Clyde & Co joins UNICEFs emergency alliance as a founding member

UNICEF UK has today announced a new partnership with global law firm Clyde & Co, which becomes a founding member of the Emergency Alliance.

Launched today, the Emergency Alliance aims to encourage up front private sector investment to promote UNICEF’s life-saving work in emergency settings, ensuring that UNICEF can support children and families around the world before, during, and after an emergency. Founding member Clyde & Co calls on other committed businesses to join them in supporting UNICEF’s emergency work.  

When war breaks out or disaster strikes, children can lose their schools, their homes and their families. Their access to water, food, and shelter can be seriously affected, leaving them more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Clyde & Co will provide up-front funding for the Emergency Alliance, to allow UNICEF to deploy it when disasters and emergencies strike.

With a presence in 190 countries, UNICEF is able to rapidly reach children and families with support when an emergency happens. UNICEF teams are there, around the clock, to provide children with the care, supplies, and protection that could save their lives. 

As a founding member of the Emergency Alliance, Clyde & Co will play a key role in helping UNICEF raise awareness of the need to protect children when an emergency hits. This includes contributing financial and other resources, including customer-outreach and advocacy, to benefit children’s rights. 

Olivia Colman CBE, President at the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), said: “Since working with UNICEF, I have witnessed the scale of work that goes into making sure that the most vulnerable children and families are protected. Whilst children are facing an unimaginable scale of unrest, timely initiatives like the Emergency Alliance offers hope that children will receive the help they need to lead healthy and happy lives.”

Mohini Raichura-Brown, Chief Partnerships Officer UNICEF (UNICEF UK), said: “During emergencies, children suffer first and suffer most. Private sector investment is critical in ensuring that UNICEF teams around the world can support vulnerable children, providing them with access to water, sanitation, nutrition, education, health and protection services. I speak on behalf of all of UNICEF UK in offering my gratitude to the founding members of the Emergency Alliance for their commitment to children’s rights.”

Carolena Gordon, senior partner at Clyde & Co, said: “Global businesses have an important role to play helping those most affected by disasters, war or other emergencies, particularly young people. When disasters strike, time is of the essence, which is why we are pleased to provide the Emergency Alliance with up front funding, to allow UNICEF to deliver help quickly and efficiently where it is needed.”

Following the launch, the Emergency Alliance will mobilise to join efforts to encourage donations to specific emergency funds, and UNICEF’s Children’s Emergency Fund, a resource that allows UNICEF to deliver support to children and families whenever and wherever needed. 

Private sector organisations that are interested in joining the Emergency Alliance can contact UNICEF UK’s Corporate Team to find out more.