Global Initiative to Support Parents

Overview

Evidence is clear: parents and the environment at home are central pillars in supporting children’s health and development. The quality of parenting practices is a key determinant of every child’s ability to develop their cognitive, emotional and social potential and resilience against adversity. Together, our agencies invite partners to join us in our aim to elevate parenting and family support so that every child, and their family, can receive the support they need for optimal development, thus building human capital in the first two decades of life. This will contribute to attaining many SDG targets including 4.2 on early childhood development and 16.2 on ending violence against children. UNICEF estimates that more than one billion children are at risk due to the increased isolation from school closures, the financial hardship of families, and the disruption of child protection, health, education, and other services through the pandemic. Intensified action and amplification of efforts is urgently needed.