The initiative is designed to promote inclusive growth, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure children and adolescents have access to essential services that support their health, education, and overall well-being.

The program covers a wide range of areas, including communication for development, gender equality, education, health, nutrition, protection, social policy, and WASH. It aims to build strong cross-sectoral collaboration that addresses the interlinked challenges faced by communities. By focusing on children, adolescents, and families, the initiative seeks to create lasting impact and foster sustainable, community-led solutions.

Expected results include strengthening local governance and accountability, integrating functional community systems, providing quality integrated services, and fostering effective local partnerships. A monitoring framework will also be set up at the community level to track progress and ensure that results are sustained over time.

By September 2026, the program expects to see significant improvements in child health, nutrition, education, and protection. Among its goals are increased birth registration for children under five, improved early learning and childcare services, and the promotion of positive adolescent behaviors, particularly for girls. Special attention will be given to protecting young people from violence, child marriage, and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation.

The initiative also supports community-led approaches such as the “Amir Ninda Soubo” strategy, which ensures that malnourished children receive at least one nutritious meal daily. Social safety nets and village solidarity funds will further help safeguard vulnerable households and reduce inequalities.

At the municipal level, the program will strengthen child-focused governance by implementing resilient community plans and establishing accountability frameworks based on children’s rights. Municipalities achieving these standards will be certified as “Child-Friendly Communities,” providing a model for replication in other areas.

This opportunity aligns with the UNICEF–Government of Mali Country Cooperation Programme 2020–2026. Its four pillars focus on ensuring young children are healthy, nourished, and ready for school; increasing access to quality services for children aged 6–12; empowering adolescents to become active and autonomous; and building inclusive, resilient communities.

Progress will be measured through key indicators such as vaccination coverage, antenatal care, treatment of child malnutrition, access to early childhood education, and improved household access to safe water and sanitation. Together, these efforts are expected to build stronger, more resilient communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.