UNICEF (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – International Organization)

Context: The Urban Youth Unit at NIUA and YuWaah - UNICEF have come into a partnership to solidify their commitment to empowering young people for urban governance.

United Nations Children's Fund

• About: It is an agency of the United Nations responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.
• Foundation: 1946
• Origin: It initially addressed emergency needs in post-war Europe and China, expanding its mandate in 1950 to address long-term needs worldwide.
• Formerly known as: The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund
• Holistic Child Development: UNICEF not only provides humanitarian aid to save children's lives but also works towards defending their rights and ensuring their holistic development from childhood through adolescence.
• Objective: To remove discrimination and provide every child with an equal opportunity to grow to their full potential, addressing global issues such as lack of food, education, health, and sanitation.
• Contributions: UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary contributions from governments and private donors to fund its initiatives and activities.
• Governance: Governed by a 36-member executive board, UNICEF establishes policies, approves programs, and oversees administrative and financial plans. Board members are elected by the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Functions

• It collaborates with governments and nonprofits to develop sustainable solutions to global issues affecting children.
• UNICEF actively works to create a protective environment for children by involving all stakeholders in its initiatives.
• UNICEF advocates for measures to provide proper care to children at a young age, ensuring they have a strong foundation in life.
• UNICEF promotes girls' education, recognizing its role in shaping better thinkers, citizens, and parents for future generations.