“I have always had to behave ‘like a girl’ and I am not used to being asked for my opinion, but you ask me to say what I think during these workshops.”   A 13-year-old girl from Syria describes the impact of empowerment workshops in Serbia  Boy is drawing a picture. UNICEF-supported activities for children on the island of Lesvos, Greece The ‘RM…, In Bosnia and Herzegovina, , information workshops have been tailored to the needs of different groups of children, including those who are unaccompanied and separated. Topics over the past year have included personal and oral hygiene, drug and alcohol use and its impact on health, the importance of immunization, early childhood development, medical…, In Bulgaria, , the initiative has supported group sessions that have exceeded their targets, with 99 sessions held for refugee children and mothers – more than three times the 28 sessions envisaged. There were more than twice as many information sessions on gender-based violence as originally planned: 107 rather than 48. In all, 600 refugee and migrant…, In Greece, , support from the initiative has enabled UNICEF and its partners to equip refugee and migrant children with information on health risks, entitlements and services through its non-formal education programme in urban areas and on the islands. In the first full year of the initiative, 1,796 children and 464 parents have received crucial information…, In Italy, , there has been an emphasis on peer-to-peer health literacy over the past year. Young refugees and migrants have shared critical health messages through, for example, the U-Report on the Move platform – a user-friendly, cost-effective and anonymous digital platform with more than 6,000 subscribers, where they speak out on the issues that matter…, Serbia, have also been exceeded, with 1,094 refugee and migrant children and parents receiving information on mental health (original target: 500) and 722 receiving information on GBV (original target: 600). Looking beyond the sheer numbers of beneficiaries, those taking part in health literacy workshops, in particular, have voiced their appreciation. One…

With new knowledge backed by data, UNICEF increased the urgency of its appeals – healthy children need essential resources., 1980, “We need to give children’s essential needs a ‘first call’ on society’s resources.” James Grant, UNICEF Executive Director (1980–1995) Джеймс Грант UNICEF/UNI98144/James Кения, 1989 год: Джеймс Грант, Исполнительный директор ЮНИСЕФ, поднимает флаг Организации Объединенных Наций на грузовике для доставки помощи, выезжающем из Найроби после начала…, 1982, UNICEF launches the Child Survival and Development Revolution, a drive to save the lives of millions of children each year. Special emphasis is placed on four low-cost measures: growth monitoring, oral rehydration therapy, promotion of breastfeeding, and immunization (together they are sometimes referred to by the acronym GOBI) A…, 1983, To accelerate advances in education, UNICEF endorses a joint primary education and literacy programme with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). . Учащиеся Эфиопия, 1986 год: Учащиеся возле начальной школы в Аддис-Абебе., 1985, A cease fire in El Salvador’s civil war, based on the UNICEF-supported concepts of "children as a zone of peace" and "periods of tranquility" for humanitarian assistance, allows for three days of mass immunization of children. This approach is later applied in Lebanon (1987), Sudan (1989), Iraq (1991), and elsewhere with…, 1986, The publication of the report  Children in Especially Difficult Circumstances  raises awareness of the need for child protection. Придорожный щит Афганистан, 1991 год: Придорожный щит предупреждает о наличии противопехотных мин возле лагеря в Джалалабаде для перемещенных лиц из Кабула — столицы Афганистана. The Earth Run in India symbolizes a…, 1987, Developing countries are hard hit by global economic crises. The landmark report Adjustment with a Human Face calls for national programmes and policies to protect the rights of women and children especially during economic downturns. Обложка В томе 2 данного доклада анализируются конкретные примеры того, каким образом развивающиеся страны…, 1988, The International Child Development Centre is established to oversee research for children at the historic Innocenti building in Florence, Italy. “We must find ways to improve our abilities to be creative, to be highly effective professionals, and to be good managers and mobilizers.” Jim Himes, Director of the International Child Development…, Explore our 1989, –, 2005 timeline, .,  

“Very often we have the feeling that this space functions as a container for the absorption of negative emotions of the people who visit us. People who come here often feel safe enough to share their fears, their frustrations and even their darker thoughts. We try to give them space to express their feelings and we always find ways to boost their…, A comprehensive approach to primary health care , The 27-month, €4.3 million ‘RM Child-Health’ initiative, launched in January 2020 and co-funded by the European Union Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, has risen to these challenges over the past year by strengthening the capacity of health systems to deliver health care to refugee and migrant children. The initiative has met or even…, In Bosnia and Herzegovina, , support from the ‘RM Child-Health’ initiative has helped to ensure that every refugee, migrant and asylum-seeking child aged 0-18 who lives in a temporary reception centre has access to paediatric health-care services, including immunization. Experienced and qualified multidisciplinary teams have referred children to specialized…, In Bulgaria, , UNICEF has worked closely with the Council of Refugee Women (CRWB) and the Mission Wings Foundation (MWF) to develop individual needs assessments for refugee and migrant children and mothers who need pre- and post-natal care and ensure their access and referral to state-led health services, from immunization to regular health checks. In all, 569…, In Greece, , the initiative has strengthened the capacity of national health authorities through complementary support for primary health care and for psychosocial support and referral to specialized mental health services for refugee and migrant children. UNICEF and its partner METAdrasi have, for example, provided mother and childcare services through…, In Serbia, , the initiative has supported UNICEF’s efforts to increase immunization among refugee children and migrants by strengthening the assessment and monitoring process. As a result, refugees and migrants have been included in the national COVID-19 Immunization Plan. UNICEF has also supported access to health and other services through Mother and Baby…, Mental and emotional health , In Bulgaria, , children and parents in four reception facilities benefit from activities supported by the initiative that aim to help them deal with their emotions. As part of this intervention, Caritas has set up a team of health facilitators to identify children and women in serious distress and refer them to high-quality psychosocial support., In Greece, , a total of 1,108 refugee and migrant children in the Reception and Identification Centre (RIC) sites on Lesvos and in Athens have taken part in UNICEF-supported psychosocial sessions in the first year of the initiative, receiving referrals to specialized mental health services when needed. With funding from the ‘RM Child-Health’ initiative, …, In Serbia, , UNICEF and its partners have provided community-based psychosocial support, recreational and youth activities for unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) in asylum centres in Sjenica, Belgrade and Bogovadja. This support has included the identification and referral of children at risk to specialized care. The initiative’s original target of…, In Italy, , UNICEF has built on existing approaches to provide both psychological support and GBV prevention and response services in Rome, Sicily, and Calabria in partnership with Médecins du Monde, INTERSOS and Centro Penc. Activities have focused on counselling, case management and referrals, and have been conducted by multi-sectoral teams of qualified…, Gender-based violence , The initiative has built on existing UNICEF interventions for GBV response and prevention in all five countries, helping partners to identify those experiencing or at risk of GBV, and referring survivors to specialized public health services as needed (medical, mental health, legal, and case management)., In Bulgaria, , the initiative has reinforced UNICEF’s efforts to tackle critical gaps in the provision of GBV and protection services and integrate support for refugee and migrant children into national child protection and welfare systems. Work to address the emergency protection needs of GBV survivors and those at risk has been combined with measures to…, In Greece, , UNICEF has ensured that GBV prevention and response services are available for refugee and migrant children through the operation of Women and Girls Safe Spaces (WGSS) at an urban Community Centre in Athens run by the Melissa Network, as well as the Child and Family Support Hub (CFSH) (Tapuat Centre) in Lesvos managed by partner Illiaktida. In…, In Serbia, , UNICEF supports safe spaces for girls on the move and their mothers in four locations, where they have access to GBV prevention and response services, including empowerment workshops and information. Here, trained teams identify GBV concerns and refer cases to specialized services. In all, 913 refugee and migrant children have been reached by…, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, , given the critical importance of their health and wellbeing for that of their children., In Bulgaria, , UNICEF and the CRWB are mapping and analysing the health experiences of refugees and migrants in their countries of origin – experiences that have shaped their expectations of health services in general – and have launched a survey on their health status and needs. The goal: to develop and implement a Community Health Programme that is based on…, In Serbia, , cutting-edge field research is exploring the prevalence of alcohol and substance use among young refugees and migrants, and its psychological impact. The findings – expected by the end of 2021 – will guide the development of materials and capacity building for health and community workers who are in regular contact with young refugees and…

Meet our staff, A day at the office can mean many things to a UNICEF staff member It could mean talking with a 14-year-old former child soldier about their experiences, or finding funding for vital supplies for children during an emergency, or dedicating each day to efforts to eradicate a killer disease.  It's not all drama, of course.  Much of the organization's…, Please be sure to visit the vacancies section., International postings, Children and UNICEF staff playing in a migrant reception centre in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Current vacancies, International postings If you are seeking a post with UNICEF in one of our duty stations around the world, please visit UNICEF’s global website . There you will find information about required qualifications and the benefits of working with UNICEF. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages qualified female and male candidates…

"When COVID arrived here, I thought: ‘It's over, it will spread throughout the building’. I didn't think it was possible to avoid the spread of the outbreak. Instead, we have had very few cases and we owe this, above all, to the support we received from INTERSOS and UNICEF."  Josehaly (Josy), a refugee living in Rome A field worker from Intersos…, In Bulgaria, , UNICEF and its partners were able to take immediate measures with support from the ‘RM Child-Health’ initiative to alleviate the impact, including online awareness raising and information sessions and the use of different channels for communication, including social media. UNICEF’s partners, the Council of Refugee Women in Bulgaria (CRWB) and…, In Greece, , the initiative supported the development of child-friendly information posters and stickers for refugee and migrant children and their families on critical preventive measures and on what to do and where to go if they experience any COVID-19 symptoms., In Italy, , the initiative has supported outreach teams and community mobilization, providing refugee and migrant families with the information and resources they need to keep the pandemic at bay. In Rome, for example, health promoters from Intersos continued to work directly with refugee and migrant communities in informal settlements, not only to prevent…, In Serbia, , the initiative has supported UNICEF’s efforts to improve the immunization process for refugee children and migrants by strengthening the assessment and monitoring process. As a result of such efforts, refugees and migrants have been included in the national COVID-19 Immunization Plan.  , Building on what works, As these examples show, support from the ‘RM Child-Health initiative’ has helped UNICEF and its partners rise to the challenges posed by the pandemic over the past year. The initiative has enabled frontline workers to accelerate, adapt, expand and intensify work that was already underway, and to mobilize social media and other channels, as well as…

The ‘RM Child-Health’ initiative supports work across five European countries to build the capacity of those working directly with refugee and migrant children and adolescents, equipping them to work effectively with youngsters whose health needs are often complex., Even the best health policy is only as good as its implementation. The success of a policy written down on paper depends entirely on the ability of real-live people on the ground to turn it into tangible action. When it comes to refugee and migrant children in Europe, those who work directly with them will often determine whether or not a policy…, Helping frontline workers help refugee and migrant children, The ‘RM Child-health’ initiative aims to ease the pressure on frontline workers by enhancing their communication with children and by strengthening health systems through, for example, effective referral mechanisms. Better communication between children and health services is supported by training and mobilizing linguistic and cultural mediators…, Looking beyond health care, The initiative also promotes and supports multi-disciplinary approaches and teams to address the complex causes of health problems among refugee and migrant children – from trauma, anxiety and over-crowded conditions, to lack of hygiene facilities and immunization. As a result, support from the ‘RM Child-health’ initiative builds…

“This collaboration is helping to stimulate public demand for strong national health systems that work for everybody and that rise to new challenges, such as disease outbreaks.” Afshan Khan, UNICEF Regional Director, The ‘RM Child-Health’ initiative has supported work across five European countries to enhance and strengthen the capacity of national health systems to meet the health needs of refugee and migrant children. This work recognizes that a health system that works for such vulnerable children is a health system that works for every child., At first glance, helping a 10-year girl from Iran, now living in Bosnia and Herzegovina, get a new pair of glasses might seem a simple thing. For Maisa, however, this is the end result of a continuum of intensive support, from identifying a girl who struggles with an eye condition, to connecting her to a skilled ophthalmologist. And now Maisa…, Basic health care for all refugee and migrant children, Nothing builds trust and confidence in health care more than health services that are accessible, flexible and that work with – rather than against – the grain of people’s everyday lives. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, for example, the ‘RM Child-Health’ initiative supports efforts to ensure that every single refugee and migrant child in the country…, Building a solid foundation of knowledge for stronger health systems, The initiative also recognizes that strong health systems need to be built on a firm foundation of evidence and research. Activities since January 2020 have included ground-breaking research in Bulgaria on refugees’ experiences of health services in their countries of origin, and how this has shaped their expectations and uptake of health services…

Across Europe and Central Asia, UNICEF’s International Goodwill Ambassadors and National Ambassadors support our work to fulfil the rights of each and every child.  Our Ambassadors have varied backgrounds and expertise, but they all have one thing in common: a proven commitment to improve the lives of children. They attract public attention, and…, National ambassadors, Henrikh Mkhitaryan Armenia, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Henrikh is a professional footballer who plays for English Premier League Club Arsenal, and captains the Armenian national team. He became an Ambassador for UNICEF Armenia in November 2016. He encourages Armenian families to be physically active and also focuses on early learning and inclusive education . Vladimir Pougatch Belarus, Vladimir Pougatch, Vladimir Pougatch, from the band J:MORS, became a UNICEF Ambassador in Belarus in November 2014. He spearheaded a 2012 UNICEF campaign to change attitudes towards children in conflict with the law, including the film ‘Angels Never Sleep’. Vladimir supports our work for adolescents . Edin Džeko  Bosnia and Herzegovina, Edin Džeko , Footballer Edin Džeko plays for Italian club Roma and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team. Appointed as a National Ambassador in 2009, Edin has participated in UNICEF campaigns to support early childhood development , as well as children with disabilities and those without parental care . Vladimir Ampov (‘Grafa’) Bulgaria, Vladimir Ampov (‘Grafa’), Grafa (The Count) has been a UNICEF Ambassador in Bulgaria since September 2014. This well-known and respected singer, composer, producer and writer aims to focus the attention of the public on the challenges facing children and families, and involve them in the solutions. Maja Vučić Croatia, Maja Vučić, Singer Maja Vučić became a Special Representative for Parents and Babies and National Ambassador in November 2006. Maja promotes early childhood development and has supported UNICEF’s work in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Rwanda, as well as refugee and migrant children in Croatia.  Bojana Gregorić Vejzović Croatia, Bojana Gregorić Vejzović, This award-winning Croatian actress became a UNICEF National Ambassador in August 2004. Bojana’s support for children’s rights includes a special focus on children without parental care . As well as raising funds for UNICEF, she promotes the ideals that guide our work.   Zlatan Stipišić Gibonni Croatia, Zlatan Stipišić Gibonni, Zlatan became the first UNICEF Ambassador in Croatia in July 2003. The well-known singer works to end violence and discrimination against children, helps to raise funds for UNICEF, and reaches young people with UNICEF’s messages.  Slaven Bilić Croatia, Slaven Bilić, Slaven Bilić, Manager of West Ham United football club, became a National Ambassador in February 2008. He spearheaded Croatia’s ‘Break the Chain’ campaign against cyberbullying, and has focused on ending violence against children , as well as the promotion of child-friendly cities.  Nikoloz Rachveli Georgia, Nikoloz Rachveli, Nikoloz Rachveli, composer and conductor, became a National Ambassador in June 2017, focusing on children with disabilities and ending violence against children . He uses his concerts to advocate for child rights and participated in the ‘See Every Colour’ campaign to tackle discrimination. Antonije Pušić ('Rambo Amadeus') Montenegro, Antonije Pušić ('Rambo Amadeus'), Musician Antonije Pušić, known as Rambo Amadeus, became a National Ambassador in 2006. He has supported many national campaigns, including those on children with disabilities , ending violence against children and expanding foster care . Andreea Marin Romania, Andreea Marin, TV presenter, producer, journalist, author and editor Andreea Marin has been a voice for children in Romania as a National Ambassador since 2006. Andreea has championed children’s rights, including improving access to immunization and preventing family separation in numerous telethons, campaigns and other public events.  Gheorghe…, Gheorghe Hagi, World Cup All-Star Team football player Gheorghe Hagi became a National Ambassador in September 2008. He has been particularly active since his appointment on supporting UNICEF’s work to promote access to education for every child, including a successful campaign to prevent school dropout.  Horia Tecau Romania, Horia Tecau, Tennis champion Horia Tecau was appointed as a National Ambassador for UNICEF in Romania in April 2017. Horia, the first Romanian tennis player to win Olympic gold, has championed children’s access to health and quality education  for many years. Andrei Tiberiu Maria (Smiley) Romania, Andrei Tiberiu Maria (Smiley), TV presenter and pop star Smiley has been a National Ambassador since November 2013. His support for many social causes has included his involvement in UNICEF’s #endviolence campaign in Romania. Focusing on the most vulnerable children, he urges his fans to support children’s rights.  Aleksandar Sasa Djordjevic Serbia, Aleksandar Sasa Djordjevic, Aleksandar Sasa Djordjevic became a National Ambassador for Serbia in 2005. As an international basketball star and head coach of the Serbian national team, Aleksandar supports UNICEF’s fundraising and programmes, particularly on the prevention of violence against children . Ana Ivanovic Serbia, Ana Ivanovic, Retired tennis champion Ana Ivanovic became a National Ambassador in 2007. She supports UNICEF’s fundraising and programmes, and promotes UNICEF’s values and ideals. She has been particularly active on the prevention of violence against children at school and online. Gülsin Onay Turkey, Gülsin Onay, The renowned pianist Gülsin Onay is the longest serving National Ambassador for UNICEF in Turkey, appointed in 2003. She is actively involved in UNICEF’s fundraising activities and advocates to protect the rights of all children.  Yıldız Kenter Turkey, Yıldız Kenter, A star of stage and screen in Turkey and beyond, Yıldız Kenter became a National Ambassador for UNICEF in 2007. She is actively involved in UNICEF’s fundraising activities and advocates for UNICEF’s core values and mandates. Ayşe Kulin Turkey, Ayşe Kulin, This well-known short-story writer, screenwriter and novelist became a National Ambassador for UNCEF in 2007. She promotes UNICEF's core values and takes an active role in fundraising activities. Müjdat Gezen Turkey, Müjdat Gezen, Müjdat, a stage actor, publisher, writer and founder of both a theatre company and television school, became a National Ambassador in 2007. He promotes UNICEF's core values and takes an active role in fundraising activities. Bilkent Senfoni Orkestrası Turkey, Bilkent Senfoni Orkestrası, This major symphony orchestra was appointed as a National Ambassador for UNICEF in 2009 in recognition of its efforts on behalf of children. The orchestra raised funds for victims of the İzmit earthquake in 1999 and the Pakistan earthquake in 2005, and has supported UNICEF’s campaign to improve girls’ access to education . Türkan Şoray Turkey, Türkan Şoray, This icon of Turkish cinematography holds the record for starring in more feature films than any other leading actress in Turkey. Türkan was appointed a National Ambassador in 2010. She is passionate about UNICEF's mandate and enjoys being involved in fundraising activities. Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ Turkey, Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, Kıvanç, actor, model and former basketball player, became a National Ambassador in 2011. He has been involved in campaigns on child rights, on promoting positive attitude change towards children with disabilities and on the importance of education for children affected by emergencies . Ferhat Göçer Turkey, Ferhat Göçer, Musician and surgeon, Ferhat is well-know for combining classical and modern music. He became a National Ambassador in 2012 and is actively involved in UNICEF’s fundraising activities, as well as advocating for UNICEF’s core values and mandate. Şefika Kutluer Turkey, Şefika Kutluer, Şefika, classical flautist with the İzmir State Symphony Orchestra, became a National Ambassador in 2012. Her international performances have included a concert at the Palais des Nations in Geneva to mark the 60th anniversary of the United Nations. Tuba Büyüküstün Turkey, Tuba Büyüküstün, Tuba, a well-known actress, became a National Ambassador in 2014. She focuses on child protection for the most vulnerable children, particularly the rights of refugee and migrant children . Cedi Osman Turkey, Cedi Osman, Cedi is a Turkish professional basketball player currently for the Turkish National Team and Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). In his role as a UNICEF National Goodwill Ambassador, Cedi Osman will focus on youth engagement and sports.

Logos _EU, UNICEF and Portuguese Presidency The European Commission has partnered with UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ECARO) to test how the EU Child Guarantee can work in practice in seven Member States. The high-level event “Making the European Child Guarantee a Reality in the EU: Insights from testing the European Child…, Let's listen to young people from Europe and Central Asia answering tough questions, What does it mean to be a child living in poverty or facing disadvantages? UNICEF ECARO What do you feel when you think about child poverty or about exclusion and discrimination? UNICEF ECARO What do you think that the leaders in your country and in Europe should guarantee to children living in poverty or those that face difficulties? UNICEF ECARO…, AGENDA, Time Agenda item Speaker     Moderator: Shada Islam, Opening,     15:00 – 15:30 Opening remarks, Mr. David Sassoli, , President of the European Parliament (Video Message), Ms. Ana, Mendes Godinho,, Minister for Employment, Solidarity, and Social Security, Portugal, Mr., Nicolas Schmit,, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Ms, ., Afshan Khan,, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia (ECA), and Special Coordinator for the Refugee and Migrant Response in Europe, Panel 1, Services and programmes focusing on the most disadvantaged children,   15:30 – 15:30  , Sharing of experience from pilot Member States, Ms. Elena Bonetti, , Minister for Equal Opportunities and Family, Italy, Ms. Domna-Maria Michailidou, , Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Greece, Mr. Ivan Krastev, , Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Bulgaria, Ms. Margareta Mađerić, , State Secretary, Minister of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, Croatia, Panel 2, Accelerating and implementing policies for ending child poverty and exclusion,   15:30 – 15:55  , Sharing of experience from pilot Member States, Mr. Nacho Álvarez, , State Secretary for Social Rights, Spain, Ms. Juliane Seifert,, State Secretary, Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, Germany, Ms. Vilma Augienė, , Deputy Minister of Social Security and Labour, Lithuania, Mr. Andrea Orlando, , Minister of Labour and Social Policies, Italy, Panel 3, Reflections from other EU participants,   16:20 – 15:50  , Ms. Karine Lalieux,, Minister of Pensions and Social Integration, Belgium, Mr. Adrien Taquet, , State Secretary for Childhood and Family, France, Ms. Florica Cherecheș, , President of the National Authority for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Children and Adoptions, Romania, Ms. Saila Ruuth, , State Secretary, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finland,  , Reflections from other participants, Closing, Building momentum for the European Child Guarantee and looking to the future,   16:50 – 17:00  , Mr. Janez Cigler Kralj, , Minister of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Slovenia (video message), Ms. Dubravka Šuica,, Vice-President of the European Commission for Democracy and Demography, SPEAKERS, SHADA ISLAM Personal archive, Moderator, SHADA ISLAM, Shada Islam is an influential Brussels-based specialist on European Union affairs who works independently as a commentator, advisor, analyst and strategist on Europe, Asia, Africa, Geopolitics, Trade, Migration, Inclusion, Diversity and Women’s Empowerment. Shada has spent most of her professional life researching, writing, analysing and speaking…, European Commission, DUBRAVKA ŠUICA, European Commission Vice-President for Democracy and Demography Since December 2019, Ms. Dubravka Šuica is the Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Democracy and Demography. Ms. Šuica is a Croatian politician from the city of Dubrovnik, where she served as its first female mayor and was awarded the 2006 World Mayor Award. She…, NICOLAS SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit took up office as European Commissioner responsible for Jobs and Social Rights in December 2019. Prior to this, he served as a Member of the European Parliament for the social-democratic Lëtzebuerger Sozialistesch Aarbechterpartei following his election in May 2019. From 2009 to 2018…, UNICEF, AFSHAN KHAN, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, and the Special Coordinator for the Refuge and Migrant Response in Europe. Ms. Khan has been an international public servant for over 30 years. Previously she was the Director of Emergency Programmes for UNICEF, and she has also held other senior positions including Director of Public-Sector…, Belgium, KARINE LALIEUX, Minister of Pensions, Social Integration, Fighting Poverty and Disabled Persons Born on 4 May 1964 in Anderlecht (Brussels), Karine Lalieux studied Criminology at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, where she was a lecturer for more than ten years. In 1999, Karine Lalieux ran for the first time in the Federal elections and was elected Member of the…, Bulgaria, IVAN KRASTEV, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy Ivan Krastev is responsible for the management of European Union Funds and the Ministry's activities related to international cooperation. He was born in 1980 in Stara Zagora. He holds a Master's degree in International Relations from the St. Kliment Ohridski Sofia University, and a Master's degree in…, Croatia, MARGARETA MADERIC, State Secretary, Ministry of Labour, the Pension System, the Family and Social Policy European Union Margareta Mađerić was born on 2 July 1977 in Zagreb. After finishing high school, she enrolled in Zagreb School of Business where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Communication and worked as a marketing and communications manager…, Finland, SAILA RUUTH, State Secretary to Minister of Social Affairs Before her appointment as State Secretary, Saila Ruuth worked in the Finnish Industrial Union as an expert in social affairs and working environment. Her other previous workplaces include the Ministry of Education and Culture, employment pension company Ilmarinen, and the unemployment fund of the…, Finland, AINO-KAISA PEKONEN, Finland’s Minister of Social Affairs and Health. Aino-Kaisa Pekonen has served as Member of Parliament since 2011, focusing in particular on questions regarding social and health policy. Pekonen is a trained Practical Nurse for Social and Health Care and she used to work as a housing counsellor and practical nurse before being elected as Member of…, France, ADRIEN TAQUET, Politician Adrien Taquet (1977) is a French politician representing La République En Marche. He is an alumnus of the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris. He was elected to the French National Assembly in June 2017, representing the department of the Hauts-de-Seine.  On 25 January 2019, he was nominated as Secretary of State for Child Protection…, Germany, JULIANE SEIFERT, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth Since 2018 Juliane Seifert has been State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. From 2016 until 2017 she held the position of Federal Manager of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). Before, she…, Greece, DR DOMNA MICHAILIDOU, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Dr Domna Michailidou is responsible for social welfare and social solidarity. She is an academic economist working on economic development, financial crises and public finances. She was previously Reforms’ Adviser to the Leader of New Democracy Party in Greece, where she advised Kyriakos Mitsotakis on a…, Italy, ANDREA ORLANDO, Minister of Labour and Social Policies Andrea Orlando was born in La Spezia on February 8 th , 1969. From 13 February 2021 he is Minister of Labour and Social Policies in the Government chaired by Prime Minister Mario Draghi.He was elected to the Chamber of Deputies, from the 15 th in 2006 to the current 18 th legislature, and since 27 March 2018…, Italy, ELENA BONETTI, Minister for Equal Opportunities and Family Ms. Elena Bonetti is Associate Professor of Mathematical Analysis at the University of Milan. Graduated in Mathematics in 1997 at the University of Pavia, in 2002 Ms. Bonetti obtained a PhD in Mathematics at the University of Milan. She is committed to the Scout Movement and has experiences in the field…, Lithuania, VILMA AUGIEN, É, Vice Minister of Social Security and Labour Vilma Augiené received her Bachelors in pre-school pedagogy and psychology from the Vilnius Pedagogical University in 1993 and her Masters in Children’s Rights in 2013. She was first appointed Vice-Minister of Social Security and Labour in 2017, and then reappointed in 2020. Before this she has served as…, Portugal, ANA MENDES GODINHO, Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security Ana Mendes Godinho is the Portuguese Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security since 26 October 2019. She was the Portuguese Secretary of State for Tourism between 2015 and 2019. Before joining the Government of Portugal, she was Vice-President of the Portuguese National Tourism Authority…, Romania, FLORICA CHERECHEŞ, President of the National Authority for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Children and Adoptions Mrs. Florica Cherecheș possesses vast experience in the field of human rights as a result of her two consecutive mandates as deputy in the Romanian Parliament. In her official capacity, she drafted more than 100 bills (30 of them were enacted…, Slovenia, JANEZ CIGLER KRALJ, Minister of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities of the Republic of Slovenia Janez Cigler Kralj holds a Master’s Degree in Political Sciences from the Faculty of Social Sciences at University of Ljubljana. Prior to his political career he worked for a media company and the national scholarship fund. Between 2012 and 2020, he…, Spain, IGNACIO ÁLVAREZ PERALTA, Secretary of State for Social Rights of the Government of Spain. Ignacio Álvarez Peralta holds a PhD in Economics from the University Complutense of Madrid. He is an Associate Professor at the Autonomous University of Madrid, Department of Economic Structure, and a Research Associate at the Complutense Institute of International Studies (ICEI). He…

COVID-19 is the first truly global crisis we have seen in our lifetime. No matter where we live, the pandemic affects every person – children most of all. Millions are missing out on basic health services, education and protection simply because they were born into poverty or because of their ethnicity, religion or race. COVID-19 has widened this…, five opportunities,  for the world’s children revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and , five lessons,  on how we can reimagine a better future for them, as reflected in the voices of young people.   1: For vaccines to work, we must build trust 2: Bridging the digital divide can help bring quality education for all 3: COVID-19 has unlocked attention on global youth mental health 4: COVID-19 does not discriminate, but our societies do 5: Climate…, 1: For vaccines to work, we must build trust, “ The growing anti-vaccination rhetoric is putting us at risk from deadly diseases that should have been eradicated completely in this day and age. No one should have to suffer from a disease that vaccines could safely prevent. No one. ” Ridhi, 20, Thailand Syringes and safety boxes, For vaccines to work, we must build trust,   History and science tell us vaccines are the best hope we have of ending this virus and rebuilding our lives and our livelihoods. Yet, as Ridhi reminds us, there is a real risk the  What you need to know about a COVID-19 vaccine COVID-19 vaccines  will not reach all who need it. Vaccine hesitancy will have a profound effect on our ability to…, What needs to be done:, Now that the world has developed multiple COVID-19 vaccines, we can turn our attention to the long and difficult fight to eliminate this virus from the planet with equity and fairness, reaching everyone including the poorest and most excluded. Work is already being done to prepare for that day. UNICEF is a committed partner of the Advance Market…, 2: Bridging the digital divide can help bring quality education for all, “ I think this may be the perfect time for schools to listen to their students and find ways to improve their online learning facilities. Even after the pandemic passes, remote learning could be a valuable tool to making education accessible and flexible. ” Kamogelo, 18, South Africa, Bridging the digital divide can help bring quality education for all,   Kamogelo is right. During the peak of school closures in early 2020, about 30 per cent of the world’s schoolchildren were unable to access remote learning. In fact, only just over half of households in a majority of countries around the world have access to the internet. These are the same children who are already unlikely to have access to…, What needs to be done:, First and foremost, governments must prioritize reopening schools and take all possible measures to reopen safely. But this great pause in learning has also provided a moment to rethink how we deliver education. UNICEF’s  Reimagine education Reimagine Education  is revolutionizing learning and skills development to provide quality education for…, 3: COVID-19 has unlocked attention on global youth mental health, “ Why do we treat mental health as if it’s not a big deal? Why do we say to a person in grief that ‘you are just overthinking’? Why do we stereotype people having mental illness [as] being crazy?... It is time that we set aside these stereotypes and accept that mental health is as important as our physical health. ” Tulika, 18, India, COVID-19 has unlocked attention on global youth mental health,   Tulika is right: mental health is a big deal – just as important as physical health. This is especially true in childhood and adolescence, when we lay the foundations for our lifelong cognitive and learning ability, our emotional intelligence and our resilience in the face of stress. Again, the pandemic has highlighted just how vulnerable…, What needs to be done:, Young people like Tulika are calling out for support, and we need to listen to their concerns. Some governments are. In Bangladesh, Georgia and India, free phone helplines provide vital care and support for children. India’s Childline received more than 92,000 calls asking for protection from abuse and violence in the first 11 days of the COVID-19…, 4: COVID-19 does not discriminate, but our societies do, “ We must discard the belief that we're powerless and realize that we're infinitely powerful. ” Clover, 20, Australia, COVID-19 does not discriminate, but our societies do,   The coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone on the planet, but it is not affecting us all equally. In too many countries, your ethnicity, your colour or your wealth, may make you more likely to suffer the consequences. For  example , in the United States, African Americans represent 13 per cent of the population but roughly one fourth of…, What needs to be done:, As Clover eloquently affirms, children and young people are not powerless. We must ensure that every child has the opportunity to contribute to society and that no child is left behind, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity or religion.,  , We need a renewed commitment to addressing inequality and discrimination. As  Secretary-General Guterres said this year,  not only do we need a new generation of  Social protection social protection policies , but we must tackle deep-rooted discrimination in gender, race, or ethnicity through targeted programmes and policies.  Far too many…, 5: Climate change is the other planetary crisis that won’t wait, “ A lot has changed for us since we cannot go out anymore and demand action, but that does not mean that the climate movement has been silenced…We cannot be silenced. The climate crisis is still on. It has not gone. It has not changed. ” Vanessa, 24, Uganda Black girl is holding a poster, Climate change is the other planetary crisis that won’t wait,   COVID-19 has taught us that planetary problems require planetary solutions. No one suffers more from a change in climate than a child. Children are vulnerable to the changes in the air they breathe, the water they drink and the food they eat. We know children are more vulnerable to life-threatening water and food scarcity and waterborne diseases…, What needs to be done:, We must link our COVID-19 recovery and response with bold and urgent actions that address  Environment and climate change climate change and protect our environment . We need government stimulus programmes that prioritize low-carbon approaches and a coordinated global approach alongside local action. We already know of solutions: making water,…, A final word..., In  a public letter I wrote in  2019, I laid out my worries and hopes for the future of children and young people. Little did I know that a year on, a global pandemic would demonstrate, in dramatic fashion, how well-founded these worries would be. The bad news: As the crisis continues and the economic fallout deepens, we still have difficult days…