New Child Map Aims to Strengthen Child Centred Local Services in Türkiye
A single map supporting better outcomes for thousands of children
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1 September 2026, Ankara – A new initiative by UNICEF, Metropolitan Municipalities of Ankara, Gaziantep, İzmir and Ankara along with Needs Map (İhtiyaç Haritası), a leading Turkish non-governmental organization, aims to identify and respond to children’s needs in education, health, and protection through a data‑driven approach. The initiative also aims strengthening collaboration between local authorities, civil society, and the private sector.
Within the framework of the Accountability for Children and Advocacy for Rights (ACAR) Project, with the support of the European Union, the UNICEF–Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Child Map was launched today in Ankara.
The launch meeting presented key findings from the Child Needs Analysis research, developed in alignment with Turkstat data, highlighting the challenges children encounter.
Paolo Marchi, UNICEF Türkiye Country Representative, said at the launch event: “The Child Map makes the invisible visible, turning data into action and bringing partners together around a shared responsibility. When we truly understand children’s needs, we can deliver better services, build stronger systems, and ensure that no child is left behind.”
Dr. Ali Ercan Özgür and Mert Fırat, Co‑Founder of Needs Map, highlighted the initiative’s multi‑stakeholder approach and the role of technology in transforming data into concrete action for children.
Roundtable discussions brought together representatives from the private sector and civil society to explore financial, technical, and field‑based solutions to address identified needs. Representatives from Ankara Metropolitan Municipality emphasised the role of data in shaping local policies, while the AnkaraChamber of Commerce highlighted the role of the private sector in supporting sustainable, impact‑driven solutions.
The initiative aims to reach 10,000 children in the pilot provinces of Ankara, Gaziantep and İzmir. It also promotes youth participation through the Young Volunteer Needs Ambassadors initiative, encouraging young people to engage in data collection and analysis processes.
The initiative is expected to inform child-centred policymaking and support locally grounded solutions.
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About UNICEF
UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.
