The Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and UNICEF signed a new agreement today to strengthen collaboration in support of the world’s children.

The agreement was signed by UNICEF Executive Director, Ann M. Veneman and ROK’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, H.E. YU Myung-hwan.

“The Republic of Korea’s support to UNICEF is providing life-saving help to children in need around the world,” said Veneman. “This agreement will inspire even closer collaboration between the Republic of Korea and UNICEF, in the interests of the world’s most vulnerable children.” 

The Framework Agreement between UNICEF and ROK sets a framework for joint programmes, particularly in African countries.

Until 1994, children in The Republic of Korea benefitted from UNICEF assistance programmes. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has often made reference to the support he received from UNICEF as a young child growing up in the country.

ROK is now a contributor to UNICEF’s work around the world, with an active UNICEF National Committee collecting donations from the individuals and the private sector. National Committees are UNICEF fund raising and advocacy offices that are located in donor countries where UNICEF assistance programmes are not needed.

UNICEF has Framework Agreements with 14 such countries. The agreement with the ROK, however, is the first such agreement the agency has signed with a country that once received international assistance through its programmes.