- Published: 19.03.2025.
Annual meeting between gov’t, UNICEF – a partnership for a better future for children
The annual meeting on the cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the UNICEF Office for Croatia was held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. The meeting highlighted the necessity of continued investment in projects that improve the living conditions of children in Croatia and worldwide, ensuring them a safe and stimulating environment for growth and development. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, in partnership with UNICEF, regularly brings together key stakeholders, including representatives from ministries, non-governmental organizations, and the business sector, to analyze achieved results and define future steps within their cooperation framework.
Through this partnership, the Government of the Republic of Croatia and UNICEF recognize that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity for a happy childhood. While efforts are being made in Croatia to improve educational, healthcare, and social conditions, Croatia remains a strong global partner, providing aid to children affected by crises around the world. In 2024 alone, €1.2 million was allocated to projects focused on the health and education of children in the most vulnerable regions.
At this year’s meeting, partners emphasized the unquestionable importance of continued investment in the protection of children's rights and reaffirmed Croatia’s ongoing cooperation with UNICEF. It was also highlighted that their shared goal remains clear: to ensure that every child has a safe, healthy, and encouraging environment in which they can reach their full potential, as a happy and secure childhood is the foundation of everything.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been present in the Republic of Croatia since 1991, as one of the first international organizations to provide continuous support to the youngest citizens and their families during times of aggression. Over more than three decades, the collaboration between UNICEF and the Croatian government has become a strong cornerstone in advancing children's rights and improving their living conditions. In addition to international projects, the Croatian government and UNICEF continuously implement initiatives focused on children in Croatia, with a special emphasis on early childhood development, preventing violence against children, and ensuring inclusive education.
Key initiatives of this partnership include aid to Ukraine through the provision of 50 generators for schools and hospitals, along with additional financial support to strengthen energy infrastructure, ensuring conditions for education and healthcare. Other initiatives include the construction of three modular schools in Turkey, allowing education to continue in earthquake-affected areas; support for girls' education in Kenya as part of the European Union’s Team Europe Initiative, opening doors to a brighter future for them; humanitarian aid worth €500,000 for civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza, providing shelter and essential supplies to the most vulnerable; and the signing of a €600,000 support agreement for Moldova, strengthening the country’s healthcare, education, and social systems.
Since 2018, Croatia has donated more than €5.1 million to UNICEF for the implementation of various projects aimed at children's well-being, reaffirming its commitment to the youngest members of society and remaining dedicated to creating a world where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams.
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Through this partnership, the Government of the Republic of Croatia and UNICEF recognize that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity for a happy childhood. While efforts are being made in Croatia to improve educational, healthcare, and social conditions, Croatia remains a strong global partner, providing aid to children affected by crises around the world. In 2024 alone, €1.2 million was allocated to projects focused on the health and education of children in the most vulnerable regions.
At this year’s meeting, partners emphasized the unquestionable importance of continued investment in the protection of children's rights and reaffirmed Croatia’s ongoing cooperation with UNICEF. It was also highlighted that their shared goal remains clear: to ensure that every child has a safe, healthy, and encouraging environment in which they can reach their full potential, as a happy and secure childhood is the foundation of everything.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been present in the Republic of Croatia since 1991, as one of the first international organizations to provide continuous support to the youngest citizens and their families during times of aggression. Over more than three decades, the collaboration between UNICEF and the Croatian government has become a strong cornerstone in advancing children's rights and improving their living conditions. In addition to international projects, the Croatian government and UNICEF continuously implement initiatives focused on children in Croatia, with a special emphasis on early childhood development, preventing violence against children, and ensuring inclusive education.
Key initiatives of this partnership include aid to Ukraine through the provision of 50 generators for schools and hospitals, along with additional financial support to strengthen energy infrastructure, ensuring conditions for education and healthcare. Other initiatives include the construction of three modular schools in Turkey, allowing education to continue in earthquake-affected areas; support for girls' education in Kenya as part of the European Union’s Team Europe Initiative, opening doors to a brighter future for them; humanitarian aid worth €500,000 for civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza, providing shelter and essential supplies to the most vulnerable; and the signing of a €600,000 support agreement for Moldova, strengthening the country’s healthcare, education, and social systems.
Since 2018, Croatia has donated more than €5.1 million to UNICEF for the implementation of various projects aimed at children's well-being, reaffirming its commitment to the youngest members of society and remaining dedicated to creating a world where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams.