UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is tasked with implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child for every child in this world. Sustainability is key to UNICEF’s work.
As one of 34 national committees, UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein is committed to improving the lives of children in 35 countries. Our approach is based on UNICEF’s sustainability guidance. Together, we make every effort to meet the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030. We at UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein believe that our organization will only see medium- and long-term success when we honor our responsibility to all stakeholders and make Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles an integral component of our business. For this reason, we have developed our own sustainability strategy that is aligned with the legal requirements, the regulatory framework and the expectations of all stakeholders.
Materiality analysis
In 2023, UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein carried out a materiality analysis in order to identify relevant sustainability issues. We adhered to the double materiality perspective in accordance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD):
- First, we evaluated UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein’s impacts on people and the environment along its value chain (inside-out perspective).
- Second, we assessed the risks and opportunities of potential sustainability issues for UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein (outside-in perspective).
The results of the analysis are presented in the materiality matrix below. It specifically identifies eight topics as “material.” These material topics are given the highest priority for UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein, because they have the greatest positive and negative impacts and also present the greatest risks and opportunities for our organization.
Our sustainability strategy
UNICEF programs and initiatives help to improve the lives of millions of children and their families. They also create diverse additional societal, environmental and economic benefits.
In 2023, we used this materiality analysis to develop a sustainability strategy that’s fit for the future, and we will be implementing this strategy in the years ahead. We have bundled its eight material topics into three strategic areas of our sustainability strategy.
- For children and youth: Positive impact for children.
- For Switzerland & Liechtenstein: An organization based on integrity and professionalism.
- For the planet: We are committed to creating a liveable planet.
Governance
UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein has defined clear responsibilities at all leadership levels for implementing our sustainability strategy and monitoring our sustainability performance.
- The Managing Board is tasked with the adoption of the sustainability strategy and periodic review of its implementation.
- The Executive Board is tasked with the development and implementation of the sustainability strategy and periodic review of its implementation.
- The Sustainability Officer supports the Executive Board in the development and implementation of the sustainability strategy.
