In July, we welcomed Global UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell to our office in Sydney. This momentous occasion marked the first visit Down Under by a UNICEF Executive Director in more than 12 years. It was part of a broader tour of the Pacific and Aotearoa New Zealand.
During her visit, Ms Russell highlighted the profound impacts of climate change on children and young people in our region, emphasising the importance of raising their voices. She also spoke about the global humanitarian challenges UNICEF is facing, from the crisis in Gaza and Ukraine to lesser-known emergencies in Sudan and Central African Republic.
"We must raise the voices of young people when it comes to climate change. Listening to their stories and experiences should remind all of us that it’s our actions that will shape the futures of children and young people. Let’s listen to their ideas, empower their actions and support their initiatives."
Before arriving in Australia, Ms Russell visited Vanuatu and Fiji, where she spoke to children directly experiencing the impacts of climate change. More than 1.2 million children across the Pacific are affected by the climate crisis, impacting their health, wellbeing, and survival. With emissions targets off track and insufficient funding for disaster risk reduction and adaptation, their futures depend heavily on decisions made by leaders in wealthier countries.
In Australia, Ms Russell spent a day in Canberra for high-level meetings with Ministers and the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) before visiting the UNICEF office in Sydney. There, she engaged with some of UNICEF Australia’s Young Ambassadors on issues they care about, including climate action, First Nations justice, and digital wellbeing.
"In a world where our attention is so often drawn to the impacts of humanitarian crisis, the visit of UNICEF's Global Executive Director to Australia and the Pacific marks an important moment demonstrating our deep and ongoing commitment to partnership in the Pacific and across Oceania. Children in the Pacific face a unique set of circumstances - from the impacts of climate change to the experience of high rates of violence against children and women - and UNICEF's role is more essential than ever."
Ms Russell’s visit also provided an opportunity to express our gratitude for the growing support from the Australian Government and public for UNICEF's ongoing work for children around the world.
Related articles
Stay up-to-date on UNICEF's work in Australia and around the world
