Canada

UNICEF public partner

Mr Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, Minister of Health, Dr Ramesh Pathirana and Mr Eric Walsh, High Commissioner for Canada in Sri Lanka and Maldives, at the handover ceremony held at Udugama base hospital in Galle district.
UNICEF/UNI571664/. UNICEF Sri Lanka
Mr Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, Minister of Health, Dr Ramesh Pathirana and Mr Eric Walsh, High Commissioner for Canada in Sri Lanka and Maldives, at the handover ceremony held at Udugama base hospital in Galle district.

The Government of Canada is a strong partner of UNICEF and children. This partnership centered around improving the lives of children across the globe, has proven instrumental in addressing challenges, particularly the inequities faced by women and girls. With Canada standing as UNICEF’s fourth-largest government partner in 2023, this commitment is well-evident, as is their increased funding totalling a substantial US$ 216 million. 

Canada's partnership with UNICEF concentrates on addressing a number of vulnerabilities faced by children and delivering interventions both in development and emergency contexts. Specific targeted areas include promoting and protecting women's and girls' human rights, fostering their participation in decision-making processes, and ensuring their equitable access to control resources for socio-economic equality. The regions of West and Central Africa, the Middle East and North Africa have particularly benefited from this partnership, highlighting Canada's ongoing commitment to supporting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and fragile states. 

The collaboration between UNICEF and Canada is situated or carried out predominantly through Global Affairs Canada (GAC). GAC embodies Canada's dedication to its Feminist International Assistance Policy, ensuring that at least 95% of Canada's bilateral international development initiatives target and integrate gender equality. Besides, Canada has championed the efficient use of earmarked funding through multilateral channels, with significant focus areas including humanitarian assistance, global health, and refugees. Furthermore, Canada has been an advocate for more streamlined and effective coordination amongst different actors at both headquarters and ground level. 

During humanitarian crises, Canada's partnership with UNICEF has been instrumental.  The financial support, coupled with the shared strategic goals, makes our partnership with Canada a critical force in driving progress for children, especially during challenging times. Through this partnership, we remain confident in our ability to achieve our common objectives and create a better world for every child. 
 

2023 contributions to UNICEF

Core Resources for Results: US$12 million

Other Resources (regular): US$159 million

Other Resources (emergency): US$46 million

Total: US$216 million