Friends of Youth-led Action
Learn more about who we work with
Partnerships are at the heart of everything UNICEF does.
UNICEF works with extraordinary partners across the world to advance youth-led action. Catalytic funds for the Youth-led Action Initiative were provided by AstraZeneca's Young Health Programme.
We are grateful for the commitment and support from UNICEF’s International Council and the Youth Taskforce, and Pandora.
Thank you to the many partners and organizations for the collaboration, including the MHPSS Collaborative, Plan International, HRIDAY, the Global Youth Refugee Network (GYRN), YOUNGO, Horn of Africa Youth Network, United Network of Young Peacebuilders, Kenya Redcross, Y+ Global, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education (Uzbekistan), International Public Foundation Zamin, Mongolian Children’s Council, Lao Youth Union, YoungRise Thailand, Tungaru Youth Action, 360 Pacific, AIESEC Malaysia, Kalsom Harapan, DebateLah, Ministry of Education and Skills Development (Bhutan), School of Leadership Foundation, Institute for Social and Youth Development, and many other local organizations and networks.
Why UNICEF is a Partner of Choice
The United Nations has long recognized that the creativity, ideals, perspectives, and energy of young people are vital for the continuing development of societies in which they live. In line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UNICEF’s Strategic Plan 2022 – 2025 reflects the growing consensus that UNICEF’s work to support young people must not only support youth participation in decision-making but also proactively support young people to lead positive change in their own lives and communities. This is a profound shift in how UNICEF positions its efforts with young people. It reflects young people as being not only at the centre of UNICEF’s work but also active agents of change.
Mandate. UNICEF is the world’s leading organization for children and the only United Nations agency with the mandate to promote child and adolescent rights. Through UNICEF’s footprint, partners can reach millions of the most marginalized children and young people and empower them for success.
Leadership in safe and meaningful engagement. UNICEF’s global standards and guidance ensure that young people receive safe, meaningful and systematic support, thereby safeguarding their mental and physical well-being and helping them weigh the risks and benefits of their advocacy.
Access to influential partners. UNICEF offers partnerships, networks, relationships and access to influential duty bearers and decision-makers that can be harnessed by young changemakers. These leaders can likewise benefit from UNICEF’s deep and meaningful relationships with young advocates.
Unique global and local presence. UNICEF’s presence in 190 countries and territories enables it to share its best practices on national, regional and global scales.
Brand awareness. The strong brand awareness of and trust in UNICEF among young people help create incredible demand for UNICEF’s services and enable us to reach millions of children and adolescents.