A Summary from the UNICEF Canada AGM - Shared by Niloufar

UNICEF Canada’s AGM was held recently and I was invited to attend as a Volunteer Member. I was there in person. It was a very succinct and well organized one hour meeting. Sivan Kathir, the U Report Ambassador - began and chaired the meeting. UNICEF Canada has worked with 3300 young U Reporters in 2025. From these Reports, it is clear that Canadian young people are concerned about climate change, housing and financial stability. They also believe change is possible and are hopeful that they can contribute.

As we all know, 2025 began with the news of the US ending its support to USAID and the global ramifications of the institutional and budget cuts. And the continuation of the genocide in Gaza/natural disasters and conflicts in Sudan/Ukraine etc. Inspite of the immense challenges, UNICEF Canada was able to fundraise at the level of over $85 million (just a bit less than last year). The focus has been on nutrition/ immunization/ youth voices etc.

The CEO - Sevaun Palvetzian and a few colleagues - visited UNICEF’s work in Ethiopia this year which was reflected and shared, especially Canada’s support to nutrition activities (in particular, in view of the immense impact of the budget cuts which has meant a cut of from 30 to only 14 mobile nutritional clinics in the country, and rationing of therapeutic food, or example).

 
UNICEF Canada received ten $1 million plus contributions last year including from Human Concern International, Mastercard Foundation and Lallemand. But most of the funds come from the public/individuals and otherwise. Over 74% of the funds raised goes to UNICEF’s work around the world and the rest is used for their Canadian advocacy work, fundraising and administration.

 
In Canada, they continue to work on the UNICEF Report Card - election advocacy - the National School Food Programme and providing Humanitarian Updates to the Government of Canada as well as the events around National Children’s Day. UNICEF Canada has been accredited by IMAGINE Canada - one of only 285 NGOs out of 80 thousand to receive this distinction. They have also been recognized as amongst the best employers of the Non-Profit Sector of Canada. Their Annual Audit has been successful and positive and their Board has been appointed for the current year as well as the other supportive mechanisms.