UNICEF Pacific

In the Solomon Islands, school meals are changing. Thanks to UNICEF’s Nutrition Improvement through School Meals project, schools will move away from tinned and processed foods toward healthier, locally available meals. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gemMwUz2

All children have the right to nutritious and healthy food no matter where they live.   Yet, several Pacific Island countries have the highest prevalence of obesity globally.   These levels – which have all doubled since 2000 – are largely driven by a shift from traditional diets to cheap, processed and energy-dense, imported foods.   Governments must urgently implement policies that support children’s nutrition and protect them from unhealthy diets.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/e4Jgt-yZ

Great news from the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting! Early Childhood Development (ECD) is now recognised as a standing agenda item — a strong step for children, families, and communities. UNICEF is proud to stand alongside the Pacific Islands Forum and the PRC4ECD, ensuring every Pacific child gets the best start in life 💙

Have you heard of marketing restrictions, healthy school environments and packaging labels? Here’s how they can help prevent obesity in children.

Strengthening crisis response in the Solomon Islands!   Recently, UNICEF, together with the Solomon Islands Government, ADRA, Save the Children, and the Multi-Partner National Cash Working Group, hosted a week-long workshop focused on shock-responsive social protection and Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA). With disasters becoming more frequent and complex due to climate change, equipping communities to respond swiftly and effectively has never been more important. Thirty representatives from government, NGOs, and frontline providers learnt how CVA empowers communities to meet their own needs — whether food, medicine, or household essentials. This approach restores dignity and choice while supporting local markets and making aid more effective.

Ultra-processed foods Lack of regulations These are some of the ingredients creating toxic food environments for children — including in the Pacific. Urgent action from governments and partners is needed to ensure children are protected from unhealthy diets. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gRFnnPkE #FixMyFood

More than 2,500 children and 900 teachers will benefit from the European Commission and UNICEF-supported Climate Resilient Sheltering Schools Programme in Vanuatu. Schools in Malampa, Penama and beyond will be equipped with strong classrooms, renewable energy, clean water, sanitation, and disaster-preparedness training. About 89 per cent of schools in Vanuatu are exposed to drought and every disaster disrupts learning and puts children’s futures at risk. By strengthening schools, we are strengthening communities – ensuring children can learn, grow, and thrive, even in times of crisis.

👥 Young people in the Pacific are eager to shape the future of their communities and countries. But what makes participation meaningful — and what still stands in the way?   Can you spot the real barrier to youth participation? A. Young people lack the interest to engage in community and government decision-making. B. Decision-making spaces are not always accessible or youth-friendly. C. There are limited pathways for young people to move from consultation to real influence.   💡 Hint: A is a myth. Youth across the Pacific are already leading change — but systems and structures need to catch up.   Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gS-Z3mzG — a new UNICEF Pacific report exploring opportunities, barriers, and what must change for more meaningful youth engagement.