Civil society partnerships

About Partnerships

© UNICEF/HQ03-0105/Noorani

Afghan Minister of Public Health Dr. Sohaila Siddiqi cuts a ribbon to mark the opening of a salt iodization plant. Also at the ceremony are (left) the UNICEF Representative and (centre) the Japanese Ambassador.

Working together for a World Fit for Children:  UNICEF and civil society

The challenges facing children exceed the capacity of any single organization – by far. Building a world that is fit for children requires the partnership of every government, every individual and every organization sharing the values of the United Nations (UN) and a respect for children's rights. This includes eminent and ordinary individuals, civil society organizations, voluntary agencies, philanthropic foundations, trade unions, faith-based organizations, academic and research institutions -- and, of course, children and young people themselves.

Strategy for shared success

‘Partnerships for shared success’ is one of UNICEF’s strategies for implementing the World Fit For Children plan of action, a rigorous plan for promoting healthy lives, providing quality basic education, combating HIV/AIDS and protecting children from abuse, exploitation and violence that was agreed to at the UN Special Session on Children in May 2002. Collaboration with energetic and diverse networks of non-governmental institutions at global, regional, national and community level has long been a hallmark of UNICEF’s work. It has also been a source of UNICEF’s strength, as the wide and diverse network of our partners multiplies the impact of our efforts.

UNICEF, as a UN organization, is the only inter-governmental agency devoted exclusively to children, mandated by the world’s governments to promote and protect children’s rights and their well being.  Civil society organizations, including international non-governmental organization (NGO) partners, are closely involved in UNICEF’s work in 190 countries where UNICEF is active. NGOs are also consulted at headquarters in the formulation of policy.

Currently, UNICEF has formal agreements with hundreds of NGOs and individual leaders in 160 countries around the world, ranging from large networks such as the Save the Children Alliance to village water committees.

Leadership for and with children

With advances in communication technology, there are many new opportunities for involving an increasingly wide range of not-for-profit organizations and movements in the Global Movement for Children, a collective worldwide force – for and with children – devoted to creating a world fit for children.  UNICEF and NGOs are able to share data and lessons learned in promoting respect for children's rights to health, education, equality and protection.

Today more than ever, action for children is being influenced by civil society organizations and movements. UNICEF recognizes the importance of NGO activism for children and places great emphasis on such partnerships in helping to create a world fit for children.