Irish Aid and UNICEF sign new partnership agreement increasing funding for world’s children

Minister of State for Overseas Development Michael Kitt TD and UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman yesterday signed a multi-year partnership agreement to strengthen links between Irish Aid and UNICEF in New York .

UNICEF received nearly €30m in total contributions from Irish Aid in 2007. Half of this was made up of core funding – non-earmarked donations allowing flexibility in delivering assistance on the ground. The remainder was humanitarian assistance in response to specific emergencies. Ireland is now ranked among the top 10 donors to UNICEF’s core budget.

Speaking at the signing Minister of State Kitt stated:
“UNICEF is an effective and important actor in international development. Irish Aid is delighted to support its work with children in the developing world."
Director Venemam praised Ireland's assistance, saying:
“Children are at the heart of the Millennium Development Goals. Ireland’s valuable contribution will support efforts to achieve those goals.”

Yesterday’s agreement spells out common objectives, outlines roles and responsibilities, and sets indicators for measuring progress. It calls for concerted actions to:
• Support countries in their efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals;
• Make the delivery of essential services for children more effective through stronger collaboration with other United Nations agencies, donors and governments;
• Help children affected by natural disasters and emergencies; and
• Share knowledge and information in the areas of health, education, water and sanitation, gender and HIV and AIDS.
In addition, Irish Aid will provide substantial support to UNICEF’s work in emergency relief and recovery, in improving children’s health, including those impacted by HIV and AIDS, and in protecting their right to education.
Note to Editors:
UNICEF is one of a small number of UN agencies designated as Priority Partners by Irish Aid. The others include the WHO and the UN High Commission for Refugees.

UNICEF works in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality basic education, and protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

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Press
24/4/08