The world is in turmoil. War, the climate crisis and economic instability are affecting the daily lives of millions of families.
The situation is dire in Sudan, Gaza and Syria. Children are starving. Infrastructure has been destroyed. The very survival of the people there depends on humanitarian aid. But there is one force holding the darkness at bay: the unswerving solidarity of our supporters.
Bettina Junker, Executive Director of UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein: “Behind every program, you’ll find children whose lives were changed for the better, thanks to your support.”
Look, when the rest of the world looks away
Headlines come and go, and today’s crises may soon be forgotten. UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Bastian Baker traveled to Afghanistan to ensure that the plight of the people there continues to receive attention. The singer-songwriter visited schools and hospitals to see how our work is helping. “The people need our help,” he said. “We must not let the light leave the eyes of these children.”
Protecting all children everywhere
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child applies around the world – including here at home. Last year, decisive action was taken in this area when UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein and its partners developed clear asylum policy recommendations to improve conditions for child refugees. They cannot simply be housed in collective centers. They need protection as well as child-appropriate environments. Awareness for the needs of children is growing: 76 cities and communities in Switzerland now bear the label “Child Friendly Communities.”
Alliances for empowerment
Global crises require new solutions. In the Philippines, UNICEF has teamed with the MSC Foundation with the initiative “The Learning Bridge”, which features a floating, climate-adapted school and ensures that 400,000 children will have access to education. The Swiss household appliance company Solis donated five percent of its online revenue to our survival programs as part of its Christmas charity campaign. At the same time, UNICEF and the Z Zurich Foundation have partnered to integrate youth mental health support in schools. These actions demonstrate that we are living by our motto: UNICEF never gives up. Thanks to people like you.
The examples above show that help brings the greatest impact when it’s done for the long term. UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein’s programs, fundraising and policy work are designed to be as effective and efficient as possible – to achieve real, positive change for children. You’ll find more information in our annual reporting for 2025, which includes the Annual Report, the Annual Financial Statements and our second Sustainability Report.
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You’ll find the complete annual reporting for 2025 here: