Credit: UNICEF Luxemburg
On Tuesday 29 April 2025, UNICEF Luxembourg presented the results of its 2024 activities during its Annual General Meeting, reporting the collection of €8.5 million in donations to support children affected by conflicts, climate-related disasters and humanitarian crises around the world.
UNICEF Luxembourg noted that over €1 million of the total funds raised was allocated to emergency responses in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Haiti. In these regions, UNICEF provided essential services such as access to clean water, medical assistance, psychosocial care and education.
The Global Parents community of regular donors experienced significant growth, with 4,097 new members joining the movement in 2024. Together with existing contributors, they accounted for a total of €4,434,231 in donations, reported by UNICEF Luxembourg.
In 2024, UNICEF Luxembourg continued its commitment to promoting children's rights within the Grand Duchy through several targeted initiatives:
- Child Poverty: The organisation strengthened its advocacy around child poverty, which UNICEF estimates at approximately 24.5% in Luxembourg. Following discussions with the Prime Minister, UNICEF Luxembourg developed proposals tailored to the national context to improve protection for vulnerable children;
- Access to Justice: In cooperation with the Ombudsman for Children and Young People (OKAJU), a report on children in conflict with the law was published, advocating for child rights-based and reintegration-oriented approaches;
- Youth Mental Health: In collaboration with its Youth Ambassadors, UNICEF Luxembourg launched the #NetEleng campaign, including the website neteleng.lu, to break the silence around youth mental health, particularly in school settings. The campaign, developed by young people for young people, offers practical advice, stress management strategies and contact points in Luxembourg. It was funded by the André Losch Foundation;
- UNICEF Lake Run: The first edition of the UNICEF Lake Run in Echternach brought together more than 500 participants in a spirit of solidarity, combining sport, civic engagement and support for children's rights.
According to UNICEF Luxembourg, the General Assembly also included the election of new members to the Board of Directors. Elisabeth Omes (President) and Marie Anne Rodesch-Hengesch stepped down following the completion of their twelve-year terms. Georges Bock was re-elected for a second term, while René Schlechter (former Ombudsman for Children and Youth) and Charles Theis (co-founder and Director of Diginius Consulting) joined the Board.
The Board of Directors is now composed as follows: René Schlechter (President), Yves Dublin and Marcel Kramer (Vice-Presidents), Henri Beck, Georges Bock, Gérard Hoffmann, Pierrette Meisch, Frank Schaack, Charles Theis and Celia Weber.
The General Assembly approved the annual accounts, audited by the independent firm Ernst & Young SA In line with Luxembourg legislation and international UNICEF standards, UNICEF Luxembourg ensures the rigorous management of funds. Donor trust is considered essential, with every euro used transparently, responsibly and efficiently.
In addition, new statutes were unanimously adopted by all members present. These changes were necessary to comply with the new law on non-profit associations and foundations introduced in August 2023. The updated statutes also aim to strengthen the organisation's governance while maintaining alignment with the cooperation agreement concluded with UNICEF.
