UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. 

In all of its work, UNICEF takes a life-cycle based approach, recognising the particular importance of early childhood development and adolescence. UNICEF's programmes focus on the most disadvantaged children, including those living in fragile contexts, those with disabilities, those who are affected by rapid urbanisation and those affected by environmental degradation.