UNICEF NextGen

With #UNGA79 and #SummitoftheFuture recently behind us, I came away, even more convinced than before, that collective action is key to shape a better world for future generations. We can’t drive meaningful change in a vacuum. ? That’s why I am proud of our collective work with philanthropic partners like?Melissa Sesana Grajales, UNICEF NextGen Global Principal. NextGen members themselves are the future and help create results for children today and into the future by committing their resources and expertise. ? Like Melissa, our NextGen members around the globe are valuable partners of UNICEF who push the envelope and challenge us to think outside-the-box. Because collective action is the surest way to maximizing impact.?

The Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health, a UNICEF-led initiative, recently launched an open letter and global call to action recognizing the power of private sector partners in social impact and change. The open letter was signed by more than 40 businesses and organizations, most of which invest in the Global Mental Health Fund, urging a coordinated response to address the global mental health funding gap of at least USD 200 billion. It’s great to see organizations and private sector leaders coming together for children and youth mental health. https://lnkd.in/eFDYKvXk “As a mother and a psychiatrist specializing in women’s mental health, protecting, and caring for women and children is one of my top priorities. Over the past 9 years with UNICEF NextGen, I’ve witnessed the transformative impact of UNICEF’s work around the world, including in South Africa and Mexico.” Says, UNICEF NextGen Global Principal, Emily Watts, MD “In honor of World Mental Health Day today and as NextGen Global Principal of the Mental Health vertical, I’m a proud investor in UNICEF’s Global Mental Health Fund. This fund is crucial for advancing mental health and psychosocial support in countries with the highest needs, strengthening systems to create sustainable change at scale.” In a recently released report, UNICEF highlighted that just last year, thanks to the fund, we were able to reach over 38 million children, adolescents, and caregivers across 130 countries. “If you are interested in making a lasting difference in children’s lives, I encourage you to consider joining NextGen and investing in the Global Mental Health Fund.” Feel free to reach out to us or directly to Emily as well and she can share more about her experience with UNICEF. https://lnkd.in/eq6XpBsU Photo: In Haiti, UNICEF provides psychosocial support to children who have experienced natural disasters and other difficult situations.

Let's go UNICEF NextGen calling all creatives to unleash your creativity to help UNICEF #ShapeTheFuture!! Thank you for those of you you have already helped us get to this point: Iliana Alvarenga Carlton DeWoody Madison Nagle Kristan Maurer Michelle Kim Forooghi Melanie L. Washington, Esq. ?? ?? ?? Please do share! Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity

#AudreyHepburn was vital to writing some of UNICEF’s earliest chapters — and now it’s up to each of us to build upon UNICEF’s remarkable story. We are all UNICEF. Learn more at iamunicef.org #IAmUNICEF

Building happier, healthier, safer lives for children takes all of us — working together, insisting on hope, never giving up. We are all UNICEF. Learn more about your part in UNICEF's story. #IAmUNICEF

It’s a question I’m hearing more and more often: Can one person really make a difference? Yes, and here’s the proof.

In awe of our NextGen leaders across the globe, thanks Danielle E. Simmons for representing our work so beautifully!

Last week I had the honor of speaking with UNICEF USA on the importance of #techequity and the next generation of leaders in solving some of the most important problems society will face in the future. Learning about the work of my fellow panelists Tanya Accone Júlia Leite and Ricardo Andres Pineda Guzman was the highlight of my experience at #SxSw2024 and there were too many to count. The fact that my goddaughters left the panel talking about their futures and the issues facing children across the globe only made it all the more rewarding. Thank you to UNICEF NextGen UNICEF Innovation Casey Rotter and Donia Quon for making this happen.