Over the next three years, Visma will donate a total of 530.000 euros to UNICEF. The funds will be used to support youth entrepreneurship through the UPSHIFT programme, and also general relief efforts for children in vulnerable situations across the world.
In addition to direct financial support, Visma will also provide UNICEF with free access to its software to manage the organisation’s mission-critical processes, worth a total of 105.000 euros.
“We are delighted and proud to reaffirm our support of UNICEF, and their tireless work to protect children in need. At Visma we view education, entrepreneurship and technology as vital elements for driving positive change in society. As UNICEF partner, we have the possibility to make a meaningful contribution towards important sustainable development goals”, says Merete Hverven, CEO of Visma.
Unlocking potential and creating change
Visma has supported UNICEF since 2017 through individual donations funding COVID vaccine research, war relief efforts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and more. As this partnership is now expanded further, Visma looks forward to continuing its support of UNICEF’s initiatives.
UPSHIFT is a social innovator accelerator for young people aged 10-24 years that rapidly unlocks their generational potential, to create real and tangible change in their lives and their communities.
By equipping youth with essential skills like problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, leadership, and communication, UPSHIFT prepares them to take charge of their present and future as entrepreneurs, employees, and global citizens.
A unique collaboration
"The world is facing a number of challenges, such as climate change, poverty and injustice. To meet these challenges, we must invest in young people's education and skills. UNICEF and Visma are therefore entering into a partnership to give children and young people the opportunities they need to create a better future”, says Maria Greenberg Bergheim, Executive Director of UNICEF Norway.
She describes the new partnership as a unique collaboration, leveraging both UNICEF’s more than 75 years of experience working for children and young people's rights, and Visma’s position as a leading technology company with a strong commitment to social responsibility.