Development Committee

UNICEF

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund

About the Committee

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was initially created in the aftermath of World War II, as part of an initiative to protect children against rampant poverty, disease and famine. Decades later, it serves as one of the world’s most successful child welfare agencies, with operations in a multitude of member states. Most of its work, however, focuses on developing countries, where it aims to provide all children with equal rights, opportunities and liberties, even when faced with long-lasting conflicts and humanitarian crises. This explains why much of its funding goes towards combatting the main issues plaguing children in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, while also promoting developments in important fields like sanitation, education and disaster prevention.

This year, in line with the conference theme of “Rebuilding Institutional Credibility in a Time of Volatile Dissension,” UNICEF will be focusing on two humanitarian emergencies that pose a significant threat to child welfare, and to the public’s confidence in the international institutions that are entrusted with their protection. When dealing with these prolific issues, delegates will have to engage in extensive diplomacy in order to create solutions that are effective in the short term, while also upholding the physical and mental health of children in the long run, so that global trust in these institutions can be restored. The ultimate mission should be obvious: making sure that all children are given a better future in which they can access their fundamental rights, and live with freedom from fear.