Overview

© UNICEF-Thailand/2005/Mohan

Fundraising

Thailand is one of a handful of developing countries to raise funds locally for UNICEF programmes. Since 1996, we have raised more than US$14 million within the country and all these funds have been used to support programmes for children in Thailand. The vast majority of our donors are private individuals who know that every little bit counts. But we have also received major contributions from Thai and international companies based here, as well as from civic organizations.

Another way we raise money locally is through the sale of greeting cards and other products from UNICEF Gift Shops located at the UNICEF Office on Phra Atit Road and on the third floor of Siam Paragon (B-trend section). In 2003, we introduced locally made “sa” paper from the Mae Fah Luang project, and this is now offered for sale worldwide. In addition, several Thai artists have allowed their work to be used without charge for UNICEF greeting cards and calendars.

A number of governments in higher-income countries support UNICEF programmes in Thailand. We have received donations from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), the Government of Japan, the Italian Government, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the US Center for Disease Control.

In industrialized countries, UNICEF has National Committees that advocate on behalf of children and raise funds for our programmes. Thailand has been supported by the UNICEF National Committees in Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the USA.

Partnerships

Private sector development is not only about fundraising. Businesses are powerful and influential partners in advocating for child rights. For example, we are supported by MTV, which runs awareness-raising campaigns has held yearly World AIDS Day concerts in conjunction with UNICEF.

The private sector also has a huge effect on children’s lives through its business practices. At one end of the spectrum, this involves applying minimum standards of ethical behaviour, such as not employing child labour. At the other, businesses can offer life-changing opportunities by taking part in schemes like UNICEF’s Youth Career Development Programme, which offers training and employment with major companies for disadvantaged girls at risk of commercial sexual exploitation.