ChildFund Alliance

09/21/2026

Climate-related disasters are disrupting education for millions of children — and the impact is falling hardest on those already facing the greatest barriers to learning.

A new UNICEF report, Learning Interrupted: Global Snapshot on Climate-related School Disruptions in 2025, finds that at least 171 million students had their schooling disrupted by climate hazards last year. That is at least 1 in 10 students globally.

These findings reinforce the need to build education systems that can withstand climate shocks and ensure children can continue learning through crises.

Global Snapshot on Climate-related School Disruptions in 2025

09/18/2026

Generation Hope Goals is back for its third edition, supporting young changemakers across the Asia-Pacific to take climate solutions further. Teams of 3–5 young people aged 14–24 are invited to apply with an existing product, service or programme addressing one or more of the SDGs under review, including education, inequality, responsible consumption, life on land and partnerships.

Selected finalists will receive mentorship and pitch training before presenting their solutions at the 14th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development in Bangkok in February 2027.

🌍 Apply: bit.ly/GHG2027
🌍 Register Learn more: bit.ly/genhope27

| ChildFund

09/17/2026

The latest Cluster Munition Monitor reveals the devastating human cost of cluster munitions. At least 1,063 people were killed or injured in 2025 — one of the highest annual casualty totals recorded. Civilians accounted for 87% of casualties, with children among those killed and injured. The true toll is likely to be even higher, as many casualties go unreported.

The findings come as States prepare to meet in Vientiane from 14–18 September for the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Sixteen years after the Convention entered into force, protecting children and civilians must remain at the heart of efforts to eliminate these indiscriminate weapons and address their deadly legacy.

cluster munition monitor report 2026

09/16/2026

New UNICEF research finds that around 1 in 5 internet-using children aged 12-17 across 21 countries experienced at least one form of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a single year.

Nearly 60% of cases took place on social media platforms, while 14% involved online games. The findings also show how rarely children receive formal support: fewer than 1% of cases were reported to police, a social worker or a helpline, and more than 4 in 10 were disclosed to no one.

ChildFund Alliance joins UNICEF in calling for urgent action to make digital platforms safer by design, strengthen privacy protections for children, and ensure children can access trusted reporting and support mechanisms.

📖 Read the report: https://www.unicef.org/innocenti/reports/through-childrens-eyes

09/15/2026

El Niño is now firmly established and expected to intensify in the coming months, increasing the risk of drought, flooding and extreme heat around the world. The World Meteorological Organization says there is a near 100% likelihood it will persist through February 2027.

“We are already seeing disruption and devastation from droughts and floods and we expect these impacts to increase as El Niño intensifies,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

For children and families already facing poverty, conflict or displacement, early action will be critical as El Niño strengthens.

Geneva, Switzerland (WMO) - El Niño is firmly established and will intensify into a very strong event in the coming months, with big impacts on rainfall and temperature patterns and associated risks of floods, drought and extreme heat, according to a new update from the World Meteorological Organiz...

09/11/2026

🎬 Our member WeWorld orld is putting overlooked stories and voices in the spotlight. From 7–11 October, the WeWorld Festival Bologna returns for five days of films, photography, talks and workshops exploring conflict, climate, inequality, gender, education and the experiences of young people.

Under this year’s theme – The margin is not far away, it’s just beyond our sight – the festival invites audiences to look again at the people, places and issues that too often go unseen. The program also puts young people at the centre, with workshops, opportunities to participate and a dedicated Youth Corner.

All events are free. Learn more: https://www.weworld.it/news-e-storie/news/torna-il-weworld-festival-bologna

09/09/2026

🎒 Schools should always be safe places for children to learn. Yet attacks on education are rising. On International Day to Protect Education from Attack, we stand with children and young people whose education is being disrupted by conflict.

Every child has the right to education. Schools, students and teachers must be protected — during conflict as well as peace.

09/08/2026

📚 Every child has the right to an education — and to learn to read and write.

This , the theme Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity highlights the role literacy plays throughout our lives. For children, being able to read and write opens the door to learning, information and opportunity. It helps them understand the world around them, express their ideas, and have a say in decisions that affect their lives.

But millions of children are still excluded from the classroom. Our members work with children, families and communities around the world to help remove barriers to education and ensure more children have the opportunity to learn and thrive. Because every child should be able to read, write, participate and shape their own future.

09/04/2026

🌍 A new UN Environment Programme report warns that global temperatures are now likely to rise beyond 1.5°C — increasing the risks of extreme heat, drought, floods and other climate hazards. For children and young people, these are not distant threats. Climate change is already affecting their health, disrupting their education, threatening access to food and water, and forcing families from their homes.

Every fraction of a degree matters. Governments must act faster to cut emissions and protect children from the impacts of a changing climate — while ensuring young people have a meaningful say in decisions that will shape their future.

Limiting global warming to 1.5°C remains a cornerstone of the Paris Agreement, yet under current policies and alternative near-term trajectories, exceedance of 1.5°C is now widely assessed as unavoidable.

09/03/2026

A new education project in Cambodia, implemented by our member ChildFund Australia, is helping remove barriers to learning for children with disabilities. An estimated 61% of children with disabilities are not attending primary school, while nearly 30% of those aged over seven have never attended school.

For Srey Oun, having a teacher with sign language skills has enabled her to communicate in the classroom and participate more fully in her education. To date, more than 5,000 students have benefited from the program, which is being implemented in rural Battambang. Every child has the right to education. Ensuring schools are inclusive and accessible is essential so children with disabilities are not left behind.

Learn more: https://www.childfund.org.au/news-and-stories/making-room-for-every-child-to-learn/