# Members of UNICEF’s International Council pen open letter asking philanthropists to support charity’s vaccine work

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/05/21/members-of-unicefs-international-council-pen-open-letter-asking-philanthropists-to-support-charitys-vaccine-work/
- Published: 2021-05-21T08:33:00+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**UNICEF’s International Council, a collective of over 70 individual philanthropic
partners committed to improving children’s lives, have penned an open letter urging
other philanthropists to join them in supporting UNICEF’s work with COVAX.**

In [the letter](https://www.unicef.org/partnerships/ic-letter), the Council members
highlight that everyone has a vested interest in ensuring the Covid-19 vaccines 
are shared rapidly and equitably worldwide, and that philanthropists like themselves
are uniquely placed to respond, and to help UNICEF close funding gaps and accelerate
rollout.

UNICEF is the key delivery partner of the COVAX facility and is aiming to help deliver
at least two billion vaccine doses by the end of 2021 in more than 180 countries.
However, it needs an estimated US$659 million this year to help it do so, according
to the letter – a gap that private funding could help fill.

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The co-writers say:

> “We believe private philanthropists are uniquely placed to respond to this global
> emergency and help UNICEF close the funding gaps – an estimated need of US$659
> million this year. Thanks to the agility and speed of private grant making, our
> funds can help accelerate the vaccine roll-out, respond quickly to changing circumstances,
> and enable UNICEF to work with countries not just to deliver vaccines to people
> but to invest in sustainable improvements in health-care systems, tackle misinformation,
> and engage communities.”

As well as the letter, members of the council have also created a video sharing 
their message.

#### What is the UNICEF International Council?

A global community of individuals who have all made significant philanthropic commitments
to the charity, each member of the UNICEF International Council is committed to 
improving children’s lives, not just through funding but also through giving time,
and leveraging their perspectives and networks.

The Council hosts an annual symposium, as well as thematic working groups and other
engagement opportunities, to enable members to learn from each other, interact with
the UNICEF leadership team and identify opportunities for collaboration and joint
investment. Working with the charity, members seek to identify the most pressing
challenges facing children worldwide and show how strategic philanthropy can help.

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