The UNICEF-China deal, established to support vulnerable children around the world, was concluded during a visit to China by UNICEF officials. The deal will boost progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for children and promote child rights.
UNICEF-China deal finalized in a meeting in China
UNICEF has recently concluded a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA). The MOU will help promote children’s rights worldwide and accelerate progress toward achieving the SDGs related to children.
The MOU is titled ‘Memorandum of Understanding between CIDCA and UNICEF on Accelerating SDG Progress for Children in Partnership with the Global Development Initiative.’ UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden agreed during a meeting in China.
Moreover, the MOU provides for UNICEF and CIDCA to expand their cooperation to other fronts. They can collaborate on issues such as climate change, green development, and digital learning. The organisations can also work together on policy dialogues, capacity building, and practical cooperation in at least 15 priority countries.
“The Global Development Initiative is China’s flagship development initiative, and UNICEF engages with initiatives such as these to progress our shared ambition of advancing the UNSustainable Development Goals for every child. This new cooperation framework with CIDCA reflects a shared commitment to scale up practical solutions that keep children’s rights at the centre of global development,” said Kitty van der Heijden.
During the meeting, Kitty van der Heijden noted that children’s lives have become more fragile all over the world. She also urged for investment in children, not just as the morally right thing to do but also as a politically smart and economically rational decision.
UNICEF and CIDCA sign new funding agreement following MOU
In addition to the MOU, both organisations also signed new funding agreements for specific projects for children around the world. These funding agreements targeted children in Liberia and Burundi.
The organisations signed an agreement to improve newborn and maternal health and nutrition in Liberia. They will provide neonatal equipment, therapeutic food, essential medicines, and breastfeeding support. The initiative will support about 93,000 mothers and children.
Similarly, UNICEF and CIDCA signed an agreement to provide solar energy in Burundi. The initiative will improve learning and skills for 9,250 children, empower 10 schools, and also strengthen education services in underserved communities.