UNICEF civil society partnerships
Joining forces with non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, academic institutions, movements and more to bring about change for children.
UNICEF’s relationships with civil society organizations around the globe enable us to reach more children with life-saving help and hope. Across over 190 countries and territories, our civil society partners offer a broad range of expertise and experience, working with UNICEF to bring children the nutrition, education, protection, and safe water and sanitation they need – even in the world’s toughest places. Partners also deliver results for children through advocacy and resource mobilization.
The civil society organizations (CSOs) that partner with UNICEF are a diverse group of associations independent of the public and for-profit sectors and designed to advance collective interests. Some of the civil society partners with which we work include:
- International and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Community-based organizations
- Faith-based organizations
- Universities, think tanks and research institutes
- “Sports for Development” organizations
- Social movements
Why are civil society organizations critical to protect children’s rights?
Safeguarding children’s lives and futures requires trusted partners on the ground. With their connections to local communities, civil society organizations help UNICEF reach even the most vulnerable and remote families. They represent community members, mobilize public opinion and build greater momentum for policy change – locally, nationally and globally.
Civil society partners leverage their knowledge, field experience and technical expertise to shape and implement programmes, develop and test new approaches, and serve as agents of change. By working hand in hand with families and decision makers, CSOs amplify the voices of children and adolescents within their own communities.
How can civil society organizations partner with UNICEF?
Advocacy & communications
Influence decision makers, change public policy and win support for children
Implementing programmes
Extend the reach and effectiveness of child rights programming
Alliance building
Foster effective operational alliances in various settings
Why should civil society organizations partner with UNICEF?
Partnering with UNICEF can open new opportunities for CSOs to pilot innovative approaches, expand programming and advocacy, strengthen knowledge in various fields, and more. Our partners may also benefit from additional financial resources mobilized from governments and private sector donors to strengthen services that meet children’s needs.
UNICEF has a solid track record of partnering with civil society. On the ground in more than 190 countries and territories, we convene diverse stakeholders around children’s rights issues and help to align national development strategies with global initiatives. Opening a conduit between local actors and global policymaking processes, we also help match local work to international priorities and resources.
What’s more, our civil society partners benefit from UNICEF’s advocacy know-how, technical expertise and procurement efficiency. We help to strengthen CSO capacity by enhancing knowledge and skills, introducing new technologies for effective service delivery, and bolstering delivery approaches and organizational and management systems.
Become a UNICEF programme implementation partner
UNICEF is a founding member of the inter-agency United Nations (UN) Partner Portal, a platform for civil society organizations to engage with the UN on partnership opportunities for the benefit of those we serve. The portal is designed to facilitate a harmonized, efficient and easy collaboration between the UN and partners.