Then, now, always.

Today marks 78 years since UNICEF was founded. UNICEF was established to respond to the immediate needs of children after World War II. Our mandate was clear: to help children and young people whose lives and futures were at risk – no matter what role their country had played in the war. Today, our work for children has expanded to ensure the protection of their rights, meet their basic needs and expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. 

The Europe and Central Asia region has encountered numerous challenges. From earthquakes to wild fires and flooding. Economic crises. Outbreaks of disease. War. Children across the region have also faced challenges in accessing their rights; violence in their homes, schools and communities; a lack of access to quality education; persistent poverty among marginalised groups. Through it all, UNICEF has remained steadfast in our commitments. We work tirelessly with partners, whether it is to deliver safe water or nutrition, provide vital health services, ensure access to quality and inclusive education, early childhood development services or psychological support. We also work, often behind the scenes, to secure a better long-term future for children – whether by advocating for child rights, climate crisis mitigation or more protections for the most marginalised.

In Europe and Central Asia, as around the globe, children and families continue to face massive and complex challenges. Despite progress, significant disparities exist, particularly among the most vulnerable, including children with disabilities, children from ethnic minority groups and children living in rural settings. But what eight decades of work has shown us, is that we can take on these challenges better, together.

Here is a glimpse of how UNICEF has supported children in the Europe and Central Asia region since our founding.