Nearly 170 million digital supporters
helped make UNICEF one of the most followed and liked of international organizations in the world in 2022.*
*Ranking by Twiplomacy
