ChildFund Alliance

Following a successful week of meetings in New York this month, the ChildFund Alliance Board of Directors and members of the Alliance approved a new constitution and governance structure to take effect January 1, 2025. It will give voice to all members on key matters and decision making through establishment of a new Members Council, and a smaller, skills-based board of directors. The new Council, comprising chief executives, will provide ongoing strategy and policy recommendations and advice to the board. A priority will be overseeing development of a new Alliance strategic plan and providing leadership and vision for member growth and collaboration. “By reducing the size and composition of the Board, we can allow for more efficient management of board business and avoid unlimited expansion,” said outgoing Chairman Simon Whyte. “A new nominations committee and rotational retirements will ensure the Board is refreshed regularly and filled by individuals with the skills and experience to contribute significantly to the vision and mission of the Alliance.”? Chairman Whyte recognized the particular contribution of outgoing board member David Shortland whose expertise and hard work was critical to the success of the new governance structure. He also expressed gratitude to others retiring from the board as part of the reform process, including Hans-Juergen Foerster, Helen Thompson, Isam Ghanim, Alain Gibert, and Youngkey Huang. They are leaving the Alliance stronger and better positioned to advocate for children’s rights and safety especially during these times of escalating crises. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gyvKzG7d Simon Whyte, Tamar Manuelyan Atinc, Marco Chiesara, Misako Fukushima, Isam Ghanim, Alain Gibert, Youngkey Hwang, Hans-Juergen Foerster, Sonia Ruiz Yasemin Arhan Modéer, Aklilu Mulat, MSc, FCPA, FCMA, David Shortland Helen Thompson, Alexander Busl, Martina Hibell, Maud LHUILLIER, Pilar Orenes Josie Pagani, Margaret Sheehan, Dina Taddia, Katsuhiko (Kats) Takeda Fred Witteveen, Meg Gardinier

The World Index report, released by ChildFund Alliance last week, finds it will take 113 years for women and children to witness the full implementation of their rights. The global rankings show that Sweden, Iceland, and Norway are leading in the protection of rights for women and children, followed closely by Switzerland, Australia, and Denmark. At the bottom are Mali, Niger, and the Central African Republic, and Chad. Thank you to those who lent their time, expertise and insights at the launch: Manuel Fontaine, Special Adviser, Child Rights at UNICEF, for providing the keynote address. Panel participants: Lisa Ann Kurbiel, Head of Secretariat at the UN Joint SDG Fund;?Daniel Seymour, Director of Strategic Partnerships at UN Women;?Sarah Jonson, Technical Advisor, Youth Agency & Engagement at International Youth Foundation;?and Gillian Huebner, Executive Director of the Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues at Georgetown University. Moderator Casey Harden, CEO/General Secretary at World YWCA.? Martina Albini, Research Centre Coordinator at WeWorld Onlus who presented the methodology and findings of the Index. To learn more about the report findings, please visit https://lnkd.in/gMCNMvVQ

Our participation at COP29 in Baku Azerbaijan has made one thing very clear. Climate change will continue to cause negative impacts, directly affecting children’s health, education, protection, and access to essential services and livelihoods. We need to be climate resilient. We can do that by forming strategic partnerships with other like-minded organizations receiving to support local, child-focused projects, ensuring sustainable development. We are attending one more COP, UNCCD COP16 next week in Riyadh. Where we will be growing more connections and unite ChildFund’s voice across the two high-level events, centering children’s voices and needs in the key decisions that will affect their future environment. Let's connect to join forces and work together! See you there! ChildFund International - Africa ChildFund International in Indonesia ChildFund Sénégal ChildFund Kenya Chege Ngugi ChildFund International ChildFund Alliance #climateaction #COP16Riyadh #youthvoices #childrights

Thrilled to be attending COP 16 as a young climate champion to amplify youth voices in the fight against land degradation and desertification. This global gathering is a powerful platform to showcase the potential of youth-led innovation in driving restoration efforts and building sustainable futures. Reversing land degradation isn’t just about restoring ecosystems; it’s about securing livelihoods, combating food insecurity, and ensuring climate resilience for generations to come. Youth play a critical role in this transformation by bringing fresh ideas, energy, and a deep commitment to the cause. As we unite with global leaders, organizations, and activists, my mission is to highlight the importance of restoration as a tool for regeneration and resilience. Together, we can drive action, foster collaboration, and pave the way for a healthier planet. Let’s make restoration a global priority and show that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today. ChildFund Kenya ChildFund International ChildFund Alliance ChildFund Asia Region ChildFund International - Africa Emali Dedicated Children's Agency (EDCA) #COP16 #YouthForRestoration #LandDegradation #YouthLeadership #ResilientFuture"

Climate change is having a devastating impact on the fulfilment of child rights. ChildFund urges global leaders to make decisions that will protect children’s health, their education, and their future in the face of climate and biodiversity crises. #COP29 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gTSPDhaR

ChildFund Alliance joins more than 70 child rights organizations in calling for urgent laws to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse, both on and offline. Read the statement: https://lnkd.in/g5DfVind

Our #WorldIndex includes the findings of 10,000 interviews with children and young people across 41 countries. Asked to identify the areas where adults should take action, 5 critical themes emerged. Learn what else children had to say at https://lnkd.in/exQtfG4N #WorldChildrensDay ChildFund Australia | ChildFund Deutschland | ChildFund International | ???? ?????(Childfund Korea) | ChildFund Japan Philippine Branch | ChildFund New Zealand | Barnfonden | Children Believe | Educo ONG | WeWorld Onlus | Un Enfant Par La Main

ChildFund Alliance and members of the #JoiningForces coalition are calling on world leaders to ensure the inclusive participation of children in all climate actions at #COP29. As the generation most impacted, they must be given a voice. Read the statement: https://lnkd.in/gVy_PNUE

We are so proud of our ChildFund youth advocates for climate justice and action. Arosha, our youth representative from Sri Lanka, passionately spoke about what climate challenges he and his agriculture dependent community face. Arosha is a son of a farmer and he has been a witness to the struggle faced by his father and other like him struggling to keep their livelihood options viable due to increasing drought like conditions. Puttalam, Sri Lanka, as per reports, have had below-average rainfall leading to water shortages, impacting agriculture in the district;?this is considered one of the most affected areas in the country due to its location within the dry zone of Sri Lanka, making it particularly vulnerable to drought spells. Arosha has been vocal at different forums during #COP29 bringing his knowledge of his living realities to the high level discussions at this inter-governmental meeting. Kudos to you Arosha and our youth advocates from ChildFund International Africa Region who put a spotlight on their communities and country situations. #COPdiaries #climateaction #climatejustice #youthvoices #childsrights #SDGs #Goal13 ChildFund Alliance ChildFund International ChildFund International - Africa ChildFund Sri Lanka

#HappeningNow: We're feeling bittersweet as #COP29 comes to a close and our staff, partners and child delegates prepare to head home. They'll take back to their own countries and communities the many conversations, connections and lessons learned here on how to better protect our planet, especially the youth voices calling for #ClimateAction. Pictured (left to right): ChildFund Sierra Leone Country Director Victor Kamara, Barnfonden's Velma O., child delegate Philippa from Sierra Leone, Joohi Haleem from the ChildFund Alliance and ChildFund Sierra Leone's Saffie Kamara #OurPlanetOurFuture #WeNeedEachOther