A new UNICEF analysis warns that the economic shock triggered by the Middle East conflict could push up to 23.4 million additional children into monetary poverty by the end of 2026. Rising food and fuel prices, disrupted shipping routes and strained government budgets are reducing families' ability to afford basic needs while limiting access to healthcare, education and social protection. Children in Africa and Asia are expected to bear the greatest burden. UNICEF calls for urgent international action to protect vulnerable families and prevent years of progress in reducing child poverty from being reversed.
UNICEF
UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Report 2026 reveals a stark reality: 1.1 billion children now face at least three overlapping climate hazards, putting their health, education and futures at risk. While the climate crisis is a global phenomenon, its effects aren’t felt equally. Without identifying who the most vulnerable children are, where they live and how they are affected by climate-related impacts, it’s nearly impossible to develop practical and effective solutions. UNICEF’s report reveals how children’s exposure to the climate hazards, inherent physical vulnerabilities, and the gaps in the social services they rely on, undermines their rights and increases their risk of harm. The report calls for urgent action to put children at the heart of climate solutions.
From football clubs to global sports stars, the world of sport is helping create brighter futures for children. UNICEF partnerships are expanding access to education, digital skills, health, nutrition and safe spaces to play, while promoting children's rights on and off the field. Longtime UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham, who has worked with the organization for over 20 years, highlights the transformative power of education and sport to strengthen families and communities. By bringing together athletes, fans and organizations, these initiatives show that the greatest victories happen when sport creates opportunities, protection and hope for every child.
As AI becomes a growing part of our lives, the upcoming Global Dialogue on AI Governance will address stronger protections for children.
Sport has long united people across communities, but its impact now extends far beyond the field. Through partnerships with UNICEF, sports organizations, athletes and fans are helping improve children's lives through education, health and protection programmes worldwide. Recent initiatives include the Inter Miami CF Foundation’s support for education and digital skills in Latin America and the Caribbean, and Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club’s efforts to strengthen children’s rights in sport. Building on partnerships with FC Barcelona, EA Sports FC FUTURES and the Women’s Tennis Association Foundation, these collaborations use the power of sport to promote learning, nutrition, wellbeing and opportunity. From football pitches to classrooms, they are helping children develop the skills, confidence and support needed to thrive.
A new chapter. On and off the pitch. Today @LamineYamal becomes a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. From street games in his barrio to packed stadiums around the globe, play has been part of Lamine’s story throughout his life. Now he's using his voice to stand up for every child’s right to play. Because play isn’t a privilege. It's for everyone. No matter who you are, where you are from or what your life looks like. This International Day of Play, hear his message on why play matters.
"I don't understand how that much happens in my heart." Everyone experiences being a parent differently. UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Millie Bobby Brown shares a glimpse of what that looks like for her. For expert tips to support your parenting journey, visit UNICEF Parenting.
It emphasizes the need for stronger systems to support parents and shows that managing stress through self-care and coping strategies is essential for both caregiver wellbeing and healthy child development.
Hansel and his brother grew up in a family determined to give their children the best possible future. Like many parents across Peru, their mother faced the daily challenge of ensuring her children received the nutrition and care they needed during the most important years of their development. With access to improved health and nutrition services, the family received support that helped both boys grow and thrive. Today, Hansel and his brother embody the impact of Peru’s efforts to reduce chronic child malnutrition. Their experience shows how informed parents, strong public services and sustained support can work together to help children reach their full potential.
UNICEF highlights that ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) has transformed treatment for severe child malnutrition worldwide.
In Juba, South Sudan, boys are speaking out for their classmates, insisting girls belong in classrooms, not in early marriages that end their futures.
While active hostilities in Syria have subsided, hundreds of thousands of hidden hazards – bombs and artillery shells that failed to detonate on impact, or landmines buried just beneath the surface – continue to threaten the lives and well-being of millions of children. Hidden explosives continue to injure and kill children, turning everyday activities like playing football or walking home into life-threatening risks. Even for children who survive a blast, the cascading effects of explosive remnants of war can be felt in every aspect of their lives. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. UNICEF is actively working on the ground to provide risk education, victim assistance, and mental health support to help Syrian families navigate this invisible, deadly landscape.
In Pakistan, 14-year-old Sobh walks through her village, showing how climate change has disrupted daily life with heavy rains flooding schools and damaging water sources.
Sobh explains how UNICEF is supporting her village through solutions like rainwater collection, solar energy, tree planting, and safe drinking water systems. At school, children are not only learning about climate change but also working together to find ways to protect their future.
The guidance offers advice for parents on how to talk with their teens about potential social media bans. It emphasizes choosing a calm moment, listening without judgment, and recognizing that teens may have mixed feelings ranging from frustration to relief.
It also encourages parents to validate their child’s perspective and involve them in the conversation by asking open-ended questions. Finally, it highlights the importance of maintaining strong offline connections and building healthy, balanced digital habits together as a family.
