The annual meeting on cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for Croatia was held on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at the Office of the European Parliament in the Republic of Croatia. The meeting presented the cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and UNICEF in 2025, the key results achieved by UNICEF, and the work plan for 2026 and 2027 within the framework of the Programme of Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and UNICEF 2023-2027.
The meeting was attended by Frano Matušić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs; Luisa Brumana, Head of the UNICEF Office for Croatia; Ilija Talev, Deputy Head of the UNICEF Office for Croatia; representatives of state administration bodies, the Croatian Parliament, local and regional self-government units, and the non-governmental sector.
Through this cooperation and partnership, the Government of the Republic of Croatia and UNICEF reaffirm their shared conviction that every child, regardless of the circumstances in which they grow up, deserves the opportunity for a safe and fulfilling childhood. By investing in the improvement of educational, health and social conditions in Croatia, support systems for children and families are continuously strengthened. Representatives of the competent ministries working closely with UNICEF, a representative of the Croatian Parliament, the Ombudsperson for Children, and representatives of local authorities presented the most significant results achieved over the past year.
As emphasised in his opening remarks by State Secretary Matušić, UNICEF has been present in Croatia since 1991, as one of the first international organisations to provide continuous support to children and their families during the period of aggression and the Homeland War, in which Croatian children were among the victims and the missing. A strong foundation for continued joint work was established at that time, which has since evolved in advancing children’s rights and improving their living conditions. In addition to international projects, the Croatian Government and UNICEF continuously implement initiatives aimed at children in Croatia, with particular emphasis on early childhood, the prevention of violence against children, and ensuring inclusive education.
With regard to key initiatives in recent years, Croatia has contributed to UNICEF programmes in numerous countries. These include assistance to Ukraine through the strengthening of energy infrastructure by donating 50 generators to schools and hospitals, as well as additional financial support to enhance energy infrastructure, ensuring conditions for education and healthcare; the construction of three modular schools in Türkiye, enabling the continuation of education in earthquake-affected areas; support for girls’ education in Kenya within the framework of the European Union’s Team Europe Initiative, opening the door to a brighter future; humanitarian assistance in the amount of EUR 1.5 million to civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza and neighbouring countries, providing shelter and essential supplies to the most vulnerable; and the signing of a EUR 600,000 Support Agreement with Moldova, aimed at strengthening that country’s health, education and social systems.
Croatia remains committed to continued assistance and cooperation, recognising that the objective is not only to mitigate adverse effects, but also to build a better world for future generations, as everything begins with a happy and secure childhood. This commitment is reflected in the longstanding partnership between all state authorities and UNICEF.
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