UNICEF 80th anniversary: Music and solidarity

Zagreb, 10 November 2026 – A full house at the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, performances by some of Croatia’s best-known musicians and strong support from the audience marked UNICEF’s humanitarian gala concert “80 Years to the Rhythm of Hope”. With this special evening of music, UNICEF Croatia celebrated eight decades of working for children’s rights and well-being, while highlighting the difference that solidarity and collective action can make in children’s lives.

The audience was taken on a musical journey through eight decades by Matija Cvek, Antonela Doko, Sanja Doležal, Vladimir Kočiš Zec, Davor Gobac, Jakov Jozinović, Eni Jurišić, Zorica Kondža, Vesna Pisarović, Marko Tolja and Jasna Zlokić, joined by young musicians and The Voice Kids contestants Niko Huljev Žuvan, Tia Paola Pervanić, Leonardo Radoš i Sara Zeba. The orchestra was conducted by Filip Gjud. All performers donated their time and talent in support of UNICEF’s work for children.

The audience joined the performers in singing some of their greatest hits, while ABBA’s Chiquitita held a special place in the programme. Since 1979, royalties from the song have been donated to UNICEF.

UNICEF in Croatia: From the children’s hospital in Klaićeva to the Human Milk Bank

UNICEF has been present in Croatia since the organisation was founded. Among its most important achievements in recent years are support for establishing the Human Milk Bank, which helps save the lives of premature and seriously ill babies, and equipping seven sensory rooms for children with disabilities in communities where this type of therapeutic support had not previously been available. UNICEF also provided humanitarian assistance to children and families following the devastating earthquakes that struck Croatia.

UNICEF’s history in Croatia also includes support for the establishment of what is today the Children’s Hospital Zagreb in Klaićeva Street, as well as a contribution to the development of Croatia’s modern dairy industry, helping to provide free milk to children in schools and other institutions after the Second World War. As the needs of children have changed over the decades, UNICEF’s work has evolved with them, while remaining firmly rooted in its commitment to protect children and respond when they need support most.

“These and many other achievements for children have become a reality thanks to our donors. I would like to thank all individuals, companies and institutions that support the delivery of our programmes for children. This humanitarian concert, and everything we do, is a story of hope and solidarity that has continued for 80 years. It is also a story of shared responsibility, because creating better opportunities for every child begins with the decisions we make and the support we give children today,” said Luisa Brumana, Representative of UNICEF Office for Croatia.

The evening of music and solidarity at Lisinski ended with a powerful message of unity and hope, and a reminder that only by working together can we continue to build a world in which every child has an equal opportunity to thrive. 

UNICEF’s humanitarian gala concert, “80 Years to the Rhythm of Hope”, was held under the High Patronage of the President of the Republic of Croatia, the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the City of Zagreb, with sponsorship support from A1, Electrolux, Hrvatski Telekom, Telemach, Auto Hrvatska, Ericsson Nikola Tesla and VMD Group. Promotional support for the event was provided by B1 Media, Allmarket Media, Horus and HDS ZAMP.