In their opening statements, Ms. Fore and Ambassador Hattrem both recognized the leadership of their respective predecessors, underscoring the significance of UNICEF’s work and the immense challenges facing children around the world today.

“Despite enormous global progress over the past few decades, the lives and futures of children in every society remain marked by discrimination, poverty and inequity, and lack of access to basic services, which, together with climate change, is propelling the greatest displacement of children since World War II,” said Ambassador Hattrem.

“In responding to the immense challenges children are facing today, our work in 2018 will be guided by UNICEF’s new Strategic Plan, underpinned by the principles of leaving no one behind and reaching the furthest behind first,” said Ambassador Hattrem.

To drive results for the most disadvantaged children and young people, the Strategic Plan sets out five goal areas:

  1. Every child survives and thrives
  2. Every child learns
  3. Every child is protected from violence and exploitation
  4. Every child lives in a safe and clean environment
  5. Every child has an equitable chance in life.

Describing UNICEF’s ambition to see every young person in school, learning, training or age-appropriate employment by 2030, Ms. Fore noted how “[this] significant opportunity is matched by an enormous challenge – based on current trends, only 1 in 10 young people [in low-income countries] will gain the secondary-level skills they need by 2030.”

The Strategic Plan includes a common chapter that details how UNICEF will work together with other United Nations agencies.  “We will do this with our partners: non-profits, foundations, national and local governments, and local businesses,” said Ms. Fore, noting how the global business community “is transcending its traditional role as a donor alone and helping us reach children and young people in new and more effective ways.”

Read the full article about UNICEF's new strategic plan at Unicef.