UNICEF's Development aid work for children
Partnering with the EU for long-term results
UNICEF PPR Europe Office partners with the European Commission’s Directorates‑Generals for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA) and for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighborhood (DG ENEST) to deliver lasting results for children by combining EU policy leadership with UNICEF’s on‑the‑ground presence.
Together, they strengthen essential systems in health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, education, social protection and child protection and support localization so that services reach the most vulnerable.
UNICEF also contributes technical expertise, evidence and policy recommendations that help shape and operationalize EU strategies, including major global initiatives such as the Global Gateway Strategy.
EU-UNICEF cooperation for lasting development impact
Around the world, children continue to face preventable illness and malnutrition due to weak health systems, limited access to essential services and recurrent crises, undermining their survival, growth and development.
With the European Commission, UNICEF strengthens global health and nutrition systems, working with partners to expand equitable access to quality care, essential supplies and community‑level support.
Together with governments and local actors, UNICEF supports the delivery of integrated maternal, newborn, child health and nutrition services, reinforces supply chains and trains frontline workers to reach children wherever they are.
Millions of children worldwide are still denied quality learning due to poverty, conflict, displacement and weak education systems, limiting their opportunities and long‑term prospects.
With the European Commission, UNICEF works to strengthen education systems and expand inclusive, quality learning so every child, especially the most marginalized, can access and stay in school.
Together with governments and local partners, UNICEF supports teacher training, learning materials, safe school environments and innovative approaches that help children learn and thrive.
Across many countries, children face heightened risks of violence, exploitation and neglect due to conflict, displacement, poverty and weak protection systems, leaving them without the safety and support they need to thrive.
With the support of European Union, UNICEF works to reinforce national child protection systems, strengthen policies and services, and support partners to prevent and respond to protection risks affecting the most vulnerable children.
Together with governments and community actors, UNICEF supports capacity‑building, case management, community‑based child protection mechanisms and access to essential services, ensuring children are protected and families receive timely support.
Clean water, basic toilets and good hygiene practices are essential for the survival and development of children. Unfortunately, today, millions of children worldwide lack of or have limited access to adequate sanitation and safe water sources.
UNICEF and the European Commission partner to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services (WASH) for children and their communities.
Together, they support countries in strengthening WASH systems, expanding climate resilient water and sanitation infrastructure, and promoting hygiene practices that protect health and dignity.
Millions of children on the move face violence, exploitation, family separation and limited access to essential services, leaving them without protection and stability at a critical time in their lives.
With EU support, UNICEF strengthens protection systems across migration and displacement routes, supporting partners to safeguard children’s rights.
Together with governments and local actors, UNICEF provides child‑friendly support, strengthens case management and referral pathways, and helps ensure that displaced and migrant children can access protection, education and essential health and psychosocial services.