The 74th regular session of the United Nations General Assembly takes place from 17–30 September 2019.
Check back to follow UNICEF and the many events focused on young people, climate change, humanitarian action, child protection, education and health.
For every child, every right
Watch the high level event to mark the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The event both celebrates the progress made and serves as a call to action for Member States to strengthen their commitment to the advancement of the rights of the child, and recognizing the new challenges of the twenty-first century.
Read UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore's speech at the event and her open letter that maps out eight reasons why she’s worried, and hopeful, about the next generation.
Learn more about the Convention on the Rights of the Child – the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.
The children of today are facing a set of challenges and global shifts that were unimaginable to their parents. They have already created movements in search of solutions. World leaders must follow their lead. https://t.co/ageemimCPA #ForEveryChild pic.twitter.com/CEZVTRyXRB
— Henrietta H. Fore (@unicefchief) September 18, 2019
“Children and young people are already taking a stand. We are marching, we are campaigning, and we are speaking up for ourselves. We need you all to listen and to act.” Our Goodwill Ambassador @muzoonrakan1 at the @UN.#UNGA #ForEveryChild pic.twitter.com/quuZoHr6Bg
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) September 26, 2019
30 symbols of children, representing 30 children's rights, on the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. #ForEveryChild #UNGA pic.twitter.com/sBZM07PSwB
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) September 21, 2019
Climate action
Children are the least responsible for climate change, yet they will bear the greatest burden of its impact.
Sixteen child petitioners – including Greta Thunberg and Alexandria Villaseñor – from 12 countries around the world presented a landmark official complaint to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child to protest lack of government action on the climate crisis.
“Let’s not wait any longer. Let’s do it now.”@GretaThunberg on the importance of standing together, supporting each other and taking #ClimateAction. #FridaysForFuture pic.twitter.com/HdYQnT6T9j
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) September 20, 2019
Children and young people have a right to speak and be heard.
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) September 20, 2019
They have a right to grow up healthy and safe in a sustainable climate.#FridaysForFuture #ClimateAction pic.twitter.com/CkSbJRiUv9
Children under attack
The number of countries with violent conflicts is the highest it has been in the last 30 years. One in four children live in countries affected by conflict or disaster. More than 29 million babies were born into conflict in 2018.
Every parent should be able to cherish their baby’s first moments, but for the millions of families living through conflict, the reality is far bleaker. #ChildrenUnderAttack #EarlyMomentsMatter https://t.co/3ahqBxgdqj
— Henrietta H. Fore (@unicefchief) September 20, 2019
.@UNICEF's installation at the @UN shows the scale of child deaths in conflict. On my travels, I’ve seen the impact of conflict on children firsthand. As I walked through the installation, I was reminded of the families I have met who have lost loved ones. #ChildrenUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/imJL2trg6f
— Henrietta H. Fore (@unicefchief) September 10, 2019
These 3,758 backpacks represent each of the 3,758 children killed in conflict last year.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 12, 2019
This is heartbreaking and unacceptable. May these backpacks become a universal symbol of hope, and a heartfelt cry for peace. pic.twitter.com/CyOm04WeUR
Safe and quality education
Every child has the right to learn, but for many schooling does not lead to learning. Factors such as a lack of trained teachers and inadequate learning materials make learning difficult for many children. This learning crisis is the greatest global challenge to preparing children and adolescents for life, work and active citizenship.
For millions of students around the world, the school environment is not a safe space to study and grow. Violence in schools – from bullying to sexual harassment and corporal punishment – is sadly common enough to feel inevitable.
And attacks on schools, students and educators are attacks on children’s right to an education – and on their futures.
Currently 95 States have endorsed the Safe School Declaration.
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) September 23, 2019
UNICEF would like to see at least 100 endorsements by the end of 2019. #ChildrenUnderAttack #ENDviolence #UNGAhttps://t.co/VI1xVid1Ek
Explosions, fighting, living in a war zone. Madina is determined to learn against all odds. pic.twitter.com/4eJenEoWmr
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) September 21, 2019
Less trash.
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) September 26, 2019
More schools.
One plastic brick at a time.#ClimateAction #ForEveryChild pic.twitter.com/IXICC4ix5P
About 364 million young people across the globe do not have any access to the internet at school. That’s why @UNICEF & @ITU are working on bringing together global financial partners, technology experts and network operators to provide internet access to all. #ForEveryChild #UNGA pic.twitter.com/9XYD4w3jbG
— Henrietta H. Fore (@unicefchief) September 22, 2019
Partnerships for children and young people
Partnerships across every sector make all of UNICEF's work for children and young people possible.
SAP and UNICEF partner to give young people job skills training. Learn more
UNICEF and the Islamic Development Bank launch first global Muslim philanthropy fund for children. Learn more