On the occasion of World Children’s Day, UNICEF in Kosovo marked 30 years of partnership and progress for children and youth.

In Kosovo, UNICEF and its partners reflected on three decades of achievements at an event attended by government representatives, international partners, civil society organizations, children, and youth.

Veronika Vashchenko, Head of UNICEF in Kosovo, emphasized that children are the only goal of the organization.

“One of the most inspiring leaders in UNICEF’s history, James Brown, once said something that perfectly summarizes the heart and purpose of UNICEF, our organization. He said: ‘We started with the children.’ That is ultimately where UNICEF begins — with children, and in this case, these children also represent the country where we hope to succeed. With bright, happy, attentive children full of energy and joy. We have no goal other than the children. In 1995, UNICEF began work here in Kosovo, and what started as an emergency response has transformed into a joint effort, a partnership with the children of Kosovo, their families, and institutions,” said Vashchenko.

UNICEF also shared stories from youth, children, and families across Kosovo who have benefited from support for early development and education, home visits, youth skills programs, and initiatives for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, showing how long-term investments bring sustainable change.

A new global UNICEF report, published today, reveals an alarming reality: more than 400 million children worldwide live in poverty, deprived of at least two essential needs such as food, hygiene, or education. Conflicts, climate pressures, and reduced investment in basic services are putting even more children at risk.

Since 1995, UNICEF has supported key achievements for children in Kosovo, including rebuilding 140 schools, enabling 100,000 children to return to classrooms, eradicating polio, expanding the Home Visiting Program to provide vital health and developmental support for infants and parents, supporting the adoption of the Law on Child Protection, and advocating for the provision of 330 assistant teacher positions for inclusive education.