Discover, learn and be inspired

Welcome to UNICEF Youth – a space for you to dive deeper into the big issues young people, like you, care about.

UNICEF is the world’s largest children’s charity, and we exist to make sure all children and young people, no matter who they are, where they live or what they believe, grow up healthy and have a safe place to live, learn and play.

In Australia, UNICEF advocates for the rights of every child. That’s right, just like adults, you have rights too! And we give children and young people a platform to have their voices heard. At UNICEF Youth, you will learn about child rights and the issues Aussie kids care about. You will also be inspired by other young people who are advocating for a better world for all.

Just a kid

Discover the issues Aussie kids are talking about.

What are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

Back in 2015, world leaders came together to set an exciting course for the future of human development by creating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

These 17 Global Goals were designed to make sure that everyone is taken care of, and no one is left behind.

Learn about SDGs

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Humans of UNICEF

Meet Manon, 2022 UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador

Manon, who is from the Gold Coast, and Jahin who is from Canberra, have helped UNICEF Australia speak up for children's rights. Alongside our other Young Ambassadors, Manon and Jahin listened to young people's issues in their communities. They then went to Parliament House to raise these issues with Australia's key decision-makers, like Senator Penny Wong, and recommend ideas for change.

Find out what Manon, Jahin and our other Young Ambassadors told our nation’s leaders.

What did Manon and Jahin tell Parliament?

NextGen: a UNICEF Australia podcast

Here at UNICEF Australia, we’re giving young people a platform to speak up on issues they care about. In every episode, our UNICEF Australia Ambassador and your podcast host, Rae Johnston, is passing the mic to young people and experts as we discuss everything from climate change to mental health and inequality.

Listen now

Actions you can take

Advocate

You can use your voice by writing to your local politician on an issue you care about. Or you can speak out against things like bullying when you see it happening in the playground or online.

Your guide to advocating for change

Educate

You can learn more about the issues you care about in books at your local library, on news sites like BTN or Squiz Kids, and by talking to your parent, carer or teacher.

Catch up on the latest news at BTN

Fundraise

If you would like to help children around the world by protecting their rights, you can organise a UNICEF fundraiser through your school.

Organise a fundraiser

Your voice matters.

From climate change to mental health and everything in between, children and young people from around the world are making sure their voices are heard.

3 May 2023

Aussie kids ask big questions about global emergencies

UNICEF spokesperson, James Elder chats with kids about global emergencies and the impacts on children.

27 April 2023

Voice to Parliament: three allies tell us why they’re voting yes

UNICEF Australia Young Ambassadors, Emily, Kbora and Harrison are passionate about advocating for children's rights and promoting social justice. Find out why our Young Ambassadors support the Voice to Parliament and why they believe it is important to recognise the rights of First Nations peoples in Australia.  

26 July 2021

Five child activists you need to know

Across the world, children and young people have been protesting and speaking up about what matters to them. Why? Because they feel country leaders are not listening to concerns on issues which impact children now, and into the future. While a wave of protests by children has gained momentum over the past few years, child rights activism is nothing new. We take a look at five young activists using their voice to make change.

8 May 2018

Young voices ring out in Parliament

Every child has the right to be heard on decisions that affect their lives and last month the hopes and concerns of Australia's children were heard loud and clear in Parliament House.

18 November 2021

Meet our new Young Ambassadors for 2022

Every child and young person have a right to be heard on issues that affect their lives.

6 July 2021

Our Young Ambassador Emily reports from Parliament House

Emily has always been an advocate for issues close to her heart.

Child-friendly complaints portal

Have you been upset by something or feel like you haven't been heard?

If you ever feel upset about something a UNICEF Australia worker said or did, you can let us know. We take all complaints seriously!

Please get in touch

UNICEF Youth