UNICEF USA

"It’s been one year of unimaginable anguish and heartbreak for the families of hostages taken from Israel and still held captive in Gaza," says UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. "My thoughts are with all of them as we continue to call for their unconditional release, especially the two children, Kfir and Ariel Bibas." Children are not targets. The violence must end — for every child in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon.

“I’m always struck by this, that children are children everywhere — and even in the most desperate places, they can have #hope," says UNICEF's Catherine Russell. Below, catch Russell's full interview with Margaret Brennan, where she discusses the intensifying humanitarian crises in #Gaza, #Lebanon and #Sudan.

This October, THE BOX IS BACK! 🎃 Learn how you can Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF at trickortreatforunicef.org — and add some meaning to your Halloweening. #ToT4UNICEF

Every teacher knows the power and impact of quality education. This #WorldTeachersDay, we can help ensure more children around the globe have the educational resources and support they need to build bright futures. Join us at trickortreatforunicef.org in making a meaningful impact — for every child. #ToT4UNICEF

To educators everywhere, thank you for all you are and do. This #WorldTeachersDay, share a lesson learned, memory, or note of thanks for your favorite teacher in the comments. 💙 ⬇️

"The children of #Lebanon need peace, not more violence," says UNICEF's Tess Ingram. On the ground in #Beirut, Ingram introduces us to 8-year-old Amir, a survivor of a missile strike. Amir is preparing for his second surgery to remove shrapnel from his spine. UNICEF is delivering critical supplies and support to families caught in the escalating conflict, and calling for an immediate de-escalation of violence. #ForEveryChild, protection.

Amid the mpox outbreak, we have been working around the clock with partners to contain the spread in impacted countries. In DR Congo, Dr. Douglas Noble, UNICEF's Global Lead for Public Health Emergencies, shares the impact of the outbreak on families, particularly for children.

Last week, Congressman Morgan McGarvey of Kentucky introduced the Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2024, a bill that aims to ensure children’s needs and voices are placed at the forefront of policymaking.   Our children’s futures depend on the decisions we make today. Policymaking that prioritizes their well-being is key to building a brighter, more equitable future—and ensuring every child is healthy, educated, protected and respected.   Thank you to Rep. McGarvey and all those championing this initiative.

Whether we wish to believe it or not, October is already here. And as Heidi Klum just announced yesterday, "The Box is Back."   After being put on pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the beloved orange Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes have made a comeback—an object that will likely evoke childhood nostalgia in many of us.   Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has now existed for almost 75 years… …It began in 1950, when librarian, Mary Emma Allison, suggested that children collect money in empty milk cartons so that a donation could be made to UNICEF, which was sending powdered milk to undernourished children around the world. That first year, a sum of $17 was collected.   In 1953, UNICEF USA began bringing the idea to life at a large scale, distributing millions of the famous orange boxes across the United States. In 1965, the reach of the fundraising efforts was recognized by US President, Lyndon B. Johnson, who considered the Halloween programme a 'basic training in world citizenship.' October 31st was consequently declared annually as 'UNICEF Day,' and by the time of Allison's death in 2010, the programme had raised up to $160 million (!).   As we now increasingly become a cashless society, the UNICEF boxes have adapted to include a QR code, where donations can be sent through virtual payment. For those of you with children that will be knocking on neighbours' doors this Halloween, you can also order a box online through the link, trickortreatforunicef.org

At #ClimateWeekNYC, UNICEF USA’s Michele Walsh kicked off a powerful two-part panel discussion on girls’ and women’s roles in building a greener, more resilient and inclusive future. Find the full recording from Climate Group in our comment below to explore insights from the panelists, including leaders from our partner Zonta International, The Aspen Institute, LinkedIn, Mastercard and UNICEF.