UNICEF Türkiye Business Advisory Board Convenes for Its 8th Meeting, Reaffirming Commitment to Children and Young People

Istanbul, 19 November 2025 – The UNICEF Türkiye Business Advisory Board (BAB) convened for its eighth meeting today, bringing together senior executives from leading companies, the Turkish National Committee for UNICEF, youth representatives, and UNICEF Türkiye. Chaired by Paolo Marchi, UNICEF Representative to Türkiye, the meeting underscored the private sector’s essential role in advancing the rights and well-being of children and adolescents across the country.

Strengthening Opportunities for Adolescents and Young People

The meeting kicked off with members reviewing progress on the collective commitment to expand opportunities for adolescents aged 14–18 years. UNICEF presented how updated green competencies and digital skills have been integrated into the national curricula of the education system. Beginning in January 2026, this curricula will reach approximately 2 million students in Grades 9 and 10, with a further 1.8 million students in Grades 11 and 12 standing to benefit in following school year. In total, 3.8 million young people will be equipped with green and digital skills that will help build climate resilience and respond to the demands of the labour market.

“Our Business Advisory Board once again shows that when the private sector stands with children, the scale and speed of progress can be truly transformative,” said Paolo Marchi. “Türkiye has immense potential, and by working together, we are ensuring that every child and every young person—regardless of their circumstances—has the chance to learn, develop, and to be protected. The investments we make today in children will define the country’s social and economic resilience for decades to come. UNICEF is proud to work alongside committed companies who recognise how investing in children drives sustainable growth and builds strong communities.”

Youth representatives underscored the importance of meaningful participation and highlighted how UNICEF-supported platforms empower them to shape policy dialogue, influence programme design, and drive intergenerational collaboration. Their interventions reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to keeping youth voices at the heart of collective action. 

“These platforms don’t just give us a seat at the table they give us a voice that shapes decisions.” said Felat Kocahal, the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) Representative.

Expanding Early Childhood Development and Child Protection Efforts

The meeting also looked at the gaining momentum of UNICEF’s work in promoting Early Childhood Development (ECD), recognizing the early years as a critical window for long-term social and economic gains. Board members discussed expanding opportunities for private sector engagement in scaling ECD models.

UNICEF also highlighted ongoing efforts to prevent and respond to violence against children by strengthening services, systems, and community-based approaches. The Board explored how companies can contribute to safer environments for children—across supply chains, workplaces, and in communities.

During the meeting, flagship partnerships with Rönesans Holding, Çimko, and Unilever were recognized as exemplary cases of how UNICEF and the private sector can co-create scalable and impactful models. Members discussed ways these partnerships can be expanded and replicated to reach more children and families nationwide.

The meeting concluded with an acknowledgement of World Children’s Day, observed annually on 20 November. Board members reflected on the importance of amplifying children’s voices and reaffirming their rights, especially at a time when children around the world face increasing challenges.