UNICEF Marks Its 80th Anniversary in the Rhythm of Hope with a Humanitarian Concert at Lisinski

Zagreb, 25 June 2026 – This year, UNICEF, the world’s leading organization for children, marks 80 years of its work globally and in Croatia. To mark the occasion, a ceremonial humanitarian concert, “80 Years in the Rhythm of Hope”, will take place on 9 November 2026 at the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall. Tickets are available starting today.

UNICEF has been present in Croatia since its earliest days. Over the decades, it has contributed to the development of key public services and institutions for mothers and children, supported immunization programmes, helped advance the modern dairy industry in the country, and contributed to the establishment of today’s Children’s Hospital in Klaićeva Street. UNICEF has also supported the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children, the development of programmes to prevent violence in schools, foster care and inclusive education systems, as well as the establishment of the first human milk bank in Croatia. In addition, UNICEF continues to provide critical emergency assistance in times of crisis, including floods, earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside numerous programmes supporting children with disabilities.

“When UNICEF was founded, at one of the most unstable periods in modern history, few could have imagined that the world would still need UNICEF 80 years later. Unfortunately, despite significant achievements, the challenges children face around the world are growing and becoming more complex. This anniversary is therefore also a call to renew our commitment to children’s rights and to continue working together to build a future where every child is safe, protected and has an equal opportunity to thrive,” said Luisa Brumana, Representative of the UNICEF Office for Croatia.

The UNICEF humanitarian concert at Lisinski offers an additional opportunity to come together and show active support, as every ticket purchased is also a donation supporting UNICEF programmes for the most vulnerable children.

Accompanied by an outstanding orchestra led by producer Filip Gjud, the concert will feature performances by Antonela Doko, Sanja Doležal & Vladimir Kočiš Zec, Davor Gobac, Jakov Jozinović, Eni Jurišić, Zorica Kondža, Vesna Pisarović, Marko Tolja and Jasna Zlokić.

During this unique musical journey, Croatian music stars from different generations will perform their greatest hits, unforgettable duets, and timeless songs that continue to inspire and contribute to a better world - leaving a lasting legacy that resonates across generations.

Tickets are available at the Lisinski box office and via the following link.

The concert will be held under the high auspices of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, and the Mayor of the City of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomašević.

Eighty years of UNICEF is not only a milestone, it is a story of hope and of what societies can achieve when united around a common goal: a better life for every child. It is a story of continuity, resilience and a shared mission that continues today. More information about UNICEF’s work and programmes in Croatia is available at: www.unicef.org/croatia/