University students have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children around the world by getting involved with UNICEF’s initiatives in 2025. Whether through advocacy, volunteering, or fundraising, students can play a vital role in advancing the rights and well-being of children globally. Here are ways university students can actively participate:
1. Join or Start a UNICEF Club on Campus
Many universities have UNICEF Clubs that empower students to advocate for children’s rights and raise awareness about global issues affecting children. These clubs organize events, campaigns, and fundraisers. If your university doesn’t have a UNICEF Club, consider starting one!
Key activities for 2025 could include:
- Hosting awareness events on International Day of Education (January 24) or World Refugee Day (June 20).
- Running fundraising campaigns for UNICEF’s Humanitarian Action for Children Appeal, which aims to assist over 109 million children affected by crises.
Tip: Visit UNICEF USA’s website for resources and toolkits to get started.
2. Volunteer for UNICEF Initiatives
Volunteering is a hands-on way to contribute to UNICEF’s mission. Opportunities for students include:
- Event volunteering: Assist with local UNICEF fundraising or awareness campaigns in your city.
- Virtual volunteering: Support online advocacy efforts by sharing UNICEF’s campaigns on social media and helping spread awareness about key issues like education, health, and climate action.
- Youth Ambassador Programs: Some UNICEF branches offer ambassador programs for young leaders passionate about making a global impact.
Check your local UNICEF branch’s website for available opportunities.
3. Participate in Fundraising Campaigns
Students can mobilize their networks to raise funds for UNICEF’s global initiatives. Some creative ways to fundraise include:
- Organizing charity runs, bake sales, or trivia nights with a focus on UNICEF’s 2025 campaigns.
- Hosting donation drives to support causes like access to clean water or emergency relief for children in crisis.
- Using social media platforms to create peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns.
Funds raised can contribute to UNICEF’s ambitious 2025 goal of supporting children affected by conflict, climate change, and other humanitarian challenges.
4. Advocate for Children’s Rights
University students can be powerful advocates for change by:
- Writing articles or blog posts about UNICEF’s work and sharing them on campus platforms or social media.
- Hosting workshops and panel discussions to educate peers about global child rights issues.
- Partnering with professors or student organizations to integrate UNICEF’s themes into academic and extracurricular activities.
Pro Tip: Use the momentum of events like UNICEF Day for Change or World Children’s Day (November 20) to amplify your advocacy efforts.
5. Leverage Academic Skills for UNICEF’s Mission
Many university students can contribute their academic knowledge to support UNICEF’s work:
- Research and Data Analysis: Collaborate with faculty or local UNICEF offices to research pressing issues like child poverty or education gaps.
- Creative Projects: Use skills in graphic design, photography, or filmmaking to create content that promotes UNICEF’s goals and events.
- Entrepreneurship: Launch innovative initiatives to solve problems facing children, such as providing sustainable solutions for clean water or education access.
6. Engage in Social Media Campaigns
UNICEF’s digital campaigns play a vital role in raising awareness. Students can:
- Participate in social media challenges and hashtags tied to global events like International Women’s Day or the World Water Day.
- Follow UNICEF’s official social media accounts and share content with your network.
- Create videos, reels, or posts that inspire others to take action.
7. Attend UNICEF’s Executive Board Sessions (Virtually)
UNICEF’s Executive Board Sessions in 2025 provide insight into the organization’s strategies and decisions. University students studying international relations, public policy, or social work can attend online sessions to learn more about global development issues.
- First Regular Session: February 4–7, 2025
- Annual Session: June 10–13, 2025
- Second Regular Session: September 2–5, 2025
Information about participation is available on UNICEF’s website.
Why Should Students Engage?
By working with UNICEF, students contribute to critical global efforts to ensure every child’s right to health, education, and safety. Moreover, it’s an opportunity to:
- Develop leadership, project management, and advocacy skills.
- Network with like-minded peers and professionals in the nonprofit sector.
- Make a tangible impact on children’s lives around the world.