UNICEF highlights innovative partnerships to address global challenges facing children
UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director, Kitty van der Heijden, has emphasized the importance of innovative collaborations between the organization and the private sector to tackle the growing challenges affecting children worldwide. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, she highlighted UNICEF’s efforts in addressing issues such as conflicts, climate change, displacement, and health crises.
Van der Heijden noted that UNICEF has partnered with sectors like education, humanitarian aid, and artificial intelligence, enabling the organization to reach areas inaccessible to many corporate entities. The UN official cited the development of parametric climate insurance, which ensures immediate financial support to communities affected by extreme weather events. The tool detects critical changes, such as rising wind speeds during hurricanes, and triggers automatic cash deposits to UNICEF for rapid response efforts.
Additionally, van der Heijden underscored children’s heightened vulnerability to climate change. Heatwaves, pollution, and economic shocks disproportionately affect children, particularly in disadvantaged communities. She warned of the long-term effects, including health issues and social consequences like increased child marriages driven by financial strain.
UNICEF is advocating for child-focused global climate policies as countries prepare new climate action plans. “Children must be at the center of these policies,” van der Heijden urged, stressing the pivotal role of 2025 in shaping effective strategies. These partnerships and initiatives reflect UNICEF’s commitment to protecting children from overlapping crises while fostering resilience for the future.
