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The financing for Early Childhood Education (ECE) is quite low. While countries are investing in early years’ education, the contributions are relatively small, inconsistent, and unsustainable. Investment in early years has a far-reaching impact as it contributes towards the child’s development, readiness for primary schooling and is a key…

Despite the transformative role preprimary education can play in addressing gender inequalities and challenging common gender norms and stereotypes while they are being acquired by the youngest learners, boys and girls continue to have different classroom experiences. Gender biases and stereotypes are frequently reproduced in teacher-student…

Misconduct undermines the effectiveness, credibility and integrity of UNICEF, threatening our ability to meet the needs of children worldwide. All UNICEF personnel – regardless of how they're contracted or where they're stationed – are expected to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Those…, What to report, Sexual exploitation or abuse, In every context in which UNICEF operates, people trust us to assist and protect them. The vast majority of aid workers do so with professionalism and integrity. However, some abuse their position of power through the sexual exploitation or abuse of those who depend on them, including children. Sexual exploitation refers to any actual or attempted…, Sexual harassment in the workplace, Our mission to support children requires a workplace that supports staff. But UNICEF is not yet that workplace for every member of our team. Each year, individuals come forward to share experiences of sexual harassment. We know our measures to prevent this have not reached all corners of our working environment. And one case is one too many. Help…, Abuse of authority, Abuse of authority entails the improper use of a position of influence, power or authority against another person. It may also include behaviour that creates a hostile or offensive work environment, such as intimidation, threats, blackmail or coercion. In the workplace, this is particularly serious when affecting the career or psychological safety…, Fraud or corruption, Worldwide, UNICEF is entrusted with voluntary contributions from governments, businesses and philanthropists seeking to protect children’s rights. We're determined to make every dollar count, and to share openly UNICEF Transparency Portal where our funds come from , UNICEF Transparency Portal where they go , and UNICEF Annual Report what they…, Discrimination or racism, Since its inception, UNICEF has stood firmly against discrimination and racism. But we are not immune. Our personnel relay experiences of discrimination and racism, still, perpetrated by peers. They speak up about hurtful and disrespectful actions that betray our most fundamental values.  We will not accept this. UNICEF has one of the most diverse…, Harassment or bullying, Harassment in the workplace can take many forms – words, gestures or actions that tend to alarm, intimidate or belittle another person, including bullying. Overall, any unwelcome conduct that might be expected or perceived to cause offence or humiliation to another may constitute harassment, especially when it interferes with work or creates an…, Conflict of interest, A conflict of interest arises when, by act or omission, staff members’ personal interests cause them to discharge their official duties and responsibilities in a manner inconsistent with the interests of UNICEF.  UNICEF recognizes that engagement in outside activities may enhance personal well-being and professional development, even to the…, Retaliation, All UNICEF personnel have a duty to report any breach of the UN Charter; the UN Staff Regulations and Rules; the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service; and any of UNICEF’s regulations, rules and internal policies, to officials formally designated to receive such reports by UNICEF or the UN. Anyone who submits such a report has…, All other concerns, For issues related to performance management, interpersonal conflicts or other workplace concerns, learn where to turn. UNICEF provides confidential informal and formal channels for seeking guidance, support and resolution. How to report -->, How to report, UNICEF Office of Internal Audit and Investigations, The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) conducts independent, fact-based investigations into allegations of misconduct, fraud and other violations of UNICEF rules, regulations and policies. OIAI’s mission is to investigate reports of misconduct with professionalism, impartiality and fairness towards all parties, as well as to ensure…, UNICEF Ethics Office, The Ethics Office nurtures a culture of integrity and accountability to enhance trust in and credibility within UNICEF and the UN system. Founded on independence, impartiality and confidentiality, this team is responsible for providing advice and guidance, training and outreach, and policy input. They also administer UNICEF’s Policy on Whistle-…, UNICEF Human Resources, UNICEF's Division of Human Resources works with HR practitioners, partners and clients globally to ensure that UNICEF personnel are provided with the work environment and support they need to give their best for every child. HR supports personnel with conduct-related matters by issuing and advising on relevant policies and procedures (including…, Office of the Ombudsmen for United Nations Funds and Programmes, The Office of the Ombudsmen offers dedicated, informal dispute-resolution services to all UNICEF personnel, in addition to personnel from UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS and UN Women. The office is a strictly confidential and neutral place to discuss workplace issues and explore options for addressing conflicts. It operates independently from UNICEF…, Know your rights when reporting wrongs, Right to be protected against retaliation, UNICEF’s policy on whistle-blower protections sets out measures against retaliation for individuals who report misconduct, provide information in good faith on alleged wrongdoing, or cooperate with an authorized inspection.  All UNICEF personnel have a duty to report any breach of the UN Charter; the UN Staff Regulations and Rules; the Standards…, Right to report confidentially, All UNICEF personnel have the right to report suspected wrongdoing confidentially. Reports made to the Ethics Office and the Office of the Ombudsmen are strictly confidential and will not be shared without your express consent. The Office of Internal Audit and Investigation operates under need-to-know confidentiality, meaning the information you…, Right to receive support, If you’re seeking encouragement through the reporting process, or guidance to better understand our duty to report, you’re not alone. UNICEF staff worldwide have teamed up as Peer Support Volunteers, Staff Representatives and Ethics Champions to provide informal and confidential support to colleagues who may have experienced, or suspect they’ve…, UNICEF's work to prevent wrongdoing, FAQs, I’m not ready to report, but I’d like informal guidance. Where can I go? Can I report anonymously? Are whistle-blowers protected from retaliation?  What should I do if I believe I’ve been retaliated against? Where can I find annual reports from UNICEF’s Ethics Office? Where can I find more information on UNICEF's efforts to prevent wrongdoing in…

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As countries make decisions to reopen schools, there are unique considerations related to opening early childhood education (ECE) settings, in order to ensure holistic approaches to nurturing care and learning for young children. Reopening ECE settings can provide children with much-needed emotional support and learning opportunities, and it…

The Sustainable Development Goals highlight the critical importance of pre-primary education and set the broad ambition that by 2030 all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education. Today, the world is facing a learning crisis: While millions of…

The learning crisis the world is facing today has its roots in children’s earliest years, when failure to invest in quality early childhood education results in children starting school not ready to learn and succeed. Millions of children are entering education systems already behind in a host of critical skills they need to succeed in primary…

Education systems are complex. Getting all children in school and learning requires alignment across families, educators and decision makers. It requires shared goals, and national policies that put learning at the centre. It also requires data collection and regular monitoring to help policymakers identify what’s working, who’s benefiting, and…, Innovation in education, Innovation in education is about more than new technology. It’s about solving a real problem in a fresh, simple way to promote equity and improve learning. Innovation in education comes in many forms. Programmes, services, processes, products and partnerships can all enhance education outcomes in innovative ways – like customized games on solar-…, UNICEF’s work to strengthen education systems, UNICEF works with communities, schools and Governments to build strong, innovative education systems that enhance learning for all children. We support data collection and analysis to help Governments assess progress across a range of outcomes and strengthen national Education Management Information Systems. We also develop comprehensive…, More from UNICEF, Resources, Education Sector Analysis Guidelines: Volume 1 ( English , French , Spanish , Portuguese and Russian ) These guidelines support ministries of education and their partners in undergoing sector analysis and developing education sector plans. Education Sector Analysis Guidelines: Volume 2 ( English , French , Spanish , Portuguese and Russian ) These…

There are an estimated 240 million children with disabilities worldwide. Like all children, children with disabilities have ambitions and dreams for their futures. Like all children, they need quality education to develop their skills and realize their full potential. Yet, children with disabilities are often overlooked in policymaking, limiting…, Getting all children in school and learning, Inclusive education is the most effective way to give all children a fair chance to go to school, learn and develop the skills they need to thrive. Inclusive education means all children in the same classrooms, in the same schools. It means real learning opportunities for groups who have traditionally been excluded – not only children with…, UNICEF’s work to promote inclusive education, To close the education gap for children with disabilities, UNICEF supports government efforts to foster and monitor inclusive education systems. Our work focuses on four key areas: Advocacy: UNICEF promotes inclusive education in discussions, high-level events and other forms of outreach geared towards policymakers and the general public.…, More from UNICEF, Resources, Fixing the Broken Promise of Education for All This report draws on national studies to examine why millions of children continue to be denied the fundamental right to primary education. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopts a broad categorization of persons with…

Investing in girls’ education transforms communities, countries and the entire world. Girls who receive an education are less likely to marry young and more likely to lead healthy, productive lives. They earn higher incomes, participate in the decisions that most affect them, and build better futures for themselves and their families. Girls’…, When we invest in girls’ secondary education, The lifetime earnings of girls dramatically increase National growth rates rise Child marriage rates decline Child mortality rates fall Maternal mortality rates fall Child stunting drops, Why are girls out of school?, Despite evidence demonstrating how central girls’ education is to development, gender disparities in education persist. Around the world, 129 million girls are out of school, including 32 million of primary school age, 30 million of lower-secondary school age, and 67 million of upper-secondary school age. In countries affected by conflict, girls…, Gender equality in education, Gender-equitable education systems empower girls and boys and promote the development of life skills – like self-management, communication, negotiation and critical thinking – that young people need to succeed. They close skills gaps that perpetuate pay gaps, and build prosperity for entire countries. Gender-equitable education systems can…, UNICEF’s work to promote girls’ education, UNICEF works with communities, Governments and partners to remove barriers to girls’ education and promote gender equality in education – even in the most challenging settings. Because investing in girls’ secondary education is one of the most transformative development strategies, we prioritize efforts that enable all girls to complete secondary…, More from UNICEF, Resources, Advancing Girls' Education and Gender Equality through Digital Learning Advancing Girls' Education and Gender Equality through Digital Learning This brief note highlights how UNICEF will advance inclusive and transformative digital technology to enhance girls’ learning and skills development for work and life. Reimagining girls' education…

The evidence is clear: Early childhood development must be a global and national priority. Governments already have pledged to achieve the early childhood development targets in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But they need to back up this pledge with action and place early childhood development at the top of their economic and political…, UNICEF calls for governments and partners to:, 1. Invest urgently in services that give young children, especially the most deprived, the best start in life. Increasing the overall share of budgetary allocations for early childhood development programming is a critical step governments can and should take. For example, allocating 10 per cent of all national education budgets to pre-primary…