UNICEF Policy on Environmental and Social Standards in Programming (ESS)
Upholding environmental and social standards through effective risk management and stakeholder engagement.
About
The Policy sets out UNICEF’s commitment to upholding Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) across all UNICEF programming to advance children’s rights and the achievement of the SDGs. It defines the principles, accountabilities and responsibilities to ensure effective Environmental and Social Risk Management and Programme Stakeholder engagement. It informs all UNICEF programming processes and serves as an integral component of quality assurance and broader enterprise risk management.
The Policy institutionalizes eight Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) that support UNICEF in preventing and managing environmental and social risks and impacts, while promoting good practices in environmental and social sustainability.
It goes beyond a ‘Do No Harm’ approach by embracing a ‘Do More Good’ approach – leveraging Environmental and Social Standards to enhance programme effectiveness, maximize positive impacts, promote sustainable development, and advance children’s rights.
It complements the UNICEF Policy on Safeguarding.
