30 Years of UNICEF Engagement in Kosovo: A Journey of Partnership, Progress and Possibility

Three decades of working side by side with local institutions, communities, development partners, and young people to uphold the rights and well-being of every child. To commemorate this milestone, UNICEF hosted a special event with members of the diplomatic missions in Kosovo, representatives of development organizations, sisterly UN entities community partners, young innovators, and leadership.

Head of UNICEF Office Ms. Veronika Vashchenko in her opening address said: “This anniversary is a tribute to every child, young person, parent, teacher, nurse, social worker and partner who has carried forward UNICEF’s mission. As the world faces multiple crises, our commitment must be stronger than ever. Every child deserves to survive, learn, and thrive.”

Honouring the Beginnings: Reflections from 1995

A special guest of honour, Flaka Surroi, the first UNICEF representative to open the UNICEF office in Pristina in 1995 and now the head of the independent Koha media group, shared powerful reflections on the early days of UNICEF’s work amid a deeply challenging context. Her personal stories recalled a period marked by uncertainty, limited access to essential services, and widespread hardship. Yet her message was one of determination and hope—highlighting how, despite obstacles, the commitment to protect children and support communities has remained unwavering.

Her remarks underscored a simple truth: progress is possible when people come together with purpose.

Celebrating Transformative Journeys

A central part of the event was a video showcasing partners, families, youth, educators, and community leaders whose experiences reflect the impact of UNICEF’s work over the past 30 years. These testimonies illustrated how sustained collaboration can create lasting change—whether through strengthened health and education systems, expanded access to early childhood development, improved child protection services, or youth empowerment programmes.

Among those attending were inspiring young changemakers, including Mr. Seyjnur Veshal, from Roma community, once a Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, whose own journey in social activism began with UPSHIFT, UNICEF’s signature programme designed to empower adolescents to turn challenges in their communities into innovative solutions. 

Partners United for Children

Speakers emphasized that every accomplishment—from essential service provision to digital transformation initiatives, inclusive education reforms, social protection strengthening, and youth engagement—has been made possible through joint efforts rooted in trust and shared responsibility.

A dedicated nurse from the home-visiting programme, Shemsije Mehmeti, highlighted how field visits help identify cases that might otherwise remain unseen. She explained that early outreach allows for timely recognition of developmental challenges, health needs, or social vulnerabilities—ensuring that children receive the earliest possible support to grow, thrive, and fully realise their potential.

Rijad Mehmeti’s was very emotional, so his best firned helped reading the speech. Collaboration with UNICEF to promote the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities transformed his own journey as a young person with a disability. He emphasized that engaging in advocacy strengthened his confidence, expanded his opportunities, and reinforced the message that every individual can contribute meaningfully when barriers are removed and support systems are inclusive.

Three Decades of Impact

Over the past 30 years, UNICEF’s engagement has supported:

• Expanded access to quality pre-primary and basic education
• Strengthened early childhood development frameworks
• Improved maternal, newborn, and adolescent health services
• Protection programmes for every child, with a strong focus on prevention and response to violence
• Social inclusion initiatives advancing the rights of children with disabilities
• Youth innovation, participation, and skills development through platforms such as UPSHIFT
• Emergency preparedness and response systems centered on children and vulnerable groups

These achievements illustrate a long-standing commitment to ensuring that every girl and boy grow up safe, healthy, and able to reach their potential.

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Looking Ahead

As UNICEF marks its 30th anniversary of presence in Kosovo, the focus remains firmly on the future—on building societies where children’s rights are fully realized, where institutions are strengthened, and where young people are empowered as active

contributors to development.

UNICEF Press release.