Update following the virtual Global Leadership Meeting : Catherine Russell

Dear colleagues,

I hope you are well. Earlier this week, UNICEF senior management came together virtually at the Global Leadership Meeting where we discussed many critical issues – including some of the difficult decisions we will face in the coming days. I'd like to share some thoughts with you based on the very rich conversation and presentations we had in the meeting.

The recent decision by the US to pause foreign assistance and the decision by several European donors to reduce ODA are already having an enormous impact on international organizations, NGOs, and contractors – and UNICEF is no exception. We are grappling with this constantly changing situation as best we can. As I have said, we will continue to make every effort to minimize the impact of funding cuts on our critical programs and our staff.

You will be hearing soon more detailed information about the actions UNICEF is taking and what to expect. These include a global review across all levels of the organization to ensure that we are as efficient as possible, specific actions for active US funded agreements, and continued austerity measures that will likely impact positions across the organization, from headquarters to regional and country offices. As soon as we have more clarity, we will communicate information and decisions directly with staff as we get it.

I know that these developments have created uncertainty and unease across our entire organization – not only about their impact on our vital work, but also on our day-to-day lives. We will do our best to communicate as regularly and fully as possible.

Now, more than ever, we need to pull together as a team – as we always do. I assure you that senior management will do everything we can to support staff, including those that will be impacted by some of the measures required. Each of us must do our part to support one another.

We also need to stay focused on our mission. It is during challenging times that UNICEF's work is most important. The best way we can serve children right now is by demonstrating the impact of our work on their lives and futures. We must stay the course, with courage and determination, knowing that there is no more important work in the world today.

We will get through this together.

With gratitude and admiration,

Cathy