UNICEF to establish global office in Istanbul following Türkiye’s approval
A UNICEF logo is pictured outside their offices in Geneva, Switzerland, January 30, 2017. (Reuters/Denis Balibouse)
Türkiye‘s parliament has received a presidential decree approving the relocation of key UNICEF operations to a new global office in Istanbul, strengthening the country’s role in international humanitarian efforts.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will transfer several key divisions, including human resources, emergency operations, and major finance and administration units, to the Istanbul office.
This move aligns with Türkiye’s vision of making Istanbul a significant center for United Nations activities.
Key UNICEF operations moving to Istanbul
“This resolution was supported by our country in line with our vision for Istanbul to become a United Nations center,” the decree read. The agreement to establish the office was signed in New York in 2023, and this development is expected to boost Türkiye’s collaboration with the UN agency.
UNICEF, a UN agency dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental assistance to children worldwide, has long been a leader in global child welfare initiatives. The relocation of its key operations to Istanbul further solidifies the city’s growing importance on the international stage.
