Our History
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Sixty years is but a blink of an eye in the course of history, but in that brief span of time the world has become a different place
entirely for children. The Millennium Development Goals serve as our guide and help us continuing to evolve and respond to the challenges children all around the world face every day.
World War II has left behind millions of orphaned, displaced and traumatised children. In 1946, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund was founded in response to the suffering children in European devastated countries.
© UNICEF/NYHQ1945-0017/Photographer Unknown
1946
UNICEF was brought to life in December 1946 by a unanimous vote at the first session of the UN General Assembly. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, as it was then known, was to provide short-term relief to children living in post World War II Europe. Then as now, UNICEF was funded entirely by voluntary contributions.1949
Following World War II, UNICEF gave emergency food and medicine to the village of Rudolfo, Czechoslovakia. 7 year-old Jitka Samkova lived in that village. In gratitude, Jitka painted a picture of the sun shining on a group of children dancing around a maypole. Her teacher entered the painting for a UNICEF competition which Jitka won and her painting was made into UNICEF's first Christmas card.1953
UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations, the seven-year-old organisation was active in some 100 countries. Its name was changed to the United Nations Children’s Fund.1965
UNICEF was in the global spotlight as it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965.1974
UNICEF NZ started off as a voluntary non-governmental organization (NGO). As one of the 36 National Committees in the world UNICEF NZ works to support UNICEF’s programmes on the ground, and to advocate for Kiwi children.1990
The UN Convention on the Rights (CRC) of the Child was adopted and went on to become the most universally adopted international treaty in history. New Zealand first adopted the principles of the CRC in 1993.2002
In May 2002, UNICEF was the Secretariat of the United Nations Special Session on Children – a landmark as it was the first such Session devoted exclusively to children and the first to include them as official delegates. It resulted in a unanimous agreement on a new agenda for children.Today
What began as a temporary experiment over 60 years ago has grown to become the world’s leading agency for children; UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other organisation. Today, UNICEF is active in over 190 countries, uniting people and partners to make the world a better place for future generations.
Our mission remains: creating a better world for every child.
Join with us, let's unite for Children!
Watch UNICEF's history through film.
Join with us, let's unite for Children!
Watch UNICEF's history through film.
