Highlights from UNICEF at the UN General Assembly
Calling on world leaders to become champions for children.
During the UN General Assembly, UNICEF works to put a spotlight on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, humanitarian action, health, climate change, education and mental health.
The Sustainable Development Goals: Halfway to 2030
Follow @UNICEF for the latest updates.
Learn more about UNICEF's key events from the 78th United Nations General Assembly.
This year marks the halfway point to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But with just seven years to go until 2030, we’ve fallen behind.
Climate change, conflict, COVID-19 and economic crises mean that children around the world are missing out on their chance to fulfill their full potential.
But history proves that a lot can happen in seven years.
From the development of the polio vaccine to the first country-wide eradication – just seven years is enough to transform the world forever.
That’s why UNICEF is calling on world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly to become champions for children, and to put children’s rights at the heart of the SDGs.
We can achieve the SDGs and make the world a fairer, better place for every child.
Humanitarian and emergencies
In conflict and disaster, children suffer first and suffer most. Sustainable interventions are critical because crises are not one-time shocks; their impact can last for years.
Child health and survival
Every year, millions of children die from causes that are preventable and treatable. The COVID-19 pandemic showed everyone how important global health is and the deep inequities that exist.
UNICEF is working tirelessly to make sure that every child has the access to the health care and nutrition they need to not only survive, but thrive.
Climate change
Rapid emissions reduction remains the only long term solution, however, because some impacts of climate change are now unavoidable and irreversible, we must immediately save and protect children’s lives by building the resilience of every child and young person to the impacts of this crisis.
Learning crisis
Nearly two-thirds of 10-year-olds are estimated to be unable to read and understand a simple text. Without urgent action, this global learning crisis will become a generational catastrophe.
Mental health
In every part of the world, poor mental health causes suffering for children and young people. Every child deserves to grow up in loving, nurturing and safe environments.
