75 years of UNICEF

UNICEF and Its Global Mandate

Since its inception in the aftermath of World War II, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been guided by a single, powerful mandate: to protect and support children and young people at risk, regardless of who they are or where they live. UNICEF’s work is rooted in the belief that every child has the right to survive, thrive, and reach their full potential. From the devastation of war to the complex global challenges of today, UNICEF’s commitment to children’s rights has remained unwavering.

UNICEF’s Journey in India

UNICEF began its work in India in 1949, forging a long-standing partnership with the Government and people of India. Over the past 75 years, UNICEF has been an integral part of India’s development journey, providing both humanitarian and developmental assistance to improve the lives of children and adolescents across the country.

From its earliest years, UNICEF supported transformative initiatives. In 1949, it undertook a major public health effort by supporting the establishment of India’s first penicillin plant. In 1954, UNICEF helped set up a milk processing plant, addressing milk wastage and enabling the provision of free milk to children—an important step in improving child nutrition.

Partnership with Government and National Programmes

UNICEF has been a trusted and committed partner of the Government of India and State Governments, working closely to ensure children get the best possible start in life. Guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, and India Vision 2047, UNICEF’s current Programme of Cooperation (2023–2027) aligns with India’s flagship development priorities.

India is one of UNICEF’s largest and most significant country programmes. As home to one in five of the world’s children, India plays a critical role in accelerating global progress towards the SDGs. Advancements made for children in India have a direct and positive impact on achieving global development goals.

Contributions to Health, Nutrition, and Education

Over the decades, UNICEF has collaborated with India on numerous landmark initiatives. These include expanding science education, improving rural water supply, and responding to natural calamities such as droughts and floods. UNICEF played a vital role in malaria control and was instrumental in polio eradication, a major public health success for India.

UNICEF has also supported initiatives such as the Guinea Worm Eradication Programme, the National Immunization Mission, women’s empowerment projects, and the National Health Mission, contributing significantly to improvements in child health, nutrition, and education.

Responding to Emerging Challenges

In recent years, UNICEF has continued to adapt to emerging needs. It has supported the Swachh Bharat Mission, promoting sanitation and hygiene, and provided extensive assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing health systems and protecting vulnerable communities. UNICEF’s commitment to children’s well-being remains steadfast, even in the face of new and complex challenges.

UNICEF@75: ‘UNICEF with India’

As UNICEF marks 75 years of partnership with India, the organisation is reaffirming its dedication to reaching the last mile and the last child in need. The theme of the anniversary campaign, “UNICEF with India”, reflects the shared goals of UNICEF and the Government and people of India in upholding the best interests of every child.

On 10 May 2024, UNICEF officially commemorated this milestone. Throughout 2024, the anniversary is being observed as an opportunity to celebrate India’s progress for children, acknowledge achievements, and recommit to the unfinished agenda of child rights and development.

For Every Child

UNICEF stands firmly for “Every right for every child.”
Whoever she is.
Wherever he lives.
Every child deserves a childhood, a future, and a fair chance.

UNICEF works day in and day out, across 190 countries and territories, reaching the hardest to reach, the furthest from help, and the most excluded. It is this unwavering resolve that defines UNICEF’s mission—to stay to the end and never give up on any child.

Commemorative Postage Stamp

To mark the 75th anniversary of UNICEF’s partnership with India, the Department of Posts proudly releases a Commemorative Postage Stamp. This special issue honours UNICEF’s vital role in championing the rights, health, education, and protection of children. The stamp stands as a tribute to UNICEF’s enduring contribution to improving the lives of millions of children in India and its continued commitment to securing a better future for every child.