2024: Issue #2, Sparking Innovation #ForEveryChild

A compilation of stories on transformative solutions and approaches improving the lives of children and young people.

Video games can have a positive impact on children – when designed right??

From experiencing mastery and achievement to regulating emotions and connecting with others –?video games can positively contribute to children’s growth and well-being , according to new research from UNICEF Innocenti.?

Investing through the eyes of a child???

In 2023, UNICEF published?a Child-Lens Investing Framework (CLIF) and toolkit , including principles for measuring impact, to help asset owners and portfolio managers put child-lens investing into practice.??

Recently announced as one of TIME 's 2024 Best Innovations in the Social Good Category ??, the concept is gaining momentum as advocates say it will help nurture the next generation.

Cleaning urban lakes in Bangladesh with nature-based solutions ??

Tens of thousands of people in low-income communities in informal settles in Bangladesh struggle to access basic water and sanitation services.? ?

Natural treatment systems using sedimentation and sunlight to treat household wastewater have been trialed in some communities. The collaboration between, local government authorities, UNICEF Bangladesh and the Gates Foundation, will lead to scale of the solution to improve access to safe water for many more communities. ?

Enabling Youth-led solutions to water scarcity

“It's time to stop talking about the potential of youth and start investing in it. The young people in the Horn of Africa are ready to lead—they just need the tools, the trust, and the chance to make a difference. Let’s start walking the talk!”

Yasmin F. Abdulkadir, Head of Somalia's Environmental Health Unit and UNICEF Youth Advocate

Water scarcity in the Horn of Africa (HOA) is a profound challenge with cascading effects. Read on for reflection from Yasmin on how investments in youth-led innovations? can be a powerful vehicle for sustainable and impactful change.

Power-sharing development funding that values local expertise

“Locally led organizations are best positioned to deliver impact in all sectors”.??

In this Devex ?article , Atti Worku and Katie Bunten-Wamaru, Co-CEOs, African Visionary Fund highlight eight equity principles for power sharing beneficial to?development innovation funding circles.

Protecting children from violence?

Up to one billion children globally experience some form of violence each year. ? ?

Primero is an inter-agency, open-source, certified digital public good (DPG) case management platform driving digital transformation in social services in Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, and the Philippines.? ? ?

Hear from Primero's Technical Lead, Robert MacTavish, as he tells us about Primero's unique features and wide-reaching impact in this exclusive interview .?

Young Innovators in Action ???

Young tech innovators and entrepreneurs are instrumental in driving change and creating solutions to challenges affecting their communities. We highlight inspiring stories from around the world including;??

Young climate activists in Uruguay occupying seats of power alongside government officials to fight against global warming.??

In Benin, a TV series by teenagers delves into the challenges of adolescence empowering teenagers and breaking taboos, one episode at a time.??

Young people in Ukraine spearheading innovation to positively impact communities in the face of conflict and adversity.??

Entrepreneurs under 35 from emerging economies leveraging artificial intelligence, blockchain and groundbreaking tech to improve the lives of children.??

Now Live: Episode Three of #Innovation30 ?? The documentary series featuring young innovators shaping the climate future

What if more climate investment focused on child-friendly solutions? What if investors backed young innovators developing scientifically vetted climate solutions? ?

With science-backed solutions already positively impacting the lives of 1 million children, the first cohort of Innovation 30 shows the potential of what such investments could achieve. ?? Watch to find out more.

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Find out more about UNICEF Office of Innovation?unicef.org/innovation