Zonta President highlights Zonta’s work on child marriage at UNICEF USA annual summit

The UNICEF USA Annual Summit in Washington, D.C. in March highlighted the importance of partnerships in improving the lives of children and achieving sustainable development goals worldwide. Corporations, foundations and individual supporters came together to share successes and galvanize support for continued efforts to reach the most vulnerable.

Amongst UNICEF USA’s many partners at the summit, Zonta International was recognized for its nearly 50 years of partnership. UNICEF USA President and CEO Caryl Stern applauded Zonta International’s long-standing commitment to improving the lives of women and girls and congratulated Zonta on its centennial anniversary in her opening remarks, while Zonta International’s current support for Let Us Learn in Madagascar was highlighted in a video celebrating UNICEF successes over the last year.

Zonta International President Susanne von Bassewitz was invited to discuss Zonta International’s efforts to end child marriage as part of a breakout session titled “Uniting for Impact: Ending Child Marriage”. She was joined by State Representative Kay Khan who spoke about efforts to end child marriage in the United States. President Susanne also participated in a main stage panel, “Beyond Fundraising: Transformative Partnerships for Children and Young People.” Moderated by UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, the panel focused on how NGOs, corporations, foundations, and individuals are supporting UNICEF’s mission beyond their funding commitments.

Following the Summit, Zonta International Director of Programs and Advocacy Megan Radavich joined UNICEF USA staff and supporters for an advocacy day on Capitol Hill. Nearly 500 UNICEF USA supporters of all ages from 40 states and Washington, D.C. participated in 250 congressional meetings, urging their elected officials to maintain support for UNICEF funding in the federal budget and ensuring that UNICEF can continue its lifesaving programs.