UNICEF public partnerships
Uniting with the public sector to achieve results for every child.
Across more than 190 countries and territories, UNICEF does whatever it takes to help children and adolescents survive, thrive and fulfil their potential. But we can’t do it alone.
Public partners are essential to bring life-saving support to children and their families. Our public partners include governments, United Nations (UN) agencies, international financial institutions and other multilateral organizations, especially through Global Programme Partnerships. Together, we advocate for and with children, help countries set agendas that prioritize their rights, and mobilize resources to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals and UNICEF’s strategic plan.
Because UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions, we rely on the commitment of our partners – especially in the public sector. In 2022, public-sector partners contributed US$6.54 billion to UNICEF's US$9.3 billion total income. Learn more about the various types of funding to UNICEF.
Results for children
Over the years, our public-sector partners have been instrumental in reaching children with vital services such as healthcare, nutrition, education, protection, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) – even amidst emergencies. Discover what we do and how we drive tangible results #ForEveryChild.
Top public sector donors by contributions received,2 2022
| Rank | Resource partner | Total US$, millions |
| 1 | United States of America | 1,286 |
| 2 | Germany | 1,047 |
| 3 | World Bank Group | 542 |
| 4 | European Union | 524 |
| 5 | Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance | 339 |
| 6 | Canada | 263 |
| 7 | United Kingdom | 228 |
| 8 | 224 | |
| 9 | Sweden | 222 |
| 10 | Japan | 199 |
UNICEF’s public sector partners
Government partners
UNICEF collaborates with governments in over 190 countries and territories to tackle policy and budget shortfalls, ensuring that children grow up safe, healthy, and educated. Our government partners contribute crucial Core Resources for Results and emergency funding for humanitarian response, while joining us in emphasizing children's rights – a central aspect of numerous development agendas and budgets.
Together, we develop innovative programs and enhance the efficiency of our collaborative efforts. UNICEF engages with governments in various international forums, such as the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and regional bodies like the African Union and the European Union.
The top three largest contributors to UNICEF are the United States of America, Germany, and World Bank Group.
Multilateral partners
UNICEF actively engages with Global Programme Partnerships (GPPs) and International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to drive robust and equitable outcomes for children.
Global Programme Partnerships represent voluntary collaborations aimed at advancing global objectives. These partnerships encompass various regions worldwide and bring together public and non-public stakeholders, including donors, governments where programs are implemented, non-governmental and civil society organizations, and UN agencies. As of 2017, UNICEF participated in 101 GPPs, featuring Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; the Global Partnership for Education; the Global Fund; and the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children. UNICEF also takes on a pivotal role in shaping and co-managing GPPs, utilizing our convening power and extensive country presence to offer operational and technical expertise. Furthermore, GPPs enable UNICEF to bolster advocacy initiatives and resource mobilization objectives.
Increasingly, UNICEF collaborates with International Financial Institutions such as the World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund, and Regional Development Banks to support countries in achieving a resilient, inclusive pandemic recovery and realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). IFIs are not merely donors, but essential partners that furnish large-scale financing for governments to facilitate their development efforts. UNICEF, alongside IFIs, advocates for children's well-being by promoting child-sensitive planning, budgeting, and programming. By offering sector-specific technical advice to national and municipal governments, UNICEF can influence and capitalize on IFI investments in areas vital for children's welfare. In some cases, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings, UNICEF may be chosen by the government and/or IFI as an implementing partner for IFI-funded programs. In 2022, the most prominent GPP and IFI partners for UNICEF were Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the World Bank Group.
United Nations partners
UNICEF works with other organizations in the UN system to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the UN’s development operations and support countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. To help shape a United Nations that responds to our changing world, UNICEF works especially closely with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).
Through joint programmes and funding arrangements, we harness our complementary strengths to advance progress in poverty reduction, climate change, adolescent and maternal health, and gender equality.
1Figures are based on "income," which here represents contributions received from the public sector (see footnote 2) and revenue from the private sector. Revenue is recognized in full, including for multi-year contributions, at the time the agreement is signed with the partner.
2Contributions are received in cash and in kind.
3 Contributions received from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs include $197 million related to the Central Emergency Response Fund, and $27 million related to humanitarian country-based pooled funds.