UNICEF, originally the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund and officially the United Nations Children’s Fund since 1953, is a United Nations agency dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. Established on December 11, 1946, in New York by the U.N. Relief Rehabilitation Administration, UNICEF was created to offer immediate relief to children and mothers affected by World War II. Its mandate later expanded to address long-term needs of children and women, especially in developing countries, making it one of the most widely known and visible social welfare organizations globally, operating in 192 countries and territories.
The organization focuses on a broad spectrum of child welfare activities including immunizations, disease prevention, HIV treatment for children and mothers, childhood and maternal nutrition enhancement, sanitation improvement, education promotion, and emergency relief during disasters. UNICEF plays a critical role in responding promptly to emergencies worldwide and providing essential resources such as clean water, therapeutic food for malnourished children, temporary schools during crises, and vaccination programs.
UNICEF’s work is supported by national committees in 34 countries, which function as independent local NGOs raising funds primarily from the private sector as UNICEF is fully dependent on voluntary contributions. These national committees contribute about one-third of UNICEF’s annual income through donations from corporations, civil society, and millions of individual donors worldwide.
The organization has a global workforce of more than 15,000 staff members operating in over 190 countries, united under the vision of creating a better world for every child. UNICEF exists to ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, is healthy, educated, and safe, advocating for children’s rights and providing vital services to children in need worldwide.