UNICEF hosts a community of practice for Child-Lens Investing

Child-Lens Investing encourages investors to integrate child-related considerations into investment decisions and processes. Since its introduction in 2023, CLI has been co-created with investors and experts across the financial sector. The CoP brings together development finance institutions, asset owners, and asset managers to advance the field collectively.

With the CoP, UNICEF has established a platform for peer learning, co-development of tools and guidance, and joint action toward a shared vision: a world where all children are healthy, educated, protected, and respected.

“Progress for children cannot happen until frameworks meet real-world practice. The CoP will provide a space where stakeholders can come together to learn and build a common understanding of how child considerations can be meaningfully integrated into investment processes.” said Cristina Shapiro, Chief Strategy Officer and President, Impact Fund for Children.

The Child-Lens Investing CoP brings together nine pioneering investors across asset classes: Calvert Impact, Cross-Border Impact Ventures, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), Finnfund, GAIN/Incofin – Nutritious Food Financing Facility (N3F), Save the Children Global Ventures, Triodos Investment Management, Van Leer Foundation, and VisionFund.

“When finance applies a child-focused lens, it can drive stronger outcomes for children, families, and communities now and in the future. We welcome the founding of the Community of Practice for Child-Lens Investing which will help place child well-being at the heart of investment decision-making,” said Carla Haddad-Mardini, UNICEF Global Director of Private Fundraising and Partnerships.

The CoP is led by the UNICEF Innovative Finance Hub in Helsinki and UNICEF USA.