United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

Purpose

Provide humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide, including healthcare, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation.

Members:

Operates in over 190 countries and territories (governed by a 36-member Executive Board rather than universal membership)

Headquarters:

New York City, United States

History

UNICEF was created in 1946 to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries devastated by the Second World War, and later became a permanent global agency focused on children's rights and welfare.

Structure

• Executive Board (36 member states, elected on a rotating basis)
• Secretariat, headed by the Executive Director

Key facts

• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965
• Current Executive Director: Catherine Russell (United States)
• Runs programmes on child vaccination, nutrition, education and emergency relief in conflict and disaster zones worldwide

Pakistan's relationship

Has operated continuously in Pakistan since 1948, supporting child health, education, nutrition and emergency response programmes.