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In Buenos Aires, thousands of young people are gaining hands-on experience with the technologies and creative skills shaping the future of work. Three TUMO learning centres give students aged 12 to 18 free access to subjects including artificial intelligence, robotics, programming, animation, music and video game development. Designed to complement formal schooling, the centres emphasize self-directed learning and exploration. Around 20,000 students are expected to use the facilities each year, helping broaden access to digital education. For students like Lourdes, the programme is already helping them discover new interests, develop creative projects and consider future careers.
Young adults around the world continue to value partnership and parenthood, but financial insecurity, housing challenges, and unstable employment often prevent them from achieving these aspirations.
Drawing on , the report calls for investments in education, jobs, housing, reproductive health, and social protection to help people build the families and futures they want.
A new ĢƵICEF 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. ĢƵICEF calls for urgent international action to protect vulnerable families and prevent years of progress in reducing child poverty from being reversed.
"Refugees do bring so much to the community, they bring a whole different culture, a whole different lens on life, and that is powerful and important."
War is Mary Maker’s earliest memory. Born in South Sudan and named Nyiriak — meaning "war" — she spent her youth living and working in one of the world’s largest refugee camps. Now a Goodwill Ambassador for ĢƵHCR, the ĢƵ Refugee Agency, she is raising her voice on behalf of those she left behind, helping refugee students land scholarships to top universities.
“I want to be seen. I want to be heard. I want to be acknowledged. I want to be at the table, making decisions and feeling like a part of something. Are you able to see us? Are you? Are you able to go beyond the news and really understand that this is someone like you?”
After her family fled to safety, Mary built a new life of opportunity through education and hard work – finding her feet, and her voice, on stage. In this episode, she shares how she overcame a childhood marred by death and conflict, and how theater became both her refuge and her path forward.
Photo: ©ĢƵHCR
A new chapter. On and off the pitch. Today becomes a ĢƵICEF 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. ĢƵICEF Goodwill Ambassador Millie Bobby Brown shares a glimpse of what that looks like for her. For expert tips to support your parenting journey, visit .
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.
Behind 138 million child labourers are parents without decent wages, protection, or hope. The 2026 World Day Against Child Labour (12 June) cuts through the noise: you cannot protect children without supporting families. Under the , the demands quality education, universal social protection, adult livelihoods, stronger laws and enforcement, better data and monitoring systems, and responsible action in agriculture and supply chains. On this day, join the campaign —and help send child labour off the field for good.
Play isn’t just fun – it’s essential for every child’s development. Observed annually on 11 June, the International Day of Play is a time to celebrate the transformative power of play, raise awareness of its vital role in children's growth and well-being, and come together to ensure every child can enjoy their right to play. This year’s theme, “”, serves as a reminder for governments, businesses, schools and families that happy and healthy childhoods are built on the freedom to play.
Innocent children, lasting scars
On the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression (4 June) we recognize children living in conflict zones who face violence, fear and loss on an alarming scale. In 2024, the United Nations verified record levels of grave violations against children, including killing and maiming, recruitment and abduction, sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian aid. Thousands remain caught in conflict, deprived of safety, education, healthcare and protection. Ending these violations requires urgent action, accountability, recovery and reintegration for peace.
ĢƵICEF highlights that (RUTF) has transformed treatment for severe child malnutrition worldwide.
WFP-backed reduces in Pakistan through nutrition support, counselling, and maternal health services.
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. ĢƵICEF 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.